----- Original Message -----
>From Randy Hertzler <hertzler_at_gelman.gwu.edu>
Subject Position Opening: GWU Head of Special Collections (DC)
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
THE GELMAN LIBRARY SYSTEM
HEAD OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Library Assignment: Gelman Library System
Primary Location: Gelman Library
The Gelman Library System seeks applications and nominations for the position of Head of Special Collections. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, experienced, innovative librarian able to lead the Department in applying new technologies to make unique collections accessible, in developing collections, in raising funds to support departmental and library system initiatives, and in designing outreach programs and public services.
The Department houses 45,000 literary, historical, rare and antiquarian books; 27,000 linear feet of manuscripts and University records; 400,000 photographs; 50,000 audio recordings; and substantial holdings of maps, broadsides and other ephemeral materials. The collections support research on the social, cultural, political and economic aspects of the United States in general and the Washington, DC metropolitan area in particular; the African American experience in the United States; literary studies of fiction authors and poets in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area and beyond; the Jewish experience in Europe and the United States; media and journalism; and the history of The George Washington University. For further collections information see www.gwu.edu/gelman/spec.
The Department is responsible for the I. Edward Kiev Judaica Collection, the University Archives, the African Americana Research Center, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters American Labor History Research Center, and the Mount Vernon Campus Archives and Special Collections. The GLS staff members participate in the Association of Research Libraries, the Washington Research Library Consortium, the Chesapeake Information and Research Library Alliance, and the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium. Special Collections staff members are active in national, regional, and local special collections and archives groups.
Responsibilities:
Responsible for leadership, development and management of the Special Collections Department. In consultation with the Associate University Librarian for Collections and Scholarly Communication, defines and oversees the implementation of the collection development efforts for the department to ensure that collecting efforts for the department meet the research and teaching mission of the University. Collaborates with the other collection development librarians of the Gelman Library System to ensure that the collections within Special Collections support, supplement, and enhance the overall collections of the Gelman Library System. Leads development of outreach activities and public services supporting research and teaching at the University, and the work of unaffiliated researchers. Provides leadership in the acquisition, processing, access to, and preservation of all formats of printed, manuscript, graphic and other special collections materials. Responsible for long an!
d short
term planning, and the development of strategic and operational goals and objectives for the Department. Identifies funding opportunities, prepares proposals and grant applications, and manages funded projects. Collaborating with the GLS Director of Development, assists in developing donor relations and in fundraising for the Department and the GLS. Organizes events in conjunction with exhibits and for donor recognition. Oversees the activities of 8 FTE permanent staff members and a varying number of students. Manages staff and resources to meet the goals of the Department and the Library System. Participates in library-wide activities. Serves on Library, University, and consortium committees. Represents the Library and the University in a variety of groups and forums. The position reports to the Associate University Librarian for Collections and Scholarly Communication.
Basic Qualifications:
ALA-accredited MLS; minimum 7 years increasingly responsible post-MLS experience in a special collections/archives setting; experience soliciting and acquiring collections; management and supervisory experience; experience employing digital technologies for access to collections.
Additional Selection Criteria:
2 years experience soliciting and acquiring collections
5 years management and supervisory experience
3 years experience employing digital technologies for access to collections
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively throughout the Library System.
Ability to work effectively and creatively in a culturally diverse, rapidly changing, and technologically complex environment.
Commitment to learn and use emerging technologies in the provision of library collections and services.
Knowledge of established and evolving standards for digitization, processing and preservation of materials in a variety of formats.
Ability to create a positive work environment by employing appropriate management practices.
Ability to plan large, complex projects.
Ability to create positive relations with donors and support groups.
Creative programming (donor events, exhibit openings, etc.) experience.
Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
Documented record of professional involvement, such as committee membership, working group participation, delivery of professional papers at conferences, etc. at the regional or national level and/or professional publication relating to special collections and archival standards, practices, issues, or trends.
Experience with Re:Discovery, Archivists Toolkit, or other integrated management systems for archival content.
Knowledge of Dspace, Greenstone, or other digital repository systems.
Experience planning, researching, and preparing exhibits.
Record of successful fund raising and donor cultivation.
Record of grant writing and grant administration.
Budget preparation and administration experience.
Ability to apply systems thinking and use teamwork in problem-solving and decision-making.
Appointment Rank and Salary:
Appointment at the rank of Librarian III (minimum salary $54,000), or Librarian IV (minimum salary $61,000). Rank and salary based on qualifications and experience.
REVIEW DATE: Review of applications will begin on December 3, 2007, and will continue until the position is filled.
Application Procedure:
Only complete application will be considered. To be considered please send a letter containing a brief statement of interest, submit an assessment of skills related to qualification in the basic qualification, a curriculum vitae and complete contact information for at least three references to:
Emma Mosby
Manager, Gelman Library System Administrative Services
The Gelman Library Administration Office
The George Washington University
The Melvin Gelman Library
2130 H St. NW, Room 201
Washington, DC 20052
The University and department have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among librarians and staff. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups and strongly encourage women and persons of color to apply for this position.
The George Washington University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Received on Mon Oct 29 2007 - 03:03:13 EDT