New Opening:
Head of Special Collections - UMKC University Libraries -
Dynamic urban academic research library seeks innovative and
knowledgeable leader with strong public service orientation,
experience with rare book, manuscript, and sound recording
collections, and knowledge of digitization projects for the position
of Head of Special Collections at the University of Missouri-Kansas
City (UMKC) University Libraries.
Leads daily operations of the Special Collections Department, which
includes the Kenneth J. La Budde Special Collections and
internationally known Marr Sound Archives. In conjunction with the
Assistant Director for Public Services and Special Collections,
formulates the department's strategic plan within the context of the
University Libraries' strategic plan. Sets priorities for the
collections and their preservation, management and development of
dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and management of digital
initiatives. Works closely with faculty, students, scholars and
researchers to develop new teaching, learning and research
opportunities using the Special Collections as an integral part of the
overall library resources and services. Successful candidate will
have an opportunity to transition the department-staff and
collections-to shared space that will be featured in a major
renovation and expansion of the Miller Nichols Library.
The Kansas City region's rich array of cultural and academic
organizations provides established partnerships and offers many new
opportunities to partner with professional colleagues on events,
exhibits, programming, grants and digitization projects. The
successful candidate will actively participate with UMKC library
leadership in the stewardship of established and potential donors.
The Special Collections at UMKC houses the Snyder Collection of
Americana, the Suzanne Statland Collection on Holocaust Studies, the
Richard W. Bolling Papers, the Truman Library's Student Research File,
and a number of other smaller collections. The department also offers
marvelous research opportunities in music history, especially American
music history and the history of American jazz. The Marr Sound
Archives, a unit of the Special Collections Department, holds over
300,000 sound recordings in formats that include LPs, 78s, 45s,
cylinders, transcription discs, instantaneous cut discs and open-reel
tapes. The focus of the collection is the American experience as
reflected in recorded sound. The UMKC University Libraries were
recently awarded a $502,000 Andrew W. Mellon grant to catalog the J.
David Goldin Collection of transcription discs. More information
about the Special Collections can be found at
http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col/index.html
<https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col/index.html>
.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City recognizes that a diverse
faculty, staff and student body enriches the educational experiences
of the entire campus and greater community. To this end, UMKC is
committed to recruiting and retaining faculty, students and staff who
will further enrich our campus diversity and making every attempt to
support their academic, professional and personal success.
In a large area of green space and in Kansas City's research/cultural
corridor, the campus is located in the heart of one of America's most
affordable and attractive cities.
Required Qualifications: Must have an ALA-accredited MLS, an
additional graduate degree preferably in history or another discipline
in the humanities or arts, and a minimum 3 years progressively
responsible rare book and manuscript experience and knowledge of
digital formats and standards. Must have evidence of successful
supervisory experience, the ability to manage a department of eight
staff, and transition the staff and collections to a new merged space
and realigned service operation. Must have excellent analytic,
problem solving skills; exceptional interpersonal skills; strong
skills in communication, both orally and in writing; and a strong
commitment to public service. Must show evidence of professional
initiative, mature judgment; understanding of the scholarly research
environment. Must be able to thrive in a team setting, handle
multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment, and operate
effectively in a diverse academic community.
Preferred: Grant-writing experience and successful work with donors.
Experience in the development of digital library content to support
teaching and learning.
Salary: Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience.
Minimum starting salary: Librarian II: $45,000+; Librarian III:
$50,000+. Excellent benefits and support for professional growth
opportunities.
(For information about Librarian ranking, see:
http://www.umkc.edu/lib-council/handbook/promotion-comm/2-3-3-1PromCommAcadStatusLibns.htm
<https://e2k.exchange.umkc.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.umkc.edu/lib-council/handbook/promotion-comm/2-3-3-1PromCommAcadStatusLibns.htm>
Send letter of application, resume, names of three references to:
Bonnie Postlethwaite, Chair of Special Collections Librarian Search
Committee, University Libraries Administrative Office, University of
Missouri-Kansas City, 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110,
816-235-1531 or submit via e-mail to: umkcula_at_umkc.edu
<mailto:umkcula_at_umkc.edu> Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must
state their current visa and residency status. All final candidates
will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check
prior to beginning employment. For best consideration, applications
should be received by May 30, 2008. Application review continues until
position is filled.
UMKC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Women,
minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged
to apply.
Received on Tue Apr 29 2008 - 07:32:19 EDT