Subject: Job: Head of Special Collections (Revised Posting) -
University of Missouri-Kansas City
From: "Le Beau, Chris" <lebeauc_at_umkc.edu>
Revised Posting and Extended Review Date:
Head of Special Collections - University of Missouri-Kansas City
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
Associate Dean of Libraries, 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.
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
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: An additional graduate degree preferably in
history or another discipline in the humanities or arts. 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
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. 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 July 31, 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 Sat Jun 21 2008 - 01:36:18 EDT