The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, Library
Associate Director of Collections
Institution Type: | Nonprofit |
Location: | California, United States |
Position: | Director |
Working under the direction of the Director of the Library and in concert with the Deputy Director for Library Services, responsible for the development and interpretation of the Huntington’s Library collections, including supervising the curatorial staff, managing the acquisitions budget, and taking a leading role in the interpretation of the collections to both scholarly and general constituencies. Supervises regular staff of fifteen subject- and format-based curators, a support staff of four library assistants, and occasional project staff.
Essential Functions
- Responsible for development of the Library’s rare and special collections in the broad fields of British and American history and literature and the history of science, dating from the 9th century to the present; and for the development and purchase of general/reference support materials, both conventional print and electronic.
- Manages the annual acquisitions budget for Library collections in consultation with the Director of the Library and the Acquisitions Librarian. Delegates acquisitions responsibilities and makes budget allocations to the curators. Consults with the curators on major acquisitions by purchase and gift.
- Oversees the curators’ research and reference assistance for the collections to scholarly users in person and by mail in coordination with Access Services.
- Coordinates and participates in interpreting the collections to scholarly and academic users through consultations, conferences, talks, seminars, exhibitions, publications, etc.
- Directs, advises, and participates in interpreting the collections for the general public through talks, exhibitions, tours, and meetings for visitors, library supporters, special interest groups, etc.
- Works with the Head of Preservation and Conservation in establishing policy for and initiating projects involving preservation and conservation of the collections. Provides input about collections storage issues in concert with Access Services and Conservation.
- Coordinates with the Head of Acquisitions, Cataloging and Metadata Services on long-range planning and policy for collections processing and development of the digital library.
- Works closely with the Research Division in annual review of fellowship applications for appropriateness to Huntington collections.
- Keeps current with relevant historiographical concerns, issues, developments, and trends in professional communities; contributes to the profession.
- Works with Director of the Library and/or Advancement staff to identify, win, and implement grants and other projects useful to the collections and the institution.
- Responsible for working effectively with potential donors to the collection or to the institution at large.
- Represents department, library, and institution effectively through contact with users, public, professional organizations, etc; maintain professional presence in academic and library communities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- MLIS with concentration in rare books and special collections, or graduate degree in archival studies preferred, demonstrating the ability to work with rare materials and to follow established library and archival procedures. Understanding of and experience in using rare books and manuscripts collections required. These skills are usually acquired through the completion of an MS, MLS, or MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited institution and equivalent training and experience.
- Specific academic subject knowledge one of the Huntington’s collecting areas – British or American history and literature or history of science – strongly preferred. This knowledge is usually obtained through a graduate degree and/or equivalent training and experience. Subject MA and/or PhD strongly preferred.
- Reading knowledge of classical and European languages and training or experience in paleography strongly preferred.
- The ability to prioritize competing tasks effectively while working with numerous constituents in a busy and engaging research setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of copyright, intellectual property, licensing and scholarly communication issues.
- Significant understanding of best practices and current trends in both digital and physical resource management and preservation.
- Awareness of metadata standards and tools and issues in archives, rare books, and special collections.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, including ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues.
Experience
- A minimum of ten years of experience in an academic and/or research library, with five or more years of administrative experience required. Demonstrated evidence of progressive administrative experience in libraries, and of leading and managing organizational change.
- Experience in collection development and understanding of rare materials’ preservation issues.
- Extensive experience in the development and management of scholarly information resources.
- Experience in grant writing and/or donor stewardship is preferred.
Working Conditions
Normal office and library environment and library stacks area. Some weekend work may be required.
Benefits
The Huntington offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD, TIAA-CREF retirement plan, paid vacation and holidays.
Contact: |
How to Apply Please submit cover letter, resume, and employment application to jobs@huntington.org. Visit www.huntington.org to download an employment application. Position will remain open until filled. |
Website: | http://www.huntington.org |
Primary Category: | Humanities |
Secondary Categories: | None |
Posting Date: | 12/17/2015 |
Closing Date | 03/15/2016 |