Director of Special Collections and the John Hay Library, Brown University, Providence, RI
Posted September 10, 2014
The Brown University Library is seeking a creative, energetic, and forward-looking leader for the John Hay Library. The Hay is the home of the University Library’s outstanding special collections, rare books, and manuscripts, as well as the University Archives, which document Brown’s 250-year history. Enthusiastically meeting contemporary challenges and opportunities with innovative approaches and partnerships, the Director of Special Collections and the John Hay Library will articulate a revitalized vision for one of the nation’s great academic library’s special collections and its recently renovated building.
Reporting to the University Librarian, the Director of Special Collections and the John Hay Library will provide strong leadership for and administration of the resources, services, and operations related to special collections and the University Archives. In addition, the incumbent will work closely with other departments and units throughout the Library system to ensure that the John Hay Library is a pro-active, integral component of library-wide support for teaching, learning, and research. The Director will directly supervise 5 FTE professional staff (the University Archivist, Reader Services Librarian, and three curators) and will have oversight for a total of 14 FTE, as well as student assistants.
In coordination with the University Librarian, the successful candidate will assist with stewardship and grant-writing activities and will initiate and manage a variety of educational programs and services that showcase Brown’s special collections. The incumbent will have a strong commitment to Brown’s academic mission and will work with other librarians and faculty to promote the integration of special collections materials in teaching, research, and educational public programs across the disciplines and at both graduate and undergraduate levels. He or she will have an understanding of the management of digital records and objects, a knowledge of technological applications in digital library development as related to special collections and archives, such as digital repositories and digitization, and will collaborate with other Library staff to advance digital initiatives, specifically to enhance the delivery of special collections content and services to a broad audience. The incumbent also will work with curators to develop and implement effective collection management guidelines and practices which emphasize future areas of growth, strength, and sustainability.
The incumbent will be responsible for defining and inaugurating the expanded services associated with the newly renovated spaces in the John Hay Library and will promote innovative approaches for access to unique special collections and digital scholarship. As part of the University Library’s senior administrative team, the Director of Special Collections and the John Hay Library also will play a major role in library-wide planning and evaluation and in setting the Library’s strategic directions. The successful candidate will represent the Brown University Library in local, regional, and national professional organizations.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in library /information science or graduate degree in a relevant discipline.
- Five years of progressively responsible experience in managing or leading special collections services and operations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of rare books, manuscripts, archives, and special collections.
- Experience in working with curatorial, technical services, conservation, and digital library staff to develop goals for acquiring, processing, and making special collections fully accessible.
- Demonstrated understanding of and receptiveness to the uses of emerging technologies in archival and special collections.
- Demonstrated ability to articulate vision, set direction, and accomplish initiatives in changing environments.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with experience in working collaboratively with others.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of key issues and current trends in higher education and how they relate to the use of libraries and primary resources.
- Evidence of success in fundraising and/or obtaining grants.
- Evidence of scholarly engagement and active participation within the profession.
To Apply: please visit Brown University’s career opportunities website at: https://brownjobs.brown.edu/applicants/jsp/shared and reference Job No. 114492. Complete an application online, attach documents, and submit for immediate consideration. Documents should include cover letter, resume, and the names and e-mail addresses of three references. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.