Research & Collections Librarian, Harvard College Library, Cambridge, MA

Posted September 10, 2014

The position of Research & Collections Librarian participates in research, teaching, and learning services and initiatives and contributes regularly to collection development activities for Fine Arts Library. Responsibilities include collaboration in the development and implementation of library programs, online learning tools, and services for the College, FAS, GSAS, and the University. This position will work closely with library colleagues, faculty, students, museum staff and interns, teaching fellows, and educational technologists to facilitate opportunities for students to discover, evaluate, organize, synthesize, and ethically use a wide range of arts resources in multiple formats. S/he supports virtual and in-person reference services, outreach and library learning programs, and library assessment initiatives.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned

Participates in research, teaching, and outreach programs of the Fine Arts Library and other libraries of the College and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Participates in collection development of print and digital materials for the Fine Arts Library, with an emphasis on modern and contemporary arts. Works closely with collection development staff and selectors across the libraries to build comprehensive and cohesive collections in support of teaching and research.

Participates in development of orientations for faculty, students and visiting scholars, including library tours, both in-person and virtual.

Works individually and with others to develop and implement digital tools in support of research and collections discovery.

Serve as Library Liaison, a point of first contact for students, faculty and visiting faculty in an academic department or program. Supports the library’s contribution to the work of faculty, students, and administrators.

Participates in research services and activities, including contributing to regular hours of reference service each week. Provides in-depth research consultations and interprets and resolves complex reference questions.

Collaborates closely with archivists, curators, bibliographers and other library and museum colleagues in delivering research support to teaching and College and University programs.

Participates in service to the Library and the University, as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May supervise student employees.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

MLS from an ALA accredited graduate program or equivalent education and experience (5-7 years of work experience in an academic environment).
Minimum of three years of reference or research services experience in an academic setting
Thorough understanding of arts publishing and collection development principles
Significant experience in the effective use of art history and arts research tools (scholarly resources in all formats, citation management tools, image resources, etc.)
Academic background in the arts or closely related field
Familiarity with at least one European language

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to communicate on a high level with faculty, staff and users at all levels and from diverse backgrounds
Strong public services orientation
Advanced study/degree in an in an art or arts-related field
Familiarity with all contemporary arts media in the Americas and Western Europe
Ability to work collaboratively and inter-disciplinarily
Knowledge of best practices and current methods reference services and pedagogy.
Demonstrated technical and creative abilities digital tools and social media with arts content
Adaptability and flexibility to succeed in an environment of constant change
Excellent critical thinking, interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
Knowledge of current research practices with an emphasis on primary sources materials
Experience in the effective applications of technology in research and education

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Light lifting of materials
Work requires daily use of computer keyboard, mouse and monitor

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a variety of university settings, including libraries, classrooms, student residential settings and department offices