Special Collections Librarian, Williams College, Williamstown, MA
Posted June 14, 2016
The recently constructed Sawyer Library at Williams College offers an outstanding opportunity for a committed, energetic Special Collections Librarian to support teaching and research through reference, instruction, outreach, and collection management. This is a full-time, year-round, regular appointment. Reporting to the Head of Special Collections, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to engage in all aspects of special collections librarianship as a member of a dynamic staff.
The newly formed Special Collections Department combines the College Archives and the Chapin Library. Founded in 1923, the Chapin Library is Williams’ principal collection of rare books and manuscripts with distinguished holdings in early printed books. This includes Americana, English, Continental, Classical, American literature, Bibles, liturgical works, modern fine printing, and the history of Science and Technology. This library also holds early and modern manuscripts, original art, and other special materials.
Williams College Archives & Special Collections houses the College’s records of permanent administrative, legal, fiscal, and historical value and serves as a repository for historical materials relating to the College, its founders, faculty, students, administrators, staff, and alumni.
Responsibilities:
- Assists users at the Special Collections reference desk, handles phone and email queries
- Ensures positive patron interactions by maintaining strong knowledge of Williams collections
- Leads instruction sessions on research with special collections, independently and in collaboration with faculty
- Provides original cataloging/creates metadata for materials in all formats and subject areas
- Researches, prepares, and installs exhibits featuring special collections material
- Oversees accessioning of newly acquired special collections material
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited library school (In selected instances, a post-graduate degree in museum studies or a related discipline in the humanities or social sciences may be substituted)
- Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Experience working collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations
- Working knowledge of at least one classical or modern European language
- Formal coursework or training in rare books, archives, analytical bibliography, and/or special collections librarianship is preferred
- Candidates new to the profession are welcome to apply with at least one year of relevant experience preferred
Preferred skills and abilities
- Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging practices and current rules, especially RDA and DCRM(B)
- Experience with DACS, EAD and Dublin Core
- Experience with conservation practices for special collections
- Experience creating or maintaining digital collections
- Demonstrated interest in the wide variety of disciplines taught at a liberal arts college
Review of applications will begin July 11 and continue until filled. Job Group 2-E.
Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable.
To apply for this position, please visit staff-careers.williams.edu. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-4247 or email at [email protected].