SLIS Jobline Your Source for Professional, Pre-Professional, and Internship Positions

Book Arts Studio Coordinator, University of Virginia, Richmond, VA

Posted April 27, 2017

SUMMARY: 

Reporting to the Head, Rare Books and Special Collections, the Book Arts Studio Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and managing the library’s growing Book Arts program and studio. Duties will include establishing physical and intellectual control over the book arts studio and working with a broad range of students, faculty, staff and community members. This work requires: collaboration with faculty, staff, and donors in the development and use of department materials; working within the University and external community to enhance the studio and its use; outreach to internal and external groups as part of expansion of books arts resources to support research and instruction; and assistance with the regular functions of the department, including preservation, outreach and exhibits. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Book Arts Program:

  • Oversee the Book Arts Studio and manage all studio activities including curricular support, instruction, planning and programming, supervision, equipment maintenance, and budgeting.
  • Develop Book Arts Studio programs to increase the effectiveness of the studio as a University-wide and community resource.
  • Serve as a liaison to the faculty and provide curricular support for classes involving a book arts component.
  • Establish protocols for the operation of equipment and train users to follow them.
  • Maintain safe conditions in the studio and comply with all established safety policies.
  • Supply and maintain the studio (press, binding), keep the machines and spaces in good working condition. 
  • Research new equipment and materials, and train on new equipment when the program is able to add these to the studio.

Preservation:

  • Evaluates damaged library materials and recommends preservation strategies, routes materials for binding, in-house repair, or professional restoration.
  • Performs in-house preservation including book repair and/or boxing and maintaining necessary supplies.
  • Coordinates all aspects of bindery work including selection, packing, inventory, and quality control, including individual faculty, staff, and student materials when requested.

Outreach:

  • Assists with public service and outreach efforts of the department, including exhibits, tours, presentations, and other projects as requested.
  • Prepare and give presentations about the department and its resources to campus and community groups.
  • Collaborates with liaison librarians in order to identify current and emerging scholarly projects, areas of inquiry, and pedagogical trends related to primary source and archival research. 
  • Serves on library, university, and community committees as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and skills in at least one of the following: hand bookbinding, letterpress printing, artist’s books, and/or the history of the book.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of or experience with emerging trends in bookmaking, letterpress, and book arts.
  • Experience teaching and instruction, particularly at the undergraduate level.
  • A basic knowledge of library organization, principles, and procedures.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, about complex, technical processes to non-technical personnel.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment where consultation, flexibility, collaboration and cooperation are essential. 
  • Ability to work and learn independently and to initiate necessary work procedures according to guidelines set by the supervisor.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated interest in professional development that will enhance the candidate’s value to the Libraries, the University, the profession, or the scholarly community.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity in the workplace or community.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work under time constraints and to meet regularly recurring deadlines on multiple, concurrent projects.
  • Evidence of strong analytical problem solving skills, attention to detail, and results-oriented approaches to complex problems.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • Graduate MFA degree with an emphasis/certificate in book arts, bookbinding, and/or letterpress printing is highly preferred or at least 2 years professional experience in printing, binding, and the book arts may substitute for MFA degree requirements.
  • At least one year of professional experience in a studio, bindery, print shop, fine arts, museum, or academic environment. 

WORK HOURS:

  • Full-time, non-exempt position
  • Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; 7.75 hrs./day; 38.75 hrs./week

SALARY STRUCTURE:
Pay Grade 4
To see more detailed salary information please review the University of Richmond’s Compensation Structure.

TO APPLY: https://richmond.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=1204&site=1

Located minutes from downtown Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond (www.richmond.edu) blends the intimacy of a small college with exceptional academic, research, and cultural opportunities usually found only at large institutions. Richmond offers a unique combination of undergraduate and graduate programs. Our School of Arts & Sciences anchors Richmond as a nationally ranked liberal arts university. A ranked business school, the nation’s first school of leadership studies, a highly respected law school, a nationally recognized international education program and the community-focused School of Professional and Continuing Studies build on that strong foundation and make this university something unique.

UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE  

Academic Positions Opportunities for Current Students