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

Director of Special Collections & Archives/Librarian, Union College, Schenectady, NY

Posted January 22, 2019

Job no: 492555
Appointment Type: Admin Full-time
Department: Schaffer Library
Categories: Administration
Position Grade: LS

The Director of Special Collections and Archives will provide vision and leadership for managing and using the unique special collections and archives to support and expand modes of research, teaching and scholarly communication.  The Director will lead, manage and assess all archival and special collections functions of the unit including, appraisal, arrangement, description, and creation of access tools for archival records. The Director is responsible for developing programs and services to curate and promote special collections and archives by providing access to rare books, manuscripts and archival resources, teaching primary research skills and fostering the creation of new knowledge.  The Director will collaborate with the Kelly Adirondack Center staff and Director and Curator of Art and Exhibitions to raise awareness of the College’s cultural resources and heritage.  The Director will serve on the library’s Library Planning Team to work collaboratively to advise the College Librarian on strategy, budgets, program development and grants. The Director is responsible for managing, supporting and developing a group of diverse library employees.  As a member of the library faculty, the Director is also expected to pursue a focused program of professional development, scholarly activity and college service.

The department’s manuscript collections are especially rich in material  pertaining to nineteenth century Union College alumni, faculty, and administration, such as the John Bigelow (Union Class of 1835) Collection which includes books, letters and manuscripts.  The rare book collection contains a rich subset of artists’ books, significant works of American and British literature, and important work on the history of science and early technology.  Other areas of strength in the book collections include Schenectady history, the history of General Electric, and early American humor.  

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in library or information science required from an ALA-accredited program with advanced coursework in archival management or a Masters of Archival Studies. 
  • ACA certification preferred;
  • Minimum of five years of experience in academic library management in an academic special collections or archives setting;
  • An equivalent combination of degree and experience will be considered;
  • Knowledge of emerging digital technologies and an understanding of how technology has and continues to transform academic libraries, digital scholarship, teaching, and curation;
  • A successful record of progressively responsible experience in employee development, change management and team building, including a demonstrated commitment to building and supporting a diverse and inclusive library faculty and staff;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current principles, best practices and standards of special collections and archives;
  • Demonstrated ability to learn, experiment, and advance skill sets to meet challenges associated with emerging technologies;
  • Demonstrated experience managing archival content management systems such as ArchivesSpace or similar software;
  • Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate education;
  • Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing;
  • Evidence of effectiveness in the field, as well as scholarly activities and professional services;
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project planning and management, implementing and assessing program services;
  • Experience with grant writing, public outreach and project management;
  • A successful record of working collaboratively with a diverse group of library colleagues, faculty, administrators, staff and students to accomplish goals.

Note: All new hires of Union College are subject to a thorough education, work experience, and criminal history background check.

Union College

Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering.

Union College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, a generous 11% retirement plan contribution and tuition remission.

Diversity at Union College

Union College is an equal opportunity employer and strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities that request such accommodations.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws, supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

To view the full description and apply, please follow this link. 

Academic Positions Professional Jobs Outside of New England