Head of Collection Development, University of Texas Libraries, Austin, TX

Posted November 22, 2019

Job Description:

Serves as the Head of Collection Development for the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection, identifying and acquiring information resources, including core and special collections materials in all formats to support the study and teaching of a broad range of Latin American subjects at the University of Texas.

General Notes

The University of Texas Libraries welcomes and respects all individuals and communities by valuing and consciously maintaining awareness of diverse perspectives and experiences. We believe inclusivity is critical to fostering excellence in all of our endeavors, and we promote diversity in our collections and services, as well as in our recruiting, hiring, and retention practices.

Please note that the date of first review for this position will be Monday, January 6, 2020.

Responsibilities

Public service:
Serves as library liaison for to faculty, staff, and visiting researchers for one or more region of Latin America, providing specialized research and reference support.
Develops and builds relationships with campus and local cultural institutions and community organizations.
Conducts rare materials showings and tours for visitors.
Organizes and consults on collections-related displays and exhibitions.
Mentors students from LLILAS Benson and numerous UT Austin colleges and schools.
Collection Development:
Chief staff member responsible for Benson Collection acquisitions and collection development of core and special collections in all formats.
Sets priorities for collection growth for both physical and e-resources.
Provides leadership, professional development and guidance for Benson bibliographers.
Works strategically with the Head of Special Collections on rare materials acquisitions.
Works collaboratively with the Head of Digital Initiatives to assess born-digital acquisitions, and integrate post-custodial methods and collaborations into collection development strategies.
Manages Benson Collection acquisitions budget, including endowments.
Works collaboratively with UT Libraries (UTL) Scholarly Resources team on overarching collection development matters and strategies.
Develops and updates Benson collections policies and procedures.
Trains, supervises, and evaluates performance of 1 FTE Benson Bibliographer and 1 FTE acquisitions staff.
Responsible for collection development of core and special collections, including strategic acquisitions travel for one or more region of Latin America.
Develops and maintains relationships with collections vendors and donors.
Manages Benson non-monetary gifts program.
Provides leadership for management of Benson core collections, including storage decisions and workflow coordination with UTL.
Prepares and presents relevant collection statistics.
Serves as a liaison with UT faculty, visiting scholars, and visitors on development and use of collections.
Reviews and manages Benson Collection approval plans.
Keeps abreast of trends in Latin American scholarship.
Professional Representation of the Collection:
Serves as the Benson Collection’s primary contact for collection development matters.
Represents the Benson Collection with UT Libraries, LLILAS-Benson administration, UT-Austin administration, patrons, donors and other stakeholders.
Represents the Benson Collection at events; regional, national and international meetings; and conferences concerned with Latin American librarianship.
Engages in relevant professional development.

Required Qualifications

Advanced professional or academic degree that brings expertise relevant to library operations; equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Specialization in and thorough knowledge of the history and culture of Latin America/Caribbean.
Full professional fluency in English and Spanish.
Demonstrated knowledge of collection development and management, including archives.
Ability to provide leadership in decision-making and strategic planning necessary for expanding an outstanding collection of rare archival materials.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, using tact, diplomacy, and discretion at all times including ability to communicate with diverse populations.
Ability to work in a collaborative manner.
Ability to interact in a professional manner with faculty, staff, students, researchers, donors and the public.
Ability to organize short- and long-term priorities and projects and work with multiple deadlines.
Ability to effectively supervise and mentor employees.
Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Ability to travel abroad.
Independent decision-making and problem solving ability.
Experience managing budgets.
Must be flexible and willing to take on new responsibilities.
Commitment to a diverse academic community, and an understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters in Library and Information Science or related degree.
Graduate degree in Latin American Studies or related field.
Specialization in 19th and/or 20th-century Latin America, with an emphasis on Mexico and/or Central America.
Knowledge of trends in U.S. Latina/o Studies and Black Diaspora Studies.
Familiarity with archival processes including appraisal, acquisitions, gift agreements, processing, preservation, security, and access.
Experience curating exhibitions.
Working knowledge of Portuguese.

Salary Range

$55,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

May work around standard office conditions; repetitive use of a keyboard at a work station, use of manual dexterity.
Weekend and evening work may be required.
Must be able to travel overnight and weekends.
Typical library conditions.

To view the full position and apply, please visit the following link.

Required Materials

Resume/CV
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Letter of interest

During your application, Workday will prompt you to answer the following supplementary questions:

Please describe how your knowledge of the history and culture of Latin America will shape your approach to collection development of both core and special collections at the Benson Latin American Collection.
Please describe your relevant experience with collection development and management, including specific geographic or subject area expertise.
How will your skills and experience allow you to build on the legacy of the Benson Latin American Collection in its continued collection growth?
How would your skills and experience contribute to your success as a supervisor and mentor to library staff at a highly motivated, collegially-governed organization?

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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