SPECIAL COLLECTIONS – ACCESS & OUTREACH LIBRARIAN FT 35 HRS/WK, Providence Public Library, (Providence, RI)

Posted June 10, 2023

This position increases access to historic materials in the collections, while also designing and facilitating creative and high-impact learning opportunities through community-building, exhibition support, instruction, and innovative outreach. This individual will be the primary rare book cataloger and provide exhibition support by creating custom supports and exhibition labels. Depending on interest and skills, this individual will have the opportunity to foster rich relationships and collaborations throughout the community, and provide outstanding reference and instruction services for our patrons.

Reporting to the library’s Head Curator of Collections, this position also works with the Programs & Exhibitions Director, but must exercise initiative and follow through without direct supervision.

Collections & Programs Support and Outreach (40%):

Produce catalog records through copy cataloging and/or original cataloging for published, rare, and manuscript materials, depending on experience
Occasionally process and describe manuscript or archival collections, depending on experience
Ensure that materials are in proper enclosures and are sufficiently stable for shelf storage and use; build or order custom enclosures when necessary
Occasionally promote and highlight collections materials through social media, including Special Collections blog
Increase the visibility and reach of Special Collections through innovative outreach and the creation and maintenance of strong community connections
Act as liaison to artists and designers, promoting and facilitating artists’ use of PPL collections. Promote access for non-traditional and non-academic researchers.
Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.
Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all inclusive organization, including full participation in the implementation of PPL’s diversity, equity, and inclusion roadmap.
Cultivate practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization that serves the public and each other.
Collaborate with External Relations to ignite and activate a community of support for PPL and to amplify the Library’s message and work.
May participate as a co-selector to contribute to the general collection, pending the approval of both the Head of Information Services and the employee’s supervisor.
Other duties as assigned
Reference, Research, and Teaching (40%):
Design and teach class sessions, integrating collections materials with contextual information for young adults, college students, and graduate students from local schools and other organizations; foster relationships with local educators
Oversee all aspects of PPL’s annual research-based creative fellowship, including promotion and selection; act as primary point of contact and research support during the eight-month fellowship
Monitor the Special Collections reading room in regularly-scheduled shifts; provide users with guidance on handling fragile and rare materials
Provide reference services via email, phone, and in-person to a broad range of researchers with varied ages, education levels, and research interests; act as primary contact for artists, visual researchers, and creative researchers, providing specialized reference and instruction
Exhibition Design & Management (20%):
Work with Special Collections staff, General Collections Librarians, and Programs & Exhibitions Director to develop exhibition themes and choose materials for display, including building custom supports, writing and editing exhibition labels and promotional copy, and working with graphic designers and other outside agencies
Coordinate materials and artifacts borrowed from and lent to other institutions and individuals
Collaborate with Digital Producer to create accompanying online exhibitions and social media promotion
Additional Skills:
Excellent verbal and written skills.
Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
Comfortable working with various technologies (i.e., Google Workspace, Slack, AirTable, ArchivesSpace).
Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
Other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience Required:
MLIS required or ALA-accredited graduate degree in library science
Early career librarian are encouraged to apply
History of rare book or archival experience through coursework or professional practice preferred
Excellent project management skills; ability to undertake large-scale projects, work collaboratively, and stay organized
Strong communication and writing skills
Strong research skills, as well as experience in reference or a proven ability to guide others in their research
Teaching or instruction experience preferred
Basic cataloging training or experience; knowledge of DCRM(B), RDA, and MARC21
Experience working with a library collection, an archival collection, or a book collection within a museum setting
Graphic design experience and familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and similar design software, or similar equivalent knowledge preferred

Additional Requirements:

Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
Position Location – Providence, RI
Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.

The Library offers group health, dental, and vision plans or a monthly stipend if you don’t need the health insurance. We also offer various options from AFLAC, library paid life insurance and library paid Long Term Disability coverage. A generous amount of paid time off (3+ weeks to start) and a retirement account with a traditional or ROTH option and a generous company match which is 100% vested upon hire.

How to Apply

This position is:
Exempt and is part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week with an occasional evening
Starting Salary: $55,000
Please submit cover letter and resume by July 5, 2023.
Posting Date: June 7, 2023 – open until filled
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: [email protected]
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002

Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.