Head of Research Services, Harvard Radcliffe Institute, (Cambridge, MA)
Posted January 4, 2024
Job Summary: The Schlesinger Library seeks a user-centered, service-oriented, and collaborative
librarian committed to inclusiveness and access to lead our Research Services unit. Reporting to the
Associate Director of the Schlesinger Library and as part of the library’s senior management team, this position contributes to library-wide strategic and operation planning. The incumbent will represent the Library on University-wide committees and other projects that promote the innovative use of the Library’s collections in research, teaching, and learning.
The Head of Research Services provides leadership and expertise in the development and
implementation of programs and services to meet the research and learning needs of the Library’s
users. They manage the Library’s service points, including reference and reading room operations,
remote and in-person reference, and patron scanning services.
Position Description:
- Leads and manages the Research Services by developing and articulating strategic vision and
direction, overseeing day-to-day operations and special projects, establishing priorities, and
coordinating work within the department and with other library units. - Fosters a positive, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all Library users and ensures that
users receive welcoming and efficient service. - Manages the operations of the Library’s service points, onsite and remote reference, circulation,
and patron scanning services. - Coordinates and schedules reference desk coverage; covers regular shifts at the Schlesinger
Library reference desk. - Collaborates with the Head of Education and Outreach and contributes to the Library’s growing
instruction program and outreach initiatives. - Ensures collection care by developing, implementing, and overseeing policies and procedures
that govern the use of special collections while also creating a welcoming and inclusive
environment. - Understands copyright and intellectual property issues relating to archives and special
collections and answers complex reference questions regarding collection access, permissions,
and copyright. - Compiles and analyzes data and statistics that contribute to our understanding of trends in
research use of the collection and our ability to plan and implement changes to our services and
programs wisely. - Leads the development or enhancement of workflows and information tools to support the
unit’s research and reference activities. - Collaborates with library managers on long-range planning, annual goal setting, policy and
procedure development, staffing and budget decisions, facilities planning, and daily
administration.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Supervises Research Services staff.
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities according to the Institute’s / University’s management
policies, procedures, and any applicable laws. - Responsibilities include hiring and training, planning and assigning work, conducting
performance appraisals, addressing performance issues, and resolving problems.
Basic Qualifications:
- ALA accredited master’s degree in library science/information science/archives or equivalent
education with a concentration in archival studies or equivalent education or work experience. - Minimum of 5 years of professional experience providing reference and research services in
archives or special collections. - Minimum three years supervisory/managerial experience in a library or archives setting.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and anti-racism.
- Demonstrated understanding of trends, principles, and practices in reference and research
services. - Ability to work effectively and collegially in a complex and dynamic environment.
- Ability to plan, manage, and complete multiple, concurrent projects, and communicate issues
that affect plans, policies, and procedures in a timely fashion. - Strong analytical skills and demonstrated flexible problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Experience with archival collection management software, such as ArchivesSpace and Aeon.
- Capacity to thrive in an environment of change.
Physical Requirements:
- Employee must have the ability to sit at a desk for a minimum of seven hours a day and
complete tasks requiring repetitive use of hands. - Standing, sitting, talking, hearing, focusing for considerable lengths of time is required.
- This position requires frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of boxes up to 50 lbs and requires
bending, squatting, stretching, and climbing tall ladder when needed to retrieve materials and
reshelve them.
Working Conditions:
Located in a library office setting, there may be limited exposure to dust and mold.
The work schedule for this position may include occasional work beyond the official business
schedule (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00PM) including covering Saturday shifts.
Additional Information:
To apply, please visit:
https://jobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?PageType=JobDetails&partnerid=25240&siteid=5341&Areq=64555BR
Cover Letter:
Please note that cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Harvard Radcliffe
Institute. Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document that is uploaded when
you are instructed by HARVARD CAREERS, Harvard’s online application program, to “Upload my
resume/CV from my computer”. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the
position is filled. However, we encourage all interested candidates to apply before January 12, 2024.
Interviews:
We will be conducting interviews virtually and might invite finalist candidates for on-campus interviews.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process.
Work Format Details:
This role is offered as a primarily on-campus position where the incumbent will be required to be onsite at our Cambridge, MA-based campus regularly. There may be occasional opportunities to work remotely. Specific schedule will be determined between the incumbent and manager. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA).
About the Harvard Radcliffe Institute:
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute is dedicated to creating and sharing transformative ideas across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars. Academic Ventures and Engagement fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute’s commitment to women, gender and society.
We are proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to achieving our goals through the efforts of a highly skilled, diverse workforce. With outstanding benefits, competitive pay, extensive learning opportunities, and a stimulating and attractive work environment, the Harvard Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University may be exactly the employer you have been looking for.