Special Collections Librarian, Yale Divinity Library, Yale University (New Haven, CT)
Posted June 26, 2026
Description
The Yale Divinity Library (YDL) seeks a service-focused and collaborative Special Collections Librarian. The position provides opportunities for growth and professional development in one of the country’s largest academic theological libraries, known especially for its collections related to the history of Christian missions. Reporting to the Director of the Divinity Library with a dotted line to the Associate Director, Archival Description, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, the incumbent will supervise the daily operations of the Special Collections unit at the Divinity Library. The Special Collections Librarian is responsible for acquiring, processing and describing archival collections in a variety of languages and formats. The Special Collections Librarian oversees reading room operations and the two staff members who handle day-to-day public services.
Required Skills and Abilities
1. Demonstrated proficiency in archival appraisal, arrangement and description practices and standards.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems, and familiarity with tools that create EAD finding aids and platforms such as ArchivesSpace.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials.
4. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment.
5. Demonstrated ability to readily adapt to change. Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, creativity, and flexibility. Demonstrated ability to promote and engage in Yale Library’s staff values of access, diversity, and creativity.
Preferred Skills and Abilities
1. Ph.D. degree in theology, religious studies or related field. Reading proficiency in a non-English language.
Principal Responsibilities
1. Assumes a variety of responsibilities related to Special Collections/Restricted materials in all formats, including appraisal, arrangement and description, preservation, access, outreach, and security.
2. Improves accessibility to archival collections by preparing and publishing EAD encoded finding aids. Creates collection level records and assists other staff in preparing such records for inclusion in the online library catalog.
3. Collaborates as needed to deliver instructional sessions, reference support, and outreach to support the activation of YDL special collections by the Yale community and the broader public.
4. Develop an engaging environment conducive to discovery and research.
5. Collaborates with other YUL Librarians to manage current and future special collections digitization efforts.
6. Serves on library committees, working groups, and task forces, and engages in professional development outside the library. Monitors developments and best practices elsewhere to help ensure the excellence of Yale’s collections and research support services.
7. Assists, if necessary, with disaster recovery efforts.
Required Education and Experience
1. Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree, with formal training in archival theory and practice. In selected instances, a post-graduate degree in museum studies or a related discipline in the humanities or social sciences may be substituted for a master’s degree in library science.
2. A minimum of two years-experience arranging and describing manuscript and/or archival collections.
3. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice, which may be substituted for formal training.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials.
7. Demonstrated job or school experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections.
8. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability.
9. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion.
Salary and Compensation
$68,000.00 – $145,250.00
How to Apply
for more information and to apply: https://careers.yale.edu/us/en/job/135972WD/Special-Collections-Librarian