University Libraries Faculty Vacancy
Libraries Employment| Position: | Head, Special Collections (Internal Search) |
| Reports to: | Associate Dean of Libraries |
| Appointment Rank: | Assistant or Associate Professor |
| Salary: | Compensated with administrative stipend for 5 year renewable term |
| Available: | May 1, 2008 |
The University of Tennessee (UT) Libraries invites applications for the position of Head, Special Collections. The successful candidate will lead the department in acquiring, organizing, preserving, and providing enhanced access to a broad array of primary materials that constitute Special Collections and University Archives.
Leadership for digital preservation is an important aspect of this position and maintaining close relationships with the Digital Library Center and the Research Services librarians is crucial. The new head will have the opportunity to shape an outreach program that is integrated into the curriculum and extends beyond UT.
We are seeking an individual who can strengthen the service mission of our Special Collections Library, define future priorities, imbue a spirit of innovation into Special Collections initiatives, and build partnerships on campus and in the community.
The UT Special Collections Library is a national resource specializing in history, literature, and culture of Tennessee and the Southeast. The collection consists of over 50,000 volumes of rare books and 10,000 linear feet of manuscripts. Special Collections has a partnership with the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy to make political papers accessible through the Modern Political Archives.
Position Description:
Provides visionary leadership for an expert team of staff and librarians as they acquire and preserve primary materials such as rare books, manuscripts, historical artifacts, maps, the university archives, and digital items.
Defines the mission, collection and service policies of the unit. Guides efforts to actively engage in outreach and integrate special collections into the university’s curriculum. Oversees the management of Special Collections space and facilities.
Preserves and disseminates collections and archival materials through digital initiatives in order to meet the needs of the community at large. Works closely with the Library Administration and Library Development to acquire valuable and rare items, collections, and papers and to build relationships with donors.
Participates in writing and managing grants. Department heads serve on the Library Council, an advisory body convened by the Dean of Libraries.
Required Qualifications:
ALA accredited master’s degree. Post MLS-experience working with special collections in a museum, archive or library. Ability to articulate a vision for Special Collections and University Archives and to lead development of outreach and instructional programs.
Proven effectiveness collaborating with students, faculty, and/or researchers. Knowledge of current and emerging technologies that support the development of digital collections. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relations with donors and friends of the library.
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment accompanied by a creative, flexible, and problem-solving attitude. Commitment to scholarship and professional involvement.
Preferred Qualifications:
Supervisory experience. Grant-writing and grant management experience. Public service experience and knowledge of collection development and preservation practices related to special collections or unique historical collections. Experience advancing digital initiatives.
Environment:
The University of Tennessee is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, offering comprehensive programs of undergraduate, graduate, and professional education; research; and public service throughout the state.
The University of Tennessee Libraries, with an annual budget of more than $16 million, employs over three hundred persons, including 40 librarians. UT Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, SOLINET, and the Center for Research Libraries.
Salary and Benefits:
Appointment at rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Salary: Compensated with administrative stipend for 5 year renewable term. Faculty rank and status; twelve-month, tenure-track appointment. Library faculty must meet University requirements for promotion and tenure. Excellent benefits include 24 annual leave days; choice of state retirement plan or TIAA/CREF with nonrefundable contributions paid for the employee by the University; optional group health and life insurance plans..
Tuition remission is available for all university employees; partial undergraduate tuition remission is available to dependent children and spouses of UT employees.
Review of applications will begin April 14, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled. Send cover letter addressing the above qualifications, a current resume, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three recent references to: Elizabeth Greene, Library Personnel & Procurement, 1015 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996-1000. Application materials may be sent via email attachment to ejgreene@utk.edu.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.
In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.
Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), A.D.A. (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.