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NOTICE OF VACANCY April 20, 2007 TITLE: Head, Special Collections Technical Services LOCATION: Special Collections Division THE LIBRARIES: Among the largest academic research libraries in North America, the University of Washington Libraries has a collection of more than six million cataloged volumes, an equal number in microform format, more than 50,000 serial titles, and several million items in other formats. Students and faculty recognize the value provided by the Libraries and rank the Libraries as the most important source of information for their work. The Libraries also receives the highest satisfaction rating of any academic service on the surveys of graduating seniors conducted by the Office of Educational Assessment. The Libraries was commended in the University's 2003 accreditation review for its rich collection, well-qualified staff, and "exceptional service to students, staff development, and a commitment to planning and assessment of service." SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DIVISION: The Special Collections Division is the Libraries' major resource for rare and archival materials covering a broad range of topics, formats, and periods. Research strengths include the history of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Western Canada; architecture; book arts; 19th century American literature; photography; and historical children's literature. Special Collections also houses the official Archives of the University of Washington. THE POSITION: Under the direction of the Head, Special Collections, the Head, Special Collections Technical Services is responsible for managing the Special Collections' technical services functions, including accessioning, arrangement, description, cataloging support, and processing of collection materials in a variety of formats and locations. This position supervises Special Collections technical services staff, consults with curators and staff, represents the Division at appropriate meetings, and may be responsible for daily operations of the Division in the absence of the Division Head. The Head, Special Collections Technical Services is responsible for contributing to the achievement of Libraries' objectives and the fulfillment of the Libraries' strategic plan. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: * Supervise staff responsible for accessioning, arrangement, cataloging support, processing, and description of Special Collections materials. Select and oversee training of new personnel, conduct annual performance evaluations. Manage the Division's use of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) and related standards, including conversion of legacy finding aids and the creation of new finding aids in EAD * Develop and implement standards, policies, and procedures for Special Collections technical services consistent with nationally accepted standards * Lead the Division in reviewing workflow and procedures to improve service. Establish goals and performance benchmarks for staff processing materials in all formats. Set processing priorities in consultation with the curators and the processing staff * Oversee access and collection management systems. Develop strategies to convert and integrate legacy and current descriptive systems for seamless online access. Reengineer procedures and practices for use in changing technological environments * Coordinate with the Monographic Services and Serials Services Divisions regarding cataloging of Special Collections materials * Oversee the Division's digitization program. Coordinate with the Metadata Implementation Group and oversee implementation of appropriate metadata standards for Special Collections digital objects. Collaborate with the Head of Digital Initiatives and Libraries' preservation staff to ensure preservation of digital objects * Work with Division curators to write grants and assess funding needs for processing materials * Prepare reports and planning documents as necessary * Provide reference service, covering scheduled hours at the Division service desk * Contribute to the development of Special Collections policies, programs, services, and to the achievement of Divisional objectives * Assumes other responsibilities as assigned; performs other duties as required QUALIFICATIONS: Required: 1. Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree 2. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace 3. Minimum five years post-MLS experience in a research library 4. Experience processing archival material 5. At least two years of supervisory experience 6. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills including demonstrated ability to work with staff and users 7. Ability to work creatively in a rapidly changing complex environment and to set priorities 8. Technological expertise, including knowledge of computer applications in libraries, USMARC format and Encoded Archival Description (EAD). Knowledge of cataloging and records management systems such as III/Millennium and standards applicable to library and archival collections, such as Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) and Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials [Books] (DCRM [B]) 9. Ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and work in a team Preferred: 1. Experience analyzing workflows, and documenting procedures and policies 2. Experience with digitization programs 3. Knowledge of metadata standards such as Dublin Core and PREservation Metadata Implementation Strategies (PREMIS) SALARY: $50,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and background. BENEFITS: Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF, The Vanguard Group, and/or Fidelity Investments) on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax. APPLY TO: Charles E. Chamberlin Senior Associate Dean University of Washington Libraries 482 Allen Library Box 352900 Seattle, Washington 98195-2900 Applicants should submit a letter of application, full resume including a work telephone number, e-mail address, salary requirements, and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who are knowledgeable of the applicant's qualifications for this position. APPLICATION DEADLINE: To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 29, 2007. University of Washington Libraries Home Page is http://www.lib.washington.edu. The Special Collections Division Home Page is http://lib.washington.edu/specialcoll/ The University of Washington, an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, is building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from female and minority candidates. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment authorization of each new employee.