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.
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.