NOTICE OF VACANCY
October 29, 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 seven 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:
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. The Division is the major
repository for manuscript collections of organizations and individuals in the
Pacific Northwest and serves as the University Archives –the central and final
repository for the historical records of all aspects of the University of
Washington community.
THE POSITION:
The Head, Special Collections Technical Services position offers the
opportunity to provide leadership and vision while managing the Special
Collections Technical Services functions, including accessioning, arrangement,
description, cataloging support, and processing of collection materials in a
variety of formats. Under the direction of the Head of Special
Collections, 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.
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 three years experience in a library or archives
4. Demonstrated record of progressively responsible supervisory
experience.
5. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills including
demonstrated ability to work with staff and users
6. Ability to work creatively in a rapidly changing complex environment and
to set priorities
7. Demonstrated technological expertise, including knowledge of USMARC
format and Encoded Archival Description (EAD). Knowledge of cataloging and
records management systems such as Innovative Interfaces (III)/Millennium.
8. Knowledge of standards and tools 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 as part
of a team
Preferred:
1. Experience processing archival material
2. Experience analyzing workflows, and documenting procedures and
policies
3. Five years experience in a library or archives
4. Experience with digitization programs
5. 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, February 1, 2008.
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.