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UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE LIBRARIES
FACULTY VACANCY

Special Collections Librarian for Research Services

Appointment Rank: Assistant Professor
Department: Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives
Reports To: Assistant Dean & Director, Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections & University Archives
Salary: Minimum $53,500
Available: September 1, 2023


The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), a Research 1 institution and the flagship institution for the state, is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to join the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives team. The collections, University Archives, the Modern Political Archive, manuscripts and rare books, include approximately 15,000 linear feet of archival material and 65,000 rare volumes.   Special Collections has extensive holdings documenting the history and culture of East Tennessee and surrounding regions.  Current acquisition efforts focus on those areas that may have been traditionally underrepresented and on topics of global interest with regional significance.
The city of Knoxville is a hidden gem with a beautiful and walkable downtown, varied nightlife, active neighborhoods, and eclectic shopping and restaurants. UT is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Special Collections Librarian for Research Services will ensure consistent, equitable and effective public services to a global research audience, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and independent scholars.  Reporting to the Assistant Dean/Director of Special Collections, the position is responsible for overseeing the public and research service functions of Special Collections including managing operations in the reading room; coordinating general instruction, orientation and training; and supporting programming to creatively and sustainably promote the collections.

In consultation with the Director, the Special Collections Librarian is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures for reference, access, and reading room services in accordance with identified standards and best practices.  Working with staff and faculty in Special Collections, the position engages library users through the coordination and development of programming, instruction, exhibits, tours, and user education resources. The Special Collections Librarian will demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and foster a welcoming, positive environment for the community of scholars utilizing Special Collections.

Responsibilities
¡´       Manage the day-to-day operations of the reading room, while ensuring procedures are followed for the care of the collections.
¡´       Directly supervise Special Collections staff and student workers assigned in the reading room.
¡´       Serve as the lead liaison for Aeon, managing workflows and communication in regard to appointment and reproduction requests, and collections retrieval and reshelving.
¡´       Develop and maintain staff training manuals and research guides for the use of Aeon and ArchivesSpace.
¡´       Manage Special Collections use of the SpringShare suite of products, including LibAnswers, LibCal, and LibGuides.
¡´       Provides research assistance both in person during reference desk shifts and via email.
¡´       Oversee rare book stacks maintenance.
¡´       Compile statistics for reporting purposes and participate in assessment of data to aid in evaluation of services and strategic planning.
¡´       Provide targeted tours, orientations, show and tells, and other events for students, staff, faculty, scholars and community members.
¡´       Work in close coordination with the Assistant Dean/Director to coordinate the Special Collections instruction program and partner with colleagues to implement instruction activities.
¡´       Works in close coordination with the Assistant Dean/Director and departmental curators to plan and implement exhibit program.
¡´       Participate in library-wide committees, activities and working groups, especially those involving public service, instruction, engagement and outreach.

Scholarship and Service
¡´       Engages in research/scholarship/creative activity through publication, presentation, and other outlets.
¡´       Serves the institution and the profession through involvement in professional organizations and cooperative efforts with other professionals and institutions.

Qualifications
Required
¡´       Master¡¦s Degree from an ALA-accredited program by time of appointment.
¡´       Minimum of one year¡¦s experience in a special collections setting or formal coursework/training in archives management, rare books, or special collections librarianship.
¡´       Understanding of and commitment to the standards, ethics, security guidelines, and best practices in use by special collections professionals and related professional groups including ACRL¡¦s Rare Books and Manuscripts Section and the Society of American Archivists.
¡´       Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment.
¡´       Excellent organizational and time management skills, as well as effectiveness in balancing and completing multiple assignments and projects.
¡´       Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work creatively and effectively both independently and as a team member.
¡´       Ability to successfully train and direct the work of others.
¡´       Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
¡´       Ability to engage in research, publication, and service consonant with the University¡¦s and Libraries¡¦ guidelines for promotion and tenure.

Preferred
¡´       Experience and/or coursework related to research methods and reference services.
¡´       Experience and/or coursework related to instructional methods.
¡´       Familiarity with preservation, collection management and security practices related to the care of special collections materials.
¡´       Experience managing, hiring and/or supervising staff, which can include student workers, interns, etc.
¡´       Familiarity with Aeon, Archives Space and LibGuides software.

ENVIRONMENT

The University of Tennessee Libraries serves the flagship campus of Tennessee¡¦s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity.  As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation are key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 33,805 students at its Knoxville campus. For more information about the people who comprise the UTK community, view resources on our Data Central website<https://data.utk.edu/>. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include: seeking knowledge; leading with innovation and integrity; advancing diversity and inclusion; engaging locally and globally; and embracing responsible stewardship of resources.

The UT Libraries supports the teaching, research, and service mission of the university and enhances the academic experience of each student at the Knoxville campus¡Xthrough outstanding print and electronic collections, reference and instructional services, and top-notch facilities and technological resources. The John C. Hodges Library in the heart of campus houses the majority of the UT Libraries' collections and many unique services. Two branch libraries offer specialized collections and services: the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library and the George F. DeVine Music Library.

The UT Libraries is a national leader in digital collections; in support of open access though our digital repository, TRACE; and through a rich history of designing innovative spaces and building key partnerships that enhance the teaching/learning enterprise. The UT Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, HathiTrust, the Library Publishing Coalition, LYRASIS, and the Center for Research Libraries. The UT Libraries collaborates actively at the state level with the other University of Tennessee System libraries as well as the libraries in the Tennessee Board of Regents system.

The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. The UT Libraries champions diversity in collections and staffing. The University of Tennessee is committed to creating a welcoming environment. More information about how we put our principles of civility and community into action is available at  https://www.lib.utk.edu/diversity/.

Additional information about this position and the UT community is available at https://www.lib.utk.edu/employment/position/special-collections-librarian

BENEFITS
Appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with a salary of $53,500.  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 (TCRS) or the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) (VOYA, TIAA) 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 and partial undergraduate tuition remission is available to dependent children and spouses of UT employees. Start-up funding in the amount of $10,000 allocated over a three-year period; annual support for travel & professional development.


UT¡¦s Prospective Faculty Viewbook<https://provost.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/12/Prospective-Faculty-Viewbook-1.pdf> has information on academic support, personal support, and living in Knoxville.


APPLICATION PROCEDURES

A background check and official transcripts are required prior to hiring. In order to be considered for candidacy, you must submit, via Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/127374<http://apply.interfolio.com/127374> a cover letter addressing the above qualifications, a current resume or CV, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three recent references. Questions may be directed to Susan Pritchard, Libraries HR & Administration Manager, [log in to unmask] Review of applications will begin Friday, August 4, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (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.  Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.