SLIS Jobline Your Source for Professional, Pre-Professional, and Internship Positions

Associate Librarian, American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, MA

Posted November 3, 2016

Founded in 1812, the American Antiquarian Society (AAS) houses the largest and most accessible collection of books, pamphlets, broadsides, newspapers, periodicals, ephemera, and graphic arts material printed through 1876 in what is now the United States, today numbering some four million items, including significant collections of manuscripts. The AAS staff is highly regarded not only for their expertise and professionalism, but also for their generosity in making collections available both in the original format and online through digital reproduction and databases. The library is open for research to all, from noted scholars to amateur historians. In 2014, AAS was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Obama, who cited the Society for “safeguarding the American story.”

As part of a planned succession process, the Society seeks a qualified individual to serve as associate librarian who, upon successful completion of an orientation process expected to last twelve months, will be named the Society’s head librarian. As associate librarian, the candidate will work collaboratively with curators and library managers to gain an in-depth knowledge of the Society’s collections, policies, and priorities. Projects undertaken during the orientation will prepare the associate librarian for the responsibilities of the head librarian. These include:

Administration. The librarian is a member of the senior management team of the Society, which includes the president, executive vice-president, and finance director. Operating as a team, the senior managers are responsible for all policy and planning decisions. The librarian makes plans and sets priorities for the library in coordination with the Society’s other divisions; makes certain the day-to-day operation of the library runs smoothly; works with the library managers and the director of human resources to hire library staff; supervises and evaluates the library staff, which numbers about 35. The librarian, working with his or her managers, is responsible for overseeing the preparation and management of a $2.5 million annual budget. Within the senior managers group, he or she also represents the best interests of the library and the library staff in deliberations on matters of policy-making and resource allocation.

Library and Collection Management. Because the librarian has responsibility for all library collections and is the leader of the library staff, excellent skills in management, facilitation, problem solving, and collaboration are required. He or she directly manages the following departments:

  • Curatorial. The librarian works with the curatorial and acquisition staff to oversee and administer the AAS Collection Policy, which directs the curators’ decisions about acquisitions and deaccessions. The librarian administers collection assessment projects, evaluates needs for acquiring and processing collections, and negotiates conflicts should they arise.

  • Cataloging. The librarian works with the head of cataloging services and other staff toward the goal of making library materials accessible for scholarly use. This includes not only the cataloging of materials but also a variety of other approaches, both traditional and innovative.

  • Conservation. The librarian works with the chief conservator to ensure that appropriate conservation methods are employed and preservation standards are maintained, so that collections are available for future generations. Often the librarian plays an important role in mediating between the competing demands of preservation and access.

  • Reference. The librarian works with the head of readers’ services to provide assistance to users of library collections, both on- and off-site. He or she should have a full understanding of all procedures and systems used in the reading room, as well as an awareness of best practices at peer institutions.

Digitization and Technology. The librarian manages the longstanding, and yet ever evolving, relationship between the Society and digital content vendors. This includes helping to develop a strategic plan for the large amount of digital content that will be returned to AAS in the coming decade. He or she also oversees implementation of internal digitization policies and procedures, as well as collaboration with others to identify priorities for digitization. The librarian insures that the library stays abreast of current developments, especially in library information systems and digital asset management.

Grant management. The librarian works closely with curators and library managers to research and write grant applications. She or he is a point of contact with grant funding agencies and facilitates the work needed to apply for grants. In coordination with the Society’s development office, the librarian develops opportunities and prospects for library grants.

Outreach and Donor Relations. The librarian seeks opportunities to make the Society better known to current and potential constituencies, to publicize the library’s holdings, and to encourage their use. To this end, he or she is encouraged to participate in professional and community organizations, seek out publishing and public speaking opportunities, and serve on boards and advisory bodies of other organizations, including fellowship selection committees. Collaboration and coordination with the Society’s outreach, academic programs, and external affairs staff are encouraged. The librarian cultivates prospective donors of both library material and financial gifts to support all aspects of the library. Working with development and curatorial colleagues, the librarian visits and corresponds with members, donors, and collectors who share the collecting interests of AAS. In addition, the librarian identifies new constituencies that may include future supporters of the Society.

 

Qualifications

Candidates for the position should have a demonstrated interest in the administration of research libraries, in the management of innovative organizations, and in the cultivation of a collaborative culture. A masters’ degree in library and information science is preferred, as is a strong interest in pre-twentieth century American history and culture, particularly book history. While the position is open to applicants at any level of professional experience, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a familiarity with the world of special collections, a working knowledge of digital tools, an enthusiasm for taking on challenging assignments, strong communication skills, and a collaborative leadership style.

 

Compensation

This is a full time position, available immediately. Salary for the associate librarian will be $80,000 minimum, based on experience and qualifications, and will be renegotiated when the position of head librarian is assumed. Benefits include health and life insurance; paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick leave; retirement plan options; professional development opportunities.

 

Application process

Submit a letter of application and resume electronically to [email protected] with subject line “Search Committee, Associate Librarian.” Please include contact information for three references. The committee will begin to consider applications on January 6, 2017, and will keep the position open until it is filled. The American Antiquarian Society is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Professional Job Listings in New England