Head of Special Collections
The College of Charleston Library seeks a Head of Special Collections. Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, the Head of Special Collections is responsible for the administration and operation of the department. The Department Head provides leadership in developing and implementing the department’s long range and operational plans as well as building the College’s rare book and manuscript collections. The Department Head manages the acquisition, preservation, processing, and cataloguing of the College of Charleston’s manuscripts, rare books, and other cultural heritage materials. Additionally, the Department Head, in consultation with appropriate faculty and staff, establishes and enforces all policies regarding the accession, retention, de-accession, preservation, and use of manuscripts and rare books housed at the College of Charleston libraries.
The Department Head also supervises reference and instruction activities for Special Collections and works closely with the Dean of Libraries and the Development Office in grant and fundraising efforts.
The Head of Special Collections is a member of the Library Faculty and serves in a key leadership position.
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Responsibilities |
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Managing Special Collections Department 40% Responsible for developing and implementing the department’s operational plans, policies, and procedures. Establishes priorities for activities and maintains work flow. Determines arrangement of archival materials. Supervises the processing of manuscript collections and the creation and/or editing of bibliographic records and finding aids. Assesses the department’s program and services. Develops and implements the preservation plan for the department’s rare and fragile holdings. Plans and manages all exhibits in the library in partnership with the Friends of the Library and with other departments on campus. Responsible for hiring, training, supervising and evaluating the librarians, curators, staff, students and volunteers working in the department. Supervises faculty and staff engaged in processing and cataloging the collections.
Collection Development 30% The Head of Special Collections is the primary person responsible for the acquisition of rare books, manuscripts and other collections for the College of Charleston in accordance with the department’s collection development policy with funds from gifts, endowments, grants and the general operating budget. Develops and maintains the collection development policies. Works closely with the Dean of Libraries and the Development Office in soliciting gifts and raising funds to support the archives and special collections. Seeks grant and other external funding in support of departmental initiatives and collections and administers grants awarded.
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Reference and Instruction 20% Supervises reference service and assistance to the College community and general public in using archival and related materials. Supervises the department’s instruction program which includes instruction in the use of special collections as well as tours and special lectures.
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Library and College Affairs 10% Serves as library liaison to academic departments.
Undertakes research and/or professional development related to professional and scholarly interests. Participates in library-wide planning and decision-making. Serves on library, College and professional committees, elected or assigned.
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Qualifications
Required
Master’s degree from ALA accredited library school program or master's in history or historic preservation. Equivalent work experience may substitute for exceptional candidates. Experience processing, arranging and describing archival and manuscript materials. Knowledge of archival theory, practice and national and international standards and best practices that govern the arrangement and description of primary source materials. Minimum of 5 years professional experience in a research library, special collections, rare book or archives setting. Demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding user services. Knowledge and understanding of significant trends, issues, standards and best practices in special collections and archival institutions. Demonstrated understanding of emerging technologies.
Preferred
A successful record of grant writing, development, fundraising and donor relations.
About the College of Charleston
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. The College of Charleston serves approximately 10,000 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate/certificate seeking students with more than 100 majors and minors. In 2012, Charleston was ranked #1 City in the World by Condé Nast Traveler and 5th among U.S. mid-sized cities for jobs by Forbes Magazine.
The College of Charleston is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
The College of Charleston Libraries are comprised of the Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library, the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, the John Rivers Communications Museum, the Marine Resources Library, and the North Campus Library. The combined annual budgets exceed $5.6 million with a staff of 20 librarians and archivists, 30 full time employees, and 35 student and temporary employees.
The position is full time tenure track appointment.
Application Process
Please apply online at https://jobs.cofc.edu. Applications must include cover letter, vita, and names and contact information for three references. Closing date for applications is April 8, 2013.
