The Special Collections division (formerly Manuscripts, Special Collections,
University Archives) in the University of Washington Libraries has two new
positions available. Due to their length, I'll send the announcements to the
list separately, and I apologize for cross-postings. If you have any
questions about qualifications or job responsibilities, please contact
Charles Chamberlin at the address at the end of the vacancy announcement
below. We hope you will consider applying. Many thanks.
Marsha Maguire
UW Libraries
University of Washington Libraries
NOTICE OF VACANCY
February 10, 2004
TITLE: Head, Special Collections Technical Services
LOCATION: Special Collections Division
Allen Library
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the Head, Special Collections, the Head, Special
Collections Technical Services is responsible for the Division's technical
services functions, including accessioning, arrangement, description, 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, Technical Services, is responsible
for contributing to the achievement of Libraries' objectives and the
fulfillment of the Libraries' strategic plan.
THE LIBRARIES:
Among the largest academic research libraries in North America and winner of
the 2004 ACRL "Excellence in Academic Libraries Award", 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. Yet beyond the strength
of local collections and networked resources, excellent service programs,
knowledgeable staff, diverse facilities and size of budget, the Libraries is
known for innovation, responsiveness and an integrated planning and
assessment process that makes the user-centered library not just a goal, but
a reality. 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' central location for rare
materials and a major center for the study of Pacific Northwest
Architecture, Book Arts, 19th-century American Literature, 20th-century
American and English Literature, the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Northwest
Photographs and Travel and Exploration. The collections encompass a broad
range of subjects and geographic areas with a particular emphasis on the
Pacific Northwest. The Division is the Libraries' main repository for books
from the hand press era, fine printing, and books of interest because of
their physical attributes, such as their bindings.
Special Collections is also home to extensive manuscript collections.
Letters, speeches, minutes, reports, writings, and other primarily textual
materials document the history and culture of Seattle and the Pacific
Northwest. Papers represent the work of members of Congress, pioneer
settlers, citizen activists, civic and communal leaders, the forest products
industry, labor and environmental organizations, ethnic and other special
communities and major cultural figures.
Finally, the University's Memory-the University Archives-resides in Special
Collections. It contains permanent public records of the University of
Washington that document the University's development; papers of teaching
and research faculty and professional staff that reflect the academic and
administrative life of the University; University Publications and Imprints
and records of student life.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:
Supervises staff responsible for accessioning, arrangement, processing and
description of Special Collections materials. Interviews and recommends
selection of new section personnel; develops, implements and monitors
training; acts upon leave requests; conducts annual performance evaluations;
and recommends disciplinary action.
Develops policies and procedures for Special Collections technical services.
Leads the Division in reviewing workflows and procedures to improve service.
Insures that changes in workflows and procedures are documented.
Works closely with Division curators to set priorities for collections to be
processed and for appraisal of unprocessed collections.
Establishes processing goals and performance benchmarks.
Oversees the Division's digital program. Coordinates activities with the
Head of Digital Initiatives.
Oversees migration of the Special Collections archival management system
from Gencat to the Innovative Interfaces system. Reengineers procedures and
practices for use in the new environment.
Manages the Division's use of Encoded Archival description, including
conversion of legacy finding aids and the creation of new finding aids in
EAD. Coordinates with the leader of the Northwest Digital Archives project.
Sets Division standards for technical processing in consultation with
curators and other staff.
Coordinates with the Monographic Services Division's Manuscripts and Special
Collections Cataloging Librarian on cataloging, and with the Database
Management Section on record correction.
Coordinates with curators and Mendery staff to insure the flow of materials
for preservation treatment.
Coordinates the creation of Divisional authority records to promote
consistent use.
Prepares reports and planning documents as necessary.
May provide reference service; covering scheduled hours at the Division
service desks.
Contributes to the development of Special Collections policies, programs,
services, and to the achievement of Divisional objectives.
May be responsible for daily operations of the Division in the absence of
the Division Head.
Participates in library committees and meetings as appropriate.
Assumes other responsibilities as assigned; performs other duties as
required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1.. Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library
Association or an equivalent graduate library science or information
studies
degree.
2.. Minimum five years post-MLS experience in a large research library
3.. Experience processing archival material
4.. At least two years of 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 environment
7.. Technological expertise, including knowledge of computer applications
in libraries, USMARC format, Encoded Archival Description, and
knowledge of
cataloging and records management systems applicable to library and
archival
collections
8.. Ability to work independently
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Experience revising workflows, documenting procedures and policies
2. Knowledge of searching on OCLC
3. Experience with digital programs, knowledge of metadata standards
such as Dublin Core
SALARY: $48,000 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, SAFECO Mutual Funds 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. Excellent medical, dental and life
insurance plans. No state or local income tax.
APPLY TO: Charles E. Chamberlin
Deputy Director of Libraries
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 and email 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, April 30, 2004.
University of Washington Libraries' Home Page is:
http://www.lib.washington.edu
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.
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