Director, Access and Research Services

Nycarchivists; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent public research library in New York seeks a proven leader to enhance access to its diverse research collections. The role emphasizes strategic management, digitization initiatives, and staff oversight. Candidates should have at least a master's degree, extensive library experience, and strong leadership skills. The position requires improving policies, enhancing workflows, and fostering collaboration to better serve patrons across both in-person and online platforms.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in an academic or research library setting, with managerial responsibilities.
• 7+ years of successful people management experience.
• Experience analyzing workflows and developing policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with research staff on strategic priorities.
• Drive the Library’s digitization strategy and related policies.
• Establish a clear roadmap for access and research services.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

Strong leadership and project management skills

Excellent analytical skills

Knowledge of current issues and emerging trends in research library services

Education

ALA-accredited MLS or Masters degree in relevant field

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Overview

The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been one of the world’s great public research libraries for more than 130 years. Its research centers provide opportunities for engagement with in-depth and unique collections, inspirational reading rooms, exhibitions, programs, and a range of research services. Collections and Research Services encompasses several departments focused on managing the ongoing development of our exceptional research collections, advancing unified discovery and expanding access, both in-person and online, and ensuring stewardship of the collections at every stage of their lifecycle. NYPL seeks a proven and visionary leader to advance the Library’s strategic goals to improve access and optimize the user experience, ensuring our diverse and unique research collections are accessible to the broadest number of patrons and reach new audiences.

We are looking for someone we can count on to:

Responsibilities

• Own: And lead engagement with research staff on the Library’s five-year strategic priorities related to optimizing the infrastructure supporting the patron experience and clarifying policies and procedures for core collection management and discovery systems.
• Own: And drive NYPL’s digitization strategy and related policies, and partner on major initiatives to expand access to the Library’s research collections.

• Teach: Priorities and progress across the Library and with external partners
• Teach: And foster awareness of new tools, systems, and approaches that strengthen discovery and access.

• Learn: The scope of NYPL’s research collections and the needs of patrons and staff
• Learn: and use data, assessment, and user insights to shape patron-centered services.
• Learn: And understand the challenges and opportunities of AI for discovery and access.

• Improve: Policies, optimize workflows, and strengthen communication to enhance staff collaboration and the patron experience.
• Improve: A culture of engagement and inclusivity within the Access and Research Services team.

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1. 1 month, this person will:
   • Understand responsibilities, current projects, and begin establishing working relationships with key partners across NYPL and ReCAP.
2. 3 months, this person will:
   • Contribute to committees and strategic planning efforts, clarify team priorities, understand gaps in policies and procedures, and develop a preliminary plan for aligning staff around a shared vision.
3. 6 months and beyond, this person will:
   • Establish a clear roadmap for access and research services, with measurable goals and resource needs identified.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

ALA-accredited MLS and substantial research library experience or Masters degree and relevant, substantial research library experience

Required Experience

• 10 years of experience in an academic or research library setting, with increasingly responsible managerial responsibilities
• 7+ years of successful people management experience
• Successfully demonstrated experience promoting and managing access systems and services to support research and scholarly communication
• Successfully demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project and resource management, problem-solving, and decision-making in a collaborative and coordinated work environment; a proven team player
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing workflows, developing policies, and implementing change to promote alignment and greater efficiency of operations
• Experience managing multiple projects and initiatives
• Demonstrated experience evaluating the effectiveness of products and systems that support collections discovery and access
• Experience setting clear and attainable performance goals
• Experience with project management principles and tools preferred

• Required Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Strong leadership and project management skills, including negotiation and influencing skills
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to lead complex projects
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus and promote productive teamwork
• Knowledge of current issues and emerging trends in research library services and systems as well as emerging technologies
• Successfully demonstrated commitment to excellence in public service

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversees a staff of approximately 12 FTE with 2-3 direct reports

Contact: [e-mail]

Note: The posting link has been removed from this refined description.