Head of Special Collections and Senior Archivist, Benson Latin American Collection, UT Libraries

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Libraries seeks a Head of Special Collections and Senior Archivist for the Benson Latin American Collection on the UT Austin campus. This senior leadership role directs acquisition, stewardship, processing, preservation, and accessibility of rare books and manuscripts documenting Latin America, Latina/o communities in the United States, and the Black diaspora in the Americas.

You will lead operations, supervise staff, manage budgets, and collaborate with donors and

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the Benson's Special Collections program, including the security, preservation, and accessibility of rare books, archival collections, audiovisual materials, and other collection materials.
• Oversee archival processing activities, including accessioning, arrangement, description, and preservation of collections in a variety of formats.
• Coordinate management of collections housed onsite and in remote storage facilities.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Benson Special Collections staff and student employees and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Contribute to planning, assessment, and operational initiatives as a member of the Benson Leadership Team.
• Partner with colleagues within the Benson Latin American Collection staff and across UT Libraries to support the preservation, digitization, description, discovery, and responsible use of special collections materials.
• Collaborate on collection development activities related to rare books and manuscripts.
• Coordinate with Benson Collection and UT Libraries staff on exhibition and collection material loans to external institutions.
• Manage budgets and resources supporting collections preservation activities. Ensure compliance with established practices related to acquisitions, accessioning, and rights management.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, collection creators, and other stakeholders in support of collection stewardship and development.
• Contribute to archival processing, cataloging, and special projects as needed.
• Provide leadership for public service in Special Collections. Provide research assistance in person and remotely to faculty, students and other researchers. Serve as lead administrator for Rare Books Room public service point.
• Develop and deliver instructional sessions, workshops, presentations, and tours that promote the use of special collections

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Head of Special Collections and Senior Archivist, Benson Latin American Collection, UT Libraries

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Hiring Department:

UT Libraries

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Jan 01, 2027

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The University of Texas Libraries advances teaching, catalyzes research, and democratizes learning in order to develop critical thinkers and global citizens. As an essential campus partner in building a rich research and learning ecosystem, we are committed to creating and sustaining a community that welcomes and respects all individuals, celebrates different perspectives and experiences, and fosters belonging. To learn more about UT Libraries, please visit our website: https://www.lib.utexas.edu/

Purpose

The Head of Special Collections and Senior Archivist for the Benson Latin American Collection provides senior leadership for the acquisition, stewardship, preservation, processing, and accessibility of the collection's rare books and manuscripts. This position is responsible for fostering the care, management, and use of collections that document Latin America, Latina/o communities in the United States, and the Black diaspora in the Americas.

Responsibilities

Special Collections Administration and Operations

• Manage the daily operations of the Benson's Special Collections program, including the security, preservation, and accessibility of rare books, archival collections, audiovisual materials, and other collection materials.
• Oversee archival processing activities, including accessioning, arrangement, description, and preservation of collections in a variety of formats.
• Coordinate management of collections housed onsite and in remote storage facilities.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Benson Special Collections staff and student employees and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Contribute to planning, assessment, and operational initiatives as a member of the Benson Leadership Team.

Special Collections Stewardship, Access, and Preservation

• Partner with colleagues within the Benson Latin American Collection staff and across UT Libraries to support the preservation, digitization, description, discovery, and responsible use of special collections materials.
• Collaborate on collection development activities related to rare books and manuscripts.
• Coordinate with Benson Collection and UT Libraries staff on exhibition and collection material loans to external institutions.
• Manage budgets and resources supporting collections preservation activities. Ensure compliance with established practices related to acquisitions, accessioning, and rights management.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, collection creators, and other stakeholders in support of collection stewardship and development.
• Contribute to archival processing, cataloging, and special projects as needed.

Public Services (Reference, Instruction, Outreach)

• Provide leadership for public service in Special Collections. Provide research assistance in person and remotely to faculty, students and other researchers. Serve as lead administrator for Rare Books Room public service point.
• Develop and deliver instructional sessions, workshops, presentations, and tours that promote the use of special collections