Rare Books & Special Collections Specialist

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University Libraries seek a Rare Books and Research Services Specialist within the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC). You will manage the day-to-day rare book collection, support research and reference services, and help maintain access to archival materials.

Responsibilities include supervising student workers, coordinating with catalogers and preservation staff, advancing collection access, and contributing to reading room operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Cataloging and/or library technical services experience in a library setting.
• Customer service experience.
• Experience managing timelines and deliverables.
• Knowledge of library and collection management practices for rare books.
• Knowledge of research and reference practices to assist researchers with special collections.
• Ability to independently organize and manage work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to analyze information and resolve problems.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others.

Responsibilities

• Leads day-to-day management and assessment of the rare book collection, including gifts, appraisal, inventory, and preservation.
• Collaborates with the Book Arts team and liaises with catalogers.
• Records and maintains statistics of work completed and identifies opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Customer service experience

Timeline management

Independent work organization

Analytical problem solving

Communication and collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

ArchivesSpace

MARC bibliographic records

Job description

George Mason University Libraries seek a Rare Books and Research Services Specialist within the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC). You will manage the day-to-day rare book collection, support research and reference services, and help maintain access to archival materials.

Responsibilities include supervising student workers, coordinating with catalogers and preservation staff, advancing collection access, and contributing to reading room operations.