*REVISED* Head, Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction, UNLV University Libraries [R0152688]

University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition discounts

Wellness programs

Job summary

UNLV Libraries seeks a dynamic Head of Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction to lead public services across the division. The role oversees reference, circulation, outreach, and instruction, directing service strategy to support student success and access to unique collections.

The position includes supervising staff, collaborating with campus libraries, and advancing diversity and inclusive excellence within UNLV Libraries.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• At least 5 years of experience providing public services in an archives or special collections.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for reference and research services, circulation and security, outreach and promotion, and primary source literacy instruction.
• Plan, develop, implement, promote, and assess user-centered services for students and patrons.
• Collaborate within SCA and across UNLV Libraries to increase visibility and use of services and collections.
• Supervise 1 FTE and possibly supervise student assistants.

Skills

Public services experience

Reference services

Instruction

Communication skills

Diversity & equity

Education

MLIS from ALA-accredited program

Tools

Aeon

Alma/Primo

ArchivesSpace

Springshare

AirTable

Job description

Role of the Position

Reporting to the Director of Special Collections and Archives (SCA), the Head of Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction provides direction, leadership, and expertise for all public services functions of the division, including reference and research services, circulation and security, outreach and promotion, and primary source literacy instruction. The position leads the planning, development, implementation, promotion, and assessment of user-centered services provided to students and patrons, ensuring an integrated and coordinated approach to customer service, community engagement, and teaching in line with SCA and UNLV Libraries priorities. This role collaborates within SCA and across the Libraries to increase the visibility and use of services and collections, enhance student academic success, and remove barriers to access of collections. The position directly supervises 1 FTE and may directly or indirectly supervise a variable number of undergraduate and graduate student assistants as resources allow. The Head of Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction is a core member of the SCA Area Leads Team, the division’s cross‑functional leadership team, which advocates for the work and staff of the division.

Profile of the UNLV University Libraries

UNLV Libraries foster critical thinking and lifelong learning at one of the nation’s fastest growing universities. University Libraries comprises Lied Library and four branch libraries and we are a gateway to more than 80,000 electronic journals, 1.2 million volumes, and 1.4 million e‑books. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds to join our growing organization of over 120 experienced faculty librarians, professionals, and staff members.

The primary mission of the Special Collections and Archives Division is to collect, preserve, provide discovery and access to, and promote, interpret, and instruct in the use of our materials. Special Collections and Archives documents the history, culture, and physical environment of the city of Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada region, the global gaming industry, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Our collections include manuscripts, books, photographs, periodicals, maps, architectural drawings, oral history interviews, audiovisual materials, University archives, born‑digital records, and other cultural artifacts. Significant collecting areas are: gaming and gambling; regional community groups and organizations; sexual entertainment and economies; Las Vegas entertainment and the arts; Las Vegas and urban resort architecture; mining and railroads; and Southern and Central Nevada history. The division is comprised of three departments: Technical Services; Research, Engagement, and Instruction; and Digital Collections. It also includes the Libraries’ preservation unit and conservation lab and the Oral History Research Center. Staff includes 10 academic faculty positions, 6 administrative faculty positions, and multiple student and temporary positions.

Commitment to Diversity of the UNLV University Libraries

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as leading a respectful, positive work environment. The University Libraries values begin with our belief that everyone deserves a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment where they are treated with respect and dignity. The Libraries extends its commitment to diversity and equity in employment and especially welcomes applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who contribute to diversification.

Minimum Qualifications

• This position requires an earned Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science from an American Library Association accredited program and at least 5 years of experience providing public services in an archives or special collections. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date.
• Experience providing effective reference support to diverse communities of users, both virtually and in person.
• Experience teaching in an archives or special collections, including collaborating with faculty, providing support and guidance for designing assignments using collections, and designing engaging learning activities for students at all levels.
• Experience with common circulation, project management, and collection management systems such as Aeon, Alma/Primo, ArchivesSpace, Springshare products, and AirTable.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in research and instructional services.
• Knowledge of primary source information literacy theory and practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competence and sensitivity in working with individuals who are highly diverse regarding many facets of identity, including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, ability, income, level of educational attainment, and religion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising professional, paraprofessional, and/or student employees.
• Experience providing outreach services to diverse audiences of students, faculty, and community members.
• Knowledge of community archives practices.
• Knowledge of assessment tools and techniques.
• Expertise in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada history.

Commitment to Diversity and Campus Values

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.

Salary

This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure‑track position at the rank of Assistant Professor (Rank II, tenure‑track) or Associate (Rank III, tenure‑track/tenure). Minimum starting salary is $75,600, or commensurate with the labor market. For more information on salary ranges please visit UNLV Salary Range.

Benefits of Working at UNLV

• Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
• Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
• Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
• No state income tax
• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents
• Employee recognition and appreciation programs
• UNLV athletics ticket discounts
• Statewide employee purchase program discounts
• RebelCard discounts on and off campus
• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles
• Connect with colleagues with shared interests
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• A comprehensive onboarding program, Rebels: Onboard Support and resources available for veteran applicants — [e-mail] or visit our Veterans Webpage.

Other Information

Note to Applicant: This position may require that a criminal background check be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire. HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment. References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process. As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks. For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver’s license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment. All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements (if a closing date is provided). Recruitments that provide a work schedule are subject to change based on organizational needs.

Job Category: Academic Faculty. Exempt: Yes. Full‑Time Equivalent: 100.0%.

Posting Close Date: 12/31/2026.