Special Collections Librarian

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee seeks a Special Collections Librarian to curate rare books and special printed materials, support research, and deliver instruction across modalities. The role includes public programming, outreach, and collaboration with library staff and faculty.

The successful candidate will develop exhibits, provide reference services, supervise reading room staff, and contribute to collection development in a dynamic academic library environment.

Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution
• Evidence of coursework or training in rare books and special collections

Responsibilities

• Develop, curate, and manage the rare book and special printed materials collections.
• Design, deliver, and assess instruction for faculty, staff, students, and other patrons
• Collaborate with donors, vendors and colleagues to support collections and programs
• Serve as a liaison to disciplines or campus units providing information on collections and services
• Promote collections through exhibits, presentations, and public programs
• Provide reference and research assistance as part of a team
• Supervise reading room and service points, and train interns/fieldworkers
• Develop projects, procedures, and services and resolve policy-impacting issues
• Collaborate with other library departments and serve on campus committees

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Initiative

Problem solving

User service

Education

MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program

Special collections coursework/training

Job description

Special Collections Librarian

Milwaukee, WI

Full Time

JR10015271

Position Title:

Special Collections Librarian

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Librarian II - Research, Learning and User Support

Job Duties:

The Golda Meir Library seeks an energetic and dedicated professional to serve as Special Collections Librarian in the Archives and Special Collections Department. Reporting to the Head of Archives and Special Collections, the Special Collections Librarian is responsible for developing the rare books and special printed materials to support the research needs of UWM faculty and students; delivering high-impact instruction to undergraduate and graduate students in all modalities; facilitating use of research materials in Archives and Special Collections by students, faculty, staff, and the general public; and promoting the collections through public programming and outreach.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Develops, curates, and manages rare book and special printed materials collections.
• Designs, develops, delivers, and assesses instruction in a variety of formats to faculty, staff, students, and other patrons
• Cultivates and maintains productive relationships with donors, collectors, vendors, and professional colleagues
• Serves as a liaison to academic disciplines and/or other campus units providing information on collections, instructional and research support, and library services
• Promotes collections and services to students, faculty, and the public through engaging physical and digital exhibits, presentations, and public programs
• Provides timely and accurate reference and research assistance as part of a team of professional staff and interns, including interacting with patrons.
• Participates in supervision and staffing of the reading room and service point.
• Participates in the training and supervision of interns and fieldworkers
• Designs and develops projects, programs, procedures, and services
• Resolves complex issues which may impact policies and procedures within the unit
• Collaborates with other library departments
• Serves on committees to advance librarianship at the campus, local, and state levels

Department:

The Department of Archives and Special Collections is part of the UWM Golda Meir Library.

The rare book and special printed materials collection supports instruction, research, and outreach at UWM and throughout Wisconsin in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Its collection strengths lie in the history of books and printing, book arts, art, art history, Indigenous writing and languages of North America, and LGBTQ+ studies. More information is available on the Archives and Special Collections website at Archives and Special Collections - UWM Libraries

Compensation:

Expected Salary is $52,000-$58,000. Final salary offer is contingent upon skills, knowledge, and abilities as demonstrated throughout the selection process.

Required Qualifications:

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution
• Evidence of formal coursework or training/professional development in rare books and special collections

We recognize that not all applicants will have all the preferred job qualifications and competencies. We encourage applicants to highlight those they do possess, as this is valuable information for the search committee.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of one year of professional experience working in a special collections setting
• Evidence of coursework in literature or art history or art and design.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of best practices in library instruction
• Demonstrated experience with collection development and collection management, including the preservation of print materials
• Demonstrated experience with developing exhibits, public programs and other outreach activities
• Demonstrated experience supervising student employees

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative and changing working environment
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Initiative in developing and implementing ideas to serve users
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated commitment to user services

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at [phone] for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization

In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.