Librarian for Fales Archival Collections and Reference Services
The New York University Division of Libraries is seeking a librarian to oversee all aspects of archival collection development, management, reference, use, programs, exhibitions, teaching, and loans. This position will work closely with the Head, Fales Library on collection development, including donor cultivation, contract negotiation, collection assessment, and ongoing donor relations. It will also work with the Preservation Department to ensure safety of collections and collaborate with Archival Collections Management Department on the accessioning and processing of archival collections.The Fales Library serves as the primary special collections repository at NYU in the arts and humanities. It’s strengths include the history of the English and American novel; the Downtown New York art scenes from the early-1970s to the present, including punk rock, performance art, postmodern dance, experimental theater, etc.; food studies; Riot Grrrl; and other developing areas of collecting. Fales supports research and teaching across the university. Fales also has a very strong user base in the world of art from around the world. The collections today include 365,000 printed books, ca. 10,000 linear feet of archival materials, and over 100,000 media elements. In the 2014-15 academic year, 1105 researchers consulted archival materials in Fales, representing 4333 boxes and 12,770 folders that were paged for researchers.
Responsibilities:
Working in a collaborative environment this three-year position (with possibility of renewal) is responsible for developing the archival and manuscript holdings; cultivating donors; negotiating contracts; assessing potential new collections; maintaining ongoing relations with existing donors; establishing and maintaining policies and guidelines for collection care and use; collaborating with the Preservation Department; the digital archivist to determine appropriate technical methods to ensure the preservation of the collections across all appropriate media; and with the Archival Collections Management department about accessioning, processing, and other archival procedures.
The position oversees access to archival and manuscript collections; consults with and provides reference for users of archival and manuscript collections; oversees requests for collection use for publication, exhibition, and duplication; coordinates collection loans for exhibitions to ensure accuracy of documentation, preparation, transfer, and receipt of physical materials; conducts presentations and bibliographic instruction; collaborates with the Head, Fales Library in the development of relevant programming, exhibition activities, and events in the Fales Library. Working with Fales staff, the position supervises students and full time/part time administrative employees; exercises authority or makes effective recommendations for hiring, promotions, salary adjustments, and any other change of status. Identifies and prioritizes assignments to ensure deadlines are met; reviews work for accuracy. Oversees daily reading room activities; supervises student assistants and interns in the use, care, and handling of materials; oversees collection of use statistics. The position also participates in the planning and implementing of short and long term strategic plans for the archives considering scholarly and technological trends, financial and space resources. Working in concert with Head, Fales Library and Associate Dean for Collections and Research Services determines allocation of grant money and other departmental funding.
Qualifications:
The position requires an ALA master’s degree in library science or a subject master’s degree relevant to the Fales Library collections, such as English or comparative literature, contemporary art, or area studies such as American studies, performance studies, or gender studies. Four to five years experience in collection development, donor relations, archival processing, and administration including at least two years in an academic or research special collection or archives division, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Excellent organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of archives and manuscripts management and processing, including proficiency with contemporary archival management tools. Knowledge of current trends in digital archives. Candidates should exhibit a strong public service orientation. Preferred: Fluency in Spanish. Proven supervisory skills. Experience with public speaking and/or instruction.
This position is a Librarian of Practice position. Librarians of Practice are not on the tenure track.
New York University Libraries: Libraries at New York University serve the school’s 40,000 students and faculty and contain more than 5 million volumes. The Libraries supports NYU’s vision to become the first true Global Network University by collaborating and providing services to our 11 global academic centers and our “portal campuses” in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. New York University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the OCLC Research Library Partnership, and the HathiTrust. The Libraries participates in a variety of consortia and collaborates closely with Columbia University Libraries and the New York Public Library through the Manhattan Research Library Consortium. View NYU Libraries Mission and Strategic Plan.
Salary/Benefits: Faculty status, attractive benefits package including five weeks annual vacation. Salary commensurate with experience and background.
To Apply: To ensure consideration, send resume and letter of application, including the name, address, and telephone number of three references to: Enrique Yanez, Assistant Dean for Human Resources, New York University Libraries, 70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012 or via email to libraries.careers@nyu.edu. Resumes will be considered until the position is filled.
NYU’s Division of Libraries embraces diversity and is committed to attracting qualified candidates who also embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.
EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
