Position Overview
Butler University seeks a collaborative and forward-thinking professional to serve as our next
Head of Special Collections. The successful candidate will take the lead in arrangement,
description, and management of the unique resources currently in our collections; coordinate
strategic growth of our digital collections in an evolving digital asset management ecosystem;
engage in outreach and advocacy activities that expand collections as appropriate; and
supervise and participate in archival instruction that encourages curricular and scholarly use of
special collections material. The department is home to over 350 collections, such as William F.
Charters South Seas, Etheridge Knight, Eliza Blaker, Sigma Gamma Rho, Butler University
Buildings and Grounds, Butler University Athletics and more. The person in this position will
assist in library leadership by developing policies, participating in organizational planning, and
providing effective management of staff.
The ideal candidate will have relevant professional skills and experience, an interest in growth
and development for spaces and collections, and a willingness to collaborate with staff, faculty,
and administration within the Libraries and across the University. In addition, this person will
understand the evolving role of academic libraries in higher education and the role of Special
Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives and will lead efforts in space utilization,
information literacy around primary sources, and digital collection initiatives that are inclusive
and accessible to the learning needs of Butler students and external researchers.
Responsibilities
- Lead both physical and digital preservation and stewardship for the Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives department, including strategic collection development and policymaking
- Contribute to strategic planning and development of Butler University Libraries
- Develop partnerships and foster collaboration across the library, on campus, and in the public communities beyond Butler University to raise awareness and promote active engagement with Special Collections
- Prepare and lead instruction sessions involving special collections and archives materials and work jointly with faculty on pedagogy and learning outcomes
- Provide reference and public services, along with other Special Collections staff, including answering questions, assisting researchers, and curating intake of new collections
- Use best practices in providing access to collections through collection guides, working with the metadata team as appropriate to make collections usable, discoverable, and accessible
- Guide a team of faculty and staff dedicated to metadata and digitization to select appropriate collections and timely themes for new and engaging exhibitions
- Supervise faculty, staff, student workers and cultivate student internship program for MLIS graduate students Assist in planning for future special collections and archives space needs, including preservation, storage, and instruction Participate in Butler University Libraries’ liaison librarian program, providing instruction and research support for selected academic departments
- Fulfill expectations for Butler library faculty in areas of librarianship, service, and scholarship
Butler librarians have faculty status on a 6-year continuing appointment (non-tenure track)
basis. Appointment level will be made appropriate to experience and/or status. The successful
candidate will report to the Dean of Libraries.
Required Qualifications
-
Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and information science,
archival science or related field
-
Five years of professional experience with evidence of progressively increasing leadership in
special collections, archives, public libraries, museums or related fields
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Professional knowledge and experience in archival best practices regarding physical and digital
collections, preservation, and management
-
Experience in teaching with primary sources, including the proper handling of rare and special
materials, as well as experience with general information literacy instruction
-
Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects, prioritize work, and collaborate with a
variety of colleagues, committees, community and university contacts
Preferred Qualifications
- Additional certification from SAA preferred
- Demonstrated experience with space planning and facilities improvement
- Supervisory experience with a variety of staff including professional and support staff, student employees, and/or interns
- Experience with library and archival metadata standards, such as EAD, DACS, MARC, Dublin Core, ArchivesSpace, CONTENTdm (Hyku), LibGuides, etc.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities, on campus and off
- Experience developing and maintaining donor relations
- Expertise with digital repository and exhibit tools
- Success in writing and/or administering grants
- Record of professional service and scholarship in the field
- Excellent skills in written communication, project management, records management, and supervision and development of faculty, staff, student employees, interns or volunteers
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through proactively addressing archival silences, assessing collection standards, and understanding biases in the field
Requested Materials
Applicants for the position should submit:
- a letter of interest
- curriculum vitae
- statement of teaching philosophy
- the names and contact information for three professional references
Advertised: September 20th
Applications close: Open until filled, screening of applications will begin after October 25, 2024
Projected start date: flexible; ideally in March 2025
About Butler
Founded by abolitionist Ovid Butler in 1855 on the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university consisting of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the Lacy School of Business, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the Jordan College of the Arts, and the College of Communication. Approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 46 states and 24 countries. Ranked #1 in the Midwest region by U.S. News and World Report and recognized for “best undergraduate teaching” and “most innovative schools,” Butler is located just five miles from downtown Indianapolis, a cultural center of the state and country. (https://www.visitindy.com/ )
Butler University is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other legally protected category.