HEAD, SPECIAL RESEARCH COLLECTIONS
August 28, 2013
The University of California, Santa Barbara, one of ten campuses of the University of California system, is seeking an experienced, forward-looking, and engaging leader-scholar for the position of Head, Special Research Collections. The Head will guide the Department of Special Research Collections (SRC) through its continuing evolution into a dynamic and innovative resource serving diverse and changing scholar needs and interests. The Head will articulate a vision and strategic directions that promotes the visibility, accessibility, and impact of nationally and internationally recognized primary research collections expert services, facilitate collaboration of relevant initiatives and programs, develop fundraising strategies, and integrate the treasures of the Dept. into teaching, research, and learning at the University.
DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL RESEARCH COLLECTIONS:
The Department of Special Research Collections acquires, maintains, preserves, and ensures accessibility of its most valuable, rare and unique materials. Included are rare books and manuscripts, serials, photographs, and audio-visual materials. The collection includes approximately 250,000 volumes, 16,000 linear feet of manuscripts, 1,000,000 photographs and well over 200,000 early sound recordings. Major strengths of the named collections are the Wyles Collection of nineteenth and twentieth century American History, the American Religions Collection, the Performing Arts Collection, the California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives, and the Skofield Printer’s Collection. The Department of Special Research Collections also serves as the University Archives.
The Library has begun a project to construct a major three story addition to the existing infrastructure (completion expected late 2015). The Department of Special Research Collections will occupy 40% of the new library addition. The Head of SRC will have the opportunity to participate in the planning, design, and furnishing of the new space. He/she will have the responsibility for envisioning, defining and initiating services, showcasing prominent collections, offering special programs, exhibitions, etc. in this new state of the art facility.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Head of Special Research Collections reports to the AUL for Research and Scholar Services and is responsible for the administration, planning, and management of the department resources, services, and operations. He/she manages the major constituent units in the department, namely the Rare Books, Manuscripts & Named Collections, Performing Arts Collections, University Archives, and the California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives. The incumbent has leadership and administrative responsibility for collection development, budgeting of endowments, gifts, grant funded projects, departmental policies and procedures, security and preservation, public relations, and fundraising activities. The Head is responsible for the management and supervision of employees in the department.
The Head of Special Research Collections administers the collections budget and a number of endowments. The Head also manages the budget for grant funded projects, student staffing and other initiatives. Establishes and sustains faculty and researcher relationships conducive to the development of premier research collections and supporting services. Responsible for strategic and effective collection development, maintenance and preservation of collections, overall collection policies and works to ensure materials acquired by Dept. are discoverable, accessible and used by clientele. Consults with donors, rare book and manuscripts dealers to acquire new acquisitions and gifts for the collection. Oversees research, reference, and instructional services, outreach, programs, exhibitions, and donor relations. Responsible for overall security of collections, including materials housed in off campus remote locations. Collaborates with curators and subject specialists to identify sources for endowments, grants, and gifts to the collections. Works with Acquisitions, Cataloging & Metadata Services, and the Library Digitizing Center for the processing and digitization of Special Collections materials.
Develop and identify fundraising strategies and opportunities for building endowments, gifts, support for collections, and funding projects. Initiate and write proposals to support departmental goals, objectives and activities. Provides stewardship for existing gifts and awards. Works closely with University Librarian, other library administrators, Library Development Officer, faculty and professional colleagues to identify new sources and contacts for enhancing funds and collections. Collaborates with Library Development Officer and Curators to organize, manage, and spearhead special events, such as new acquisitions program, private showings for donors, donor recognition events, and opening of exhibitions. Works with Institutional Advancement and campus communication to publicize events, new collections, exhibitions, programs and other activities. Oversees Special Collections Curators responsible for organizing lecturers, exhibitions, and programs to showcase outstanding collections and encourage research and use of collections. Establishes partnerships with campus departments, museums, UC system wide Special Collections Departments, and units within the library to maximize support and increase visibility of the collections.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: ALA accredited MLS or Masters in Archival Studies, and an advanced degree in a relevant subject area or a substantial record of research and scholarship. Demonstrated experience in Special Collections and Archives. Superior leadership skills. Ability to articulate a vision for Special Collections, set priorities, organizational goals, and introduce and manage change in the Department. Demonstrated management and supervision experience with success in leading, guiding, and fostering a dynamic workplace environment. Strong success in building outstanding special collections with proven experience in collection development. Demonstrated working knowledge of the rare book and manuscripts trade. Familiarity with the principles and methods of conservation, preservation, and security of materials. Experience working with Curators, technical services and digital processing.
Understanding of emerging technologies, key issues and trends in archives and special collections. Excellent analytical, creative problem solving skills, and ability to exercise sound judgment. Budget and resource allocations experience. Strong commitment to excellence in public service. Commitment to serving diverse users including faculty, students, researchers, community users, visiting scholars, etc. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with campus scholars, officials, UC colleagues, dealers, vendors, staff, and library supporters.
Demonstrated success in building, cultivating, and pursuing donor relationships. Record of achievement in fundraising, writing and obtaining grants, gifts and awards. Ability and willingness to organize, publicize, and promote a variety of events for the Department of Special Collections. Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Record of active and continuous participation in professional associations.
Preferred: Knowledge of copyright law. Certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Librarians at the University of California, Santa Barbara are professional academic appointees who accrue vacation at the rate of two days per month and sick leave at the rate of one day per month. The University has an excellent retirement system which is coordinated with Social Security. A selection of group health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans are offered by the University.
TO APPLY:
· Consideration of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled; applications received by Wednesday, October 23 will receive first consideration.
· Applications will be accepted online through UC Recruit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF00222.
o Help for UC Recruit is available at https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/help/applicants.
· For additional assistance, contact Ryan George with Library Human Resources at (805) 893-3841 or rgeorge@library.ucsb.edu.
· Appointment and/or continued employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check.
The Library is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.
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