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Digital Library Federation

Head of Special Collections

Digital Library Federation, Indianapolis, Indiana, us, 46262


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.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 fieldFive years of professional experience with evidence of progressively increasing leadership in special collections, archives, public libraries, museums or related fieldsProfessional knowledge and experience in archival best practices regarding physical and digital collections, preservation, and managementExperience in teaching with primary sources, including the proper handling of rare and special materials, as well as experience with general information literacy instructionAbility to manage multiple simultaneous projects, prioritize work, and collaborate with a variety of colleagues, committees, community and university contactsPreferred Qualifications

Additional certification from SAA preferredDemonstrated experience with space planning and facilities improvementSupervisory experience with a variety of staff including professional and support staff, student employees, and/or internsExperience 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 offExperience developing and maintaining donor relationsExpertise with digital repository and exhibit toolsSuccess in writing and/or administering grantsRecord of professional service and scholarship in the fieldExcellent skills in written communication, project management, records management, and supervision and development of faculty, staff, student employees, interns or volunteersDemonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through proactively addressing archival silences, assessing collection standards, and understanding biases in the field

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