Associate Librarian, Collections and Outreach

Description

SUMMARY:

The Frances Loeb Library is an integral part of the dynamic and invigorating environment at the Graduate School of Design (GSD). The GSD provides an exciting platform for interaction and the exchange of ideas by integrating the disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning and design, alongside the research conducted in our studio-based programs, as well as in the Master in Design Studies and Doctoral programs. We are seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking individual to join the Loeb Library team. This candidate will support the library’s efforts in collecting, research, teaching, and learning at the GSD.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Reporting to the Librarian/Assistant Dean for Information Services, this position leads the development and strategic stewardship of general and Special Collections, including rare books, archives, visual collections, and materials. It oversees a team of three Special Collections librarians and collaborates with other librarians, Assistant Dean, Associate Librarian, Research and Teaching, and the Head of Access Services to build and enhance collections. The role emphasizes outreach and engagement, ensuring collections and services meet the evolving needs of the GSD community while advancing DEI principles and supporting scholarly communication and digital scholarship initiatives.

Collection Development and Strategic Stewardship

• Lead the growth and management of general collections and Special Collections (rare books, archives, digital archival resources);
• Ensure collections align with current and evolving needs in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and design disciplines;
• Track emerging trends in print and digital publishing focusing on architecture, architectural history, landscape architecture, and urban planning and design, ensuring the collections are reflective of current scholarship and practice;
• Monitor collections budget allocations, acquisition processes, and vendor relationships to support sustainable collection growth;
• Work with Assistant Dean, faculty, and the members of the Special Collections staff on development of the archival collections;
• Provide strategic stewardship to preserve, enhance, digitize, and responsibly manage collections, working in collaboration with Harvard Library Preservation
• Services and the Loeb Library Conservator to ensure long-term preservation and accessibility.

Leadership and Team Management 

• Supervise a team of three librarians focused on Special Collections, including the Special Collections Curator, the Collection Management Archivist, and the Materials and Media Librarian;
• Facilitate lateral management of selectors for collection development of the general collections;
• Provide support and guidance to direct reports and student workers;
• Work with Assistant Dean and other leaders to oversee daily library operations of the library.

Outreach, Engagement, and User Services Around Collections

• Collaborate with faculty and students to develop collections that represent the current state of the design fields, with an emphasis on inclusivity;
• Engage with faculty, students, and patrons through collections-related programming;
• Create and maintain content for web platforms to support awareness of the collections and library services. 

Collaborative Partnerships and Liaison Work

• Identify opportunities for collaboration across the Loeb Library staff and develop strategies for implementing these partnerships;
• Collaborate with external partners such as Ivy Plus Art and Architecture Group and ReCap;
• Collaborate with Harvard Library units, including Information and Technical Services and Preservation Services, to ensure acquisition and cataloging workflows meet the library's needs;
• Participate in Harvard Library governance, serving committees or working groups to share best practices. 

Digital Scholarship, Open Access, and Innovation

• Promote open access principles and advocate for the integration of digital scholarship trends in library services;
• Explore and adopt new technologies that expand access to collections, facilitate their use in teaching and research, and improve digital collection management. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

• Commit to advancing DEI within the library’s services and collections, ensuring collection practices support diverse perspectives;
• Foster an inclusive environment for a diverse community of library users and staff.

Operational Oversight and Hybrid Work Adaptability

• Adapt to a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site responsibilities with remote workflows;
• Address the physical demands of working with collections and hybrid technology tools. 

Professional Development and Continuous Learning

• Stay informed about emerging trends in collection development, scholarly communication, and archival practices;
• Engage with professional organizations and contribute to the broader field of design librarianship through activities, presentations, or publications. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises three professional staff members;
• Supervises student workers to support circulating collections work;
• Manages and monitors the collection development budget.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required with the submission of your application.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The position involves frequent use of computer workstations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work associated with this position is performed in an office, reading room, and library settings.
• The GSD is a hybrid work environment.
• This role is expected to be on site a minimum of three days per week and work remotely two days per week.

Additional Information: 

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Requirements

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• MLS or equivalent or relevant experience, e.g., significant experience in a specialized library, museum, or design setting.
• 5 years of supervisory experience of direct reports.
• 3-4 years of experience in collection development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of one or more of the subject areas of architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, or urban design; e.g., coursework, professional experience, or familiarity with current scholarship.
• Ability to remain comfortable and adaptable in a rapidly changing environment, with the flexibility and versatility needed to effectively contribute to an evolving work situation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative and team environment.
• Evidence of a strong user-focused service orientation and demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, students, library users, and library colleagues.
• Experience with broader collection issues in libraries, such as journal pricing, vendor relations, and open access, combined with familiarity with the processes, key players, and challenges in academic publishing and the commercial distribution of books in the design fields.
• Knowledge of archival processing; knowledge of standards and best practices for archival processing of analog and born-digital collections and understanding of preservation needs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Experience working with a diverse community and a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the curriculum and across the community, complemented by excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with culturally diverse library users and colleagues.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of intellectual property issues related to art library collections and services.
• Working knowledge of a second language.
• Solid understanding of analytics reporting and the technical ability to get the necessary data from systems.
• Record of engagement with professional groups and activities and/or contributions to professional or scholarly literature in the design fields.