Library Services Manager Rare Books and Special Collections

Description

Job Summary: The Library Services Manager for Rare Books & Special Collections (LSM) will work to conserve, develop, manage, highlight, and promote the Library’s rare books and special collections, implement policies and procedures to ensure secure access and long-term preservation of the collections, and develop relationships within the local community designed to foster current and future interest and care of the collection. Under the general supervision of the Library Services Manager-Local History, Archives, and Special Collections, the LSM leads the organization and operation of the Rare Book room and related special collections. They develop priorities, goals, and work plans for the preservation and conservation of collections and lead access, services, engagement, programs, exhibits, and activities for researchers and learners. The LSM will integrate technologies, processes, resources, and people to sustain in-person and digital access to rare books and special collections for all types of research, exhibits and community use. They will provide location-based services and support system-wide interest, engagement and learning for staff and customers.

The LSM will take a lead role in managing the existing and on-going access, arrangement, cataloging, digitization, discoverability, and exhibition of rare collections at CLP-Main and other system collection storage spaces, both physical and electronic. The LSM is expected to ensure adherence to national standards, policies, and procedures governing access and control of rare or special collections. They will coordinate all aspects of conservation, including assigning special projects and working with external vendors with the goal of making collections visible and accessible.

The LSM will exercise independent judgment in coordinating services that respond to requests for historical information and of a diverse user population working with rare books and special collections including local history materials.

Location: CLP-Main, Pittsburgh, PA. 
Work Hours:  37.5 hours per week; days, evenings and weekends required. 
Compensation: $60,000-$65,000/year
Number of Vacancies: 1 
Hiring Supervisor: Amy Welch-Library Services Manager-PA Department

Essential Functions:

• Directs the operation, organization, arrangement, and security of the Rare Book Room, including developing procedures, policies, and best practices for storage in the room and other collection storage spaces;
• Recommends and develops policies for collections care, and preservation that define the process of reviewing, handling, exhibiting, and providing access to materials based on sound special collections management principles;
  Implements preservation efforts that monitor storage and environmental conditions of collections, and initiate appropriate steps if inspection, interventions, or repairs are needed;
• Performs condition assessments of library materials and coordinates priorities for conservation, digitization, and/or reformatting of historically important, heritage items or collections;
• Oversees the identification, cataloging, appraisal, maintenance and processing of collections including records and documents related to accessioning and deaccession of library materials;
• Oversees the incoming and outgoing of objects and exhibition loans including shipping arrangement and insurance negotiations;
• Provides leadership in organizing annual insurance and risk management inventories, physical inventory of collections, and periodic collections checks;
• Directs the development of virtual and in-person community engagement including, but not limited to, programs, services, classes, outreach, exhibits, resource guides, social media and networking;
• Develops and implements procedures for all stages of work on projects sent to specialized conservators and other vendors, including selection of vendors, in-house work to prepare items for shipment or reformatting, communication with vendors throughout project, and ensuring results meet agreed-upon outcomes;
• Develops the skills and abilities of department staff, and project-based assigned staff, through coaching, learning opportunities, work assignments, building and extending trust, driving creativity and innovation, and empowering staff to excel in their job classification and meet the library’s goals;
• Builds and maintains relationships within the local, state, and national institutions and rare book communities; establishes liaisons, facilitates relationships with other libraries, agencies, and volunteer groups to build community partnerships for effective service;
• Establishes departmental goals and objectives in alignment with the Library’s Strategic Plan and integrates them into the department’s action plan and identifies best practices. Evaluates the success and continuously improves programs and services to respond to changing needs through data collection and analysis; and contributes to the vision of a future-focused library;
• Increases knowledge of current trends, skills, and best practices through professional development and conference attendance and engaging in assigned system-wide Service Teams which are integral to the performance of the department.
• Builds and maintains relationships within the local, county, state, and national institutions and conservation and preservation communities; establishes liaisons, facilitates relationships with other libraries, agencies, and vendors to build community partnerships for effective service;
• Ensures adherence to national, state, and internal practices and standards for special collection policies and procedures that govern intellectual access and control;
• Supports, models, and embraces the execution of the CLP Service Standards in public service, physical and virtual. Understands and models the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh mission by taking an active role in educating and serving our in-person and digital users and creating and engaging with stories published across a variety of digital channels, including those owned by the Library and those created by other community members;
• Guides and follows policy in the selection and accessioning or deaccessioning of materials that may have continued legal, historical, or monetary value to the Library. May consult, on occasion, with other library managers about special conservation and/or reformatting projects;
• Performs other duties as assigned.
   

Requirements

Competencies and Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of handling, preservation, arrangement, storage, and security of rare books and special collections;
• Advanced knowledge of current conservation practices for physical collections, including rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and more;
• Understanding of rare book construction, the use of historical materials used in bookmaking, and changes in bookmaking technologies;
• Experience maintaining records containing secure information related to collections, including collection records, descriptions, and audit documentation;
• Ability to train and supervise others, including staff and interns;
• Experience planning, managing and coordinating complex projects and designing and implementing workflows and processes to track staff projects, workload, and progress;
• Experience preparing, designing, and supervising exhibits including transporting materials and creating content (website, blog, social media, etc.);
• Demonstrated ability to support, respect and commit to embracing diverse backgrounds, values, abilities, and points of view in order to provide service in an equitable and fair manner;
• Proficient with existing technology; flexible and eager to adopt new technologies including ILS and collection management software;
• Knowledge of planning and managing grant-funded or other special projects;
• Knowledge of reference and search tools available through CLP;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited university, or similar advanced degree with a focus in conservation;
• Five (5) years of recent experience managing rare books and special collections and providing related services at a public or academic library;
• Two (2) years of direct supervisory experience;
• Experience planning, managing, and arranging rare book storage, security, and access;
• Experience in planning and managing projects;
• Evidence of advanced knowledge and ongoing professional development related to conservation and rare books;
• Knowledge of ILS, collection-management software, and basic cataloging procedures;
• Knowledge of AAM standards.

Clearance Requirements:

• Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Criminal Record Check
• Mandated Reporter