Slightly revised to include more University information.
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SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Head of Special Collections
The Syracuse University Library invites nominations and
applications for the position of Head of Special
Collections. The Head reporting to the University Librarian,
will lead, manage and develop the department, contribute to
the goals of the Syracuse University Library, and play a
dynamic role in the academic life of the campus. The
successful candidate will be a member of the library’s
Administrative Committee, sharing responsibility for the
overall strategic direction of the University Library. The
ability to publicize and expand awareness and use of the
special collections, locally and nationally, are critical to
success in this position. He/she will also be responsible
for strategic planning of the department; donor relations;
setting priorities for the collection and its preservation;
management and development of staff; and digital
initiatives. The Head of Special Collections will actively
contribute to public service activities, and guide the
publications, exhibitions and public programming sponsored
by the Department. The incumbent will work closely with the
University Archivist whose offices and collections are also
housed on the sixth floor of the E.S. Bird Library.
The Department:
The Department of Special Collections comprises over 90,000
volumes of rare books and 1,200+ manuscript collections.
There is an experience staff of ten with a strong public
service orientation. Focused on the 19th and 20th
centuries, collection strengths include English and American
literature (Rudyard Kipling, Joyce Carol Oates); industrial
design (John Vassos, Russel Wright); philanthropy (Archer M.
Huntington, Albert Schweitzer); popular culture (Street and
Smith); publishing (American Book Company, Grove Press); and
social reform (Gerrit Smith, Oneida Community, Benjamin
Spock). The collections encompass a wide variety of
formats, including significant holdings of architectural
drawings (Marcel Breuer) and photographs (Margaret
Bourke-White). The 20,000 manuscript and print volumes of
the Leopold von Ranke collections documenting European
history came to the Library in 1888. More on the library’s
Special Collections can be found at:
http://libwww.syr.edu/information/spcollections/index.html.
Minimum Qualifications:
The successful candidate for the Head of Special Collections
will have a degree in librarianship or information science
from an ALA accredited program, or an equivalent degree;
five years of progressively responsible rare book and
manuscript experience in a special collections department;
or an equivalent combination of education and experience,
excellent oral, written, planning and interpersonal skills,
and an enthusiasm for the substance of learning.
The successful candidate will also demonstrate the best
combination of the following:
Capacity for leadership in a library setting and the ability
to manage a department with 4 professional and 5 support
staff
Experience with the development and implementation of
digital initiatives, such as EAD, imaging, text encoding and
web-based applications
Experience with donor relations and ability to work in a
collegial fashion with faculty, researchers and alumni;
grant writing ability desirable
Ability to view issues from a library-wide perspective and
to contribute effectively on collaborative projects within
and outside the Library
Ability to play a leading role in the friends of the library
group
Record of contribution to relevant professional
organizations, personal research and publications
Strong background in the humanities; advanced degree
preferred
Competency in a western European language; German or French
preferred
Environment:
Syracuse University, founded in 1870, is an independent
Research II University and a member of the Association of
American Universities. Its thirteen schools and colleges
include a number of nationally-ranked programs and serve a
population of over 10,000 undergraduate and 5,600 graduate
and law students. The Syracuse University Library comprises
a large central library and 5 branch libraries serving a
diverse community including 800 faculty and many visiting
researchers. The libraries hold almost 3,000,000 volumes,
with significant special collections, and extensive
electronic resources. The Library’s annual budget is $10.7
million. The Library has a staff of 46 librarians and 135
support staff. For information about the Library’s
Strategic Plan see:
http://libwww.syr.edu/information/strategicplan/index.html.
The Library is a member of the Association of Research
Libraries, the Research Libraries Group, OCLC, and national
and regional consortia. It is committed to the development
of digital resources and is working actively to initiate new
digital programs. Library staff members are committed to
providing excellent and responsive services to a culturally
and racially diverse campus. The University has
acknowledged the growing role of the Library by approving
ten additional professional positions this year and a major
building expansion.
Syracuse is located in the center of New York State within
reach of New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto.
Local cultural opportunities include a symphony orchestra,
jazz festival, chamber music society, nationally-recognized
art museum and an Equity theater, along with excellent
opportunities for sports and recreation nearby.
Salary and Benefits:
Commensurate with education and experience. Minimum salary:
$68,000. The University’s generous benefits package includes
an 11% contribution to TIAA/CREF, health and dental plans,
tuition remission, adoption assistance, insurance, and other
work/life options and benefits. The University offers a
guaranteed mortgage assistance program in targeted
neighborhoods.
Contact:
Send letter of application, resume, recent sample of written
work, and names of three references to: Search Committee for
Head of Special Collections Department, Syracuse University
Library, Syracuse University, Office of Human Resources,
Skytop Office Building, Syracuse, NY 13244-5300.
Applications received by May 31, 2002 will receive first
consideration.
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Peter S. Graham Syracuse University Library
psgraham@syr.edu
Syracuse, NY 13244-2010 315/443-5530 fax 315/443-2060 NW4.7
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