HEAD, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS/ARCHIVES PROCESSING UNIT
The University of Kansas Libraries
Lawrence, Kansas
The University of Kansas Libraries invites applications for a Head of the Special Collections/Archives Processing Unit in Spencer Research Library. The head, under the direction of Spencer Librarian, is responsible for managing Spencer Library's technical services functions and supervising the work of the staff assigned to the Unit to meet its responsibilities, including acquiring, receiving, describing and preparing for use all items, regardless of format, that are to be added to the collections of Spencer Library. The head is responsible for planning and organizing processing activities assigned to the Unit and coordinating processes and procedures with those practices being followed in the Libraries central processing operations. The Head, Special Collections/Archives Processing Unit, is responsible for contributing to the achievement of the Libraries' objectives and fulfillment of the Libraries' strategic plan.
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: 12-month, tenure-track appointment, available immediately.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Supervises and evaluates three classified staff and a varying number of student assistants in the Spencer Library Processing Unit assigned to meet its responsibilities, including acquiring, receiving, describing and preparing for use all materials regardless of format, being added to the collections of the Spencer Library. Evaluates the processing-related work of several library faculty and staff in other units in the Spencer Library, operating within a matrix organizational structure. Develops, implements and monitors training and coordinates the work of the staff. Works to achieve optimal levels of individual and Unit performance, as well as individual commitment and motivation.
* Develops policies and procedures that are consistent with practices of the Libraries' central technical processing units and national best practices. Leads the Unit in reviewing workflows and procedures to improve service. Insures that changes in workflows are documented.
* Establishes processing goals and performance benchmarks.
* Coordinates with the Assistant Deans, Technical Processing, in establishing policies and standards for processing.
* Responsible for planning and organizing processing activities and special projects assigned to the Unit. Reports to the Spencer Librarian and works closely with the department heads in Spencer Library and heads of related units elsewhere in the University Libraries. Prepares reports and planning documents as necessary.
* Serves as a member of Spencer Library's Leadership Group and participates in library-wide committees and meetings as appropriate.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A graduate degree accredited by the American Library Association; demonstrated leadership, teambuilding, planning, and organizational skills with at least two years of supervisory experience; experience assessing and revising workflows, documenting procedures and policies; strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication (oral and written) skills; demonstrated initiative and commitment to innovative approaches for improving operations and services; knowledge of library processing standards and systems; solid knowledge of microcomputers and standard desktop applications; strong interpersonal skills including the demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively with University faculty, research staff, colleagues and a diverse workforce and clientele, as well as independently and the ability to work creatively in a rapidly changing work environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in processing manuscripts, archival collections, and material in other formats; knowledge of national standards and best practices in the processing of manuscript, archival, and like materials; experience in using AACR2, DCRB, OCLC, LCSH, MARC, EAD and other metadata formats; experience in using the various bibliographic tools found in LC's Catalogers' Desktop; knowledge of Voyager or a similar integrated library system; ability to provide effective individual and group training.
SALARY & BENEFITS: Minimum $40,000, dependent upon qualifications. Benefits include 22 days paid vacation, 12 days paid sick leave annually; several paid holidays; group health and life insurance options; choice of four retirement programs; eligibility for sabbatical leave and research grant funds.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT: Offer of employment is contingent upon successful candidate having current authorization to work in the United States. Librarians at the University of Kansas are members of the University faculty and are appointed to the ranks of Librarian I, Librarian II, or Librarian III, dependent on professional experience in the field of librarianship. Librarians participate in the Library Faculty Assembly and are members of the University Faculty Council. Librarians are evaluated annually first and foremost on the performance of professional responsibilities. In addition, librarians are expected to participate in, and are evaluated on, professional service and research.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Applications received by June 15, 2004, will be given first consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants must provide a letter indicating how their experience relates to each of the requi4red and preferred qualifications. In addition, a curriculum vita and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three references are also required.
Please send this material to:
Head, Special Collections/Archives Processing Unit Search Committee
University of Kansas Libraries
502 Watson Library
1425 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045-7544
Applications may be sent electronically to rcwilson@ku.edu <mailto:rcwilson@ku.edu> or faxed to (785) 864-5311. Questions about the position may be addressed to Sharon Bullard, Human Resources Librarian at 785-864-8922
ENVIRONMENT:
THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS LIBRARIES: A member of the Association of Research Libraries, the University of Kansas Libraries has a collection of more than 3.9 million volumes and receives more than 27,000 current serial titles. The University of Kansas is a full OCLC participant and is a member of the Center for Research Libraries,
the Commission on Preservation and Access, and the Coalition for Networked Information. The Libraries are a regional depository for U.S. government documents and have extensive special collections. The Libraries participate in resource sharing agreements with Kansas Regents institutions and the Greater Western Library Alliance.
THE SPENCER RESEARCH LIBRARY is one of several libraries that comprise the University of Kansas Libraries (See <http://www.lib.ku.edu>/ for more information). The Spencer Library is staffed by 9 librarians and archivists, 6 support staff, and a number of student assistants. It is responsible for the University's archival, rare book, regional history, and manuscript collections (see <http://spencer.lib.ku.edu> for more information), based in the Kansas Collection, the Department of Special Collections and the University Archives.
The University of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The University encourages applications from underrepresented group members. Federal and state legislation prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, and veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, marital status, and parental status.