The University of Vermont Libraries seek a dynamic, creative, collaborative, and experienced professional to serve as Director of the Jack and Shirley Silver Special Collections Library. Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, this position provides leadership for Special Collections, the University Archives, and digital initiatives. The Director oversees a busy research library—one of several divisions in the UVM Libraries—with strengths in all aspects of Vermont history, culture, and current events; a rare book collection with materials ranging from medieval manuscripts to contemporary artists’ books; the University Archives; and a growing digital collection focused primarily on cultural heritage materials. These materials are integral to the library’s instructional collaborations with faculty in undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as the research interests of local, campus, national, and international scholars. The Director will have administrative oversight of a five-year grant-funded project to arrange and describe the papers of retired U.S. Senator Patrick J. Leahy. As a member of the Library Dean’s Council, the University Libraries’ senior leadership team, the Director participates in planning, policy-making, and strategic initiatives for the University Libraries.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provides visionary leadership, building on existing collection and programmatic strengths and identifying new opportunities;
- Leads in setting department goals, priorities, and policies, and facilitates participatory decision-making; aligns that work with the Libraries’ and the University’s strategic priorities.
- Oversees and mentors nine faculty and staff.
- Works with departmental staff, library colleagues, and others to design and implement strategies focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- Works with the Library Dean’s office and the University Foundation to identify, cultivate, and steward current and prospective donors;
- Manages multiple restricted endowment funds and gift funds for acquisitions and programs;
- Builds upon the department’s record of teaching and curricular development; works closely with academic departments and faculty to integrate relevant research methodologies, tools, and collections into their curricula;
- Promotes engagement with the campus and community through special events, meetings, exhibits, and publications;
- Promotes the collections and services of Silver Special Collections to students, faculty, and external researchers;
- Provides leadership for the adoption of emerging standards and practices for born-digital records;
- Performs outreach and service to state, regional, and national institutions, including government representatives, historical societies, colleges and schools, and professional associations;
- Contributes to innovative planning and oversight for the University Libraries’ digital collections;
- Represents Silver Special Collections and the University Libraries through participation in appropriate library, university, local, state, regional, and national bodies;
- Pursues a research agenda in an area or areas of scholarly or creative interest.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree (M.L.S., M.S., or M.A. in Library or Information Science, or other variation) from a program accredited by the American Library Association or the equivalent professional credential in librarianship. A Master’s degree in a subject area related to archival work may be substituted. Those who have a Master’s degree or PhD in another field and have completed a formal program providing training as a librarian, combined with at least one year of experience in a professional role as an academic librarian, may also be eligible.
- Significant management and supervisory experience, and the ability to foster a collaborative and collegial environment;
- Working knowledge of rare book, manuscript, and archival management, with demonstrated experience in at least one of the three;
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in the creation and maintenance of digital collections;
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills;
- A strong record of scholarship and professional achievement that warrants appointment at the rank of Library Associate or Full Professor; ability to mentor colleagues in developing the same;
- Evidence of activities, advocacy, service, or other efforts in furtherance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Desirable Qualifications
- A second graduate degree in a related subject area;
- Knowledge of a foreign language;
- Successful grant writing and management;
- Successful development and fundraising experience;
- Experience with open access/open scholarship programs or initiatives in an academic environment.
The Director has a primary appointment as an academic administrator and a secondary appointment as a Library Faculty member. Library Faculty at the University of Vermont are not eligible for tenure.
The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service. Applicants must include a diversity statement with their application. For more information on diversity at the University of Vermont, see: https://www.uvm.edu/president/inclusive-excellence-uvm.
Application Information:
For further details about this position and to apply online, please visit our website at: http://www.uvmjobs.com and refer to posting number F2703PO. Salary is commensurate with rank and experience. Generous benefits package includes: TIAA/CREF (or alternative plan), managed health care plan, and 22 days of annual leave. In addition to the online application, candidates are required to submit the following four documents: cover letter, curriculum vitae, diversity statement, and list of three references.
The search will remain open until the position is filled. For best consideration, complete applications should be received no later than August 4, 2023.
Campus & Community Profile:
The University of Vermont (UVM), established in 1791, is a top public research university. UVM is the largest institution of higher education in the state, with over 12,700 degree-seeking students enrolled in nine schools and colleges. UVM is known as a small, premier research institution, combining the faculty-student relationships found at small liberal arts colleges with the resources of a major research institution. The UVM Libraries includes the David W. Howe Memorial Library, Dana Health Sciences Library, and Silver Special Collections Library, deliver distinctive and outstanding service to the campus community, the University of Vermont Medical Center, and the State of Vermont through excellence in instruction, innovation in research and scholarship, and dedication to public service.
UVM is located in Burlington, Vermont, a growing metropolitan area, that has made numerous “best-places-to-live” lists. Situated between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, the area offers easy access to a variety of outdoor and cultural activities year-round. It is also a short distance from several major metropolitan areas, including Montreal (95 miles) and Boston (180 miles). Further details about UVM Libraries can be found here: https://researchguides.uvm.edu/infoforapplicants.
The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law. The University encourages applications from all individuals who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution.