Assistant/Associate University Librarian for Special Collections

The J. Murrey Atkins Library at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is seeking a motivated and dynamic leader to serve as Assistant/Associate University Librarian for Special Collections (Position #8730). The department, formally established in 1973, is responsible for rare books, university archives and records management, manuscripts, oral histories, local documents, historical maps, and the University Art Collection. In keeping with the mission and goals of its parent institution, Special Collections aspires to be among North Carolina’s most energetic and responsive repositories of original research material. It actively works with local libraries, museums, and historical groups in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties to foster knowledge of local and regional history, particularly as it relates to civil rights, post-World War II politics and growth, architecture, and motor sports. Other major research areas include children’s literature, American literature, and English drama of the late 17th – early 19th centuries.

In addition to helping to collect, preserve and promote the use of Special Collections resources, the successful candidate will be responsible for cultivating relationships with potential donors, faculty, administrators and other appropriate constituencies. Furthermore, this individual will provide leadership and direction for services and operations within the department and will serve as an active participant on the Library’s Leadership Council.

Located in the state’s largest city, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a rapidly growing research-intensive University offering nearly 25,000 students a variety of undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs in seven academic colleges. Its 1,000-acre wooded campus is within easy driving distance to the city’s performing arts, cultural, and professional sports events, as well as a wide variety of regional recreational activities. With over 1.5 million people in the greater metropolitan area, Charlotte is the second largest banking center in the nation in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. For additional information about UNC Charlotte, please visit http://www.uncc.edu.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises a staff of four librarians/archivists and one support staff.
• Collaborates with other members of the department to establish priorities, policies, and procedures to support and enhance services to users.
• Guides collection development efforts for all departmental collections, taking primary responsibility for the Rare Book Collection.
• Oversees management of Special Collections space, facilities, and financial resources.
• Promotes knowledge of and access to collections in an increasingly digital and Web-based environment.
• Collaborates with library colleagues to integrate the department into the mainstream of library operations.
• Works with the University Librarian and other library and university staff on public relations, fund raising, and grant writing.
• Serves as curator of the University Art Collection.
• Participates in professional activities and in library and university faculty governance.
• Engages in ongoing professional development and service to the profession.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association or other relevant master’s degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge of archival principles and practice through course work and experience required.
• Substantial library or archival experience with progressive responsibility at the supervisory or managerial level.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the aptitude to articulate the department’s mission and vision by interacting successfully with Library and University personnel, students, and the broader regional and scholarly communities.
• Demonstrated experience in technological applications and in directing technological applications in libraries or archives, including digitization and electronic records.
• Ability to manage and lead a staff with varied skills and backgrounds in a rapidly changing environment.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to be an innovative, proactive advocate in identifying and managing new opportunities and challenges.
• Ability to provide leadership and work effectively with diverse groups, creating an environment of mutual respect.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Second advanced degree in or substantial knowledge of Southern history or American literature.
• Understanding of research methods and trends in subjects represented in collections.
• Working knowledge of historiography and archival sources in Southern history or bibliography of American literature.
• Successful experience in donor relations and grant development.

POSITION INFORMATION:

• Full-time
• Faculty status. Librarians are expected to show evidence of ongoing professional development and service to the profession.
• Reports to the University Librarian
• Excellent benefits package
• Salary – competitive and dependent upon education and experience.

TO APPLY:
Apply for position #8730 electronically at https://jobs.uncc.edu. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. The following Application Materials must be attached to your electronic submission:

1. Your letter of interest indicating your qualifications for this position
2. Resume
3. Supporting documentation relevant to job requirements, which may include finding aids, Web pages, grant application or reports, etc., authored by the applicant
4. Names, addresses (including titles and institutions), phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 professional references*

This position is also posted at http://library.uncc.edu/jobs/

*The Search Committee will not contact references without contacting the candidate first and verifying permission.

Review of applications will begin April 11, 2008, and will continue until position is filled. Members of minority groups, persons with disabilities and women are encouraged to apply for this position. AA/EOE

For additional information about UNC Charlotte visit our Web site: http://www.uncc.edu.