Associate University Librarian (AUL) For Special Collections

The Atkins Library at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte aspires to national leadership in the field of digital scholarship and special collections, and to this end it seeks applications and nominations for a faculty appointment, Associate University Librarian for Special Collections.

The AUL will continue the rapid growth Atkins’ Special Collections Department (http://specialcollections.uncc.edu/) in its effort to support the creation, curation, and dissemination of digital, unique, and rare scholarship and cultural artifacts. The AUL will direct two units, the Digital Programs and Collections unit (DPaC), and the Digital Scholarship Lab (DSL) (http://dsl.uncc.edu/). The DPaC collects, curates, and makes available unique material of all kinds, including manuscripts, oral histories, government documents, university archives and historical maps. The DSL provides staff, equipment, and facilities that support faculty and graduate students in the production of digital scholarship. Open access is a foundational principle throughout Special Collections, and the AUL will be expected to contribute to local and national conversations that broaden awareness and build support on this issue.

As the unit names imply, the AUL will lead a department that places a strong emphasis on special collections in digital formats. The successful candidate will possess a thorough understanding of the evolving nature of digital scholarship, perhaps from the perspective of a practitioner, but certainly spanning the full spectrum of its production, collection, use, and preservation. The AUL will choose and direct projects with the best potential to enhance teaching, research, and cultural capital, and apply exceptional entrepreneurial skills to attracting the grants and other external financial support that will help fund those projects. The AUL will also lead the planning for the construction of a new and expanded DSL facility, and the renovation and expansion of the DPaC spaces.

Not all of the Department’s work is digital, however. It actively builds and manages important print and manuscript collections, university archives, and the University Art Collection. The AUL will plan and coordinate large-scale expansion of these collections, with a concomitant growth in staff and equipment support. She or he will have a leadership role in the Library’s gift collection building, and support its fundraising efforts. Finally, the AUL will serve as a strong partner with local and regional cultural memory organizations of all kinds, in addition to an outreach role that draws diverse communities to Special Collections and the University as a whole.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

• Ph.D. in an academic discipline or a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association.
• Second advanced degree in or substantial knowledge of American/Southern history or culture preferred.
• Experience in creating digital scholarship or digital scholarship products. This includes fluency with associated technologies, best practices in regard to long-term conservation and access, and outreach.
• Experience in the collection, curation, and use of non-digital, unique or rare materials.
• Successful record of grant writing and administration, and familiarity with fundraising and other forms of external support.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Develops and articulates a persuasive vision of the societal role and future potential for Special Collections.
• Develops strategy relating to the building and application of technologies to Special Collections functions and collections. Serves as liaison to computer programmers supporting Departmental projects and technologies.
• Provides direction for the Department’s two units, with a combined staff of 16.
• Promotes awareness of Special Collections functions and content to all constituencies.
• Cultivates collaborative relationships with potential donors, granting agencies, faculty, administrators, and cultural partners.
• Guides collection development efforts for all departmental collections with an emphasis on regional history and culture.
• Serves as curator of the University Art Collection.
• Leads efforts to design and build the Digital Scholarship Lab.
• Works with the University Librarian and others on public relations, fund raising, grant writing, exhibits, and events.
• Produces research, teaches, and otherwise participates in library and university faculty governance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, TRAINING/EDUCATION:

• Ability to articulate a persuasive vision for the 21^st century role of special collections in the lives of faculty, students, and external communities of all kinds.
• Ability to identify and prioritize opportunities that match Special Collections resources to areas of greatest need.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage and lead a staff with varied skills and backgrounds in a rapidly changing environment.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Full-time

Reports to the University Librarian

Excellent benefits package

Salary: Minimum $90,000 - competitive and dependent upon relevant experience and abilities.

TO APPLY:

ONLY ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED: https://jobs.uncc.edu/

(Search Faculty Vacancies - Position #8730)

The following Application Materials must be attached to your electronic submission:

• Your letter of interest indicating your qualifications for this position
• Resume/Vita
• Names, addresses (including titles and institutions), phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 professional references*

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

We will begin reviewing applications on April 23, 2012. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Appointment requires successful completion of background check. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2012. Members of minority groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply for this position. AA/EOE

For additional information about The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, please visit our Web site: http://www.uncc.edu.

For further details about Atkins Library, please consult our web site: http://library.uncc.edu.

Apply Here