Thursday, November 08, 2012

Librarian & Curator of Manuscripts - New Haven Museum

Librarian & Curator of Manuscripts - New Haven Museum. The New Haven Museum seeks an innovative professional with demonstrated experience in library administration and collections management to lead the Whitney Library, a significant research facility that supports and enhances the Museum’s role as the repository of the City’s history. This motivated, public-minded individual will improve intellectual and physical access to the Library’s holdings and work collaboratively to connect with the Museum’s artifact and photograph collections. She or he will have direct responsibility for the planning and implementation of the automation of the Whitney Library’s catalogs and for moving finding aids online. This position reports to the Museum’s Executive Director and is supported by two paraprofessionals. Responsibilities: 1) Manages the bibliographic collection, including acquisitions and cataloguing of books, broadsides, maps, architectural drawings, and other special collections, using currently accepted cataloguing standards (AACR2, LCSH, LC Classification). 2) Develops and manages the archival collection, including donor relations, acquisitions, manuscript processing, and creation of finding aids for the collections. 3) Provides library and archival reference service in person, by telephone, e-mail, or post. 4) Provides bibliographic instruction to students and other groups and engages in outreach activities as appropriate. 5) Organizes and prepares programs for the Whitney Library Associates, a museum affinity group, and serves as the staff liaison to the Library Committee. 6) Organizes exhibits on local history from the Library’s collection; contributes ideas and materials toward the planning, development, and implementation of the Museum’s exhibitions. 7) As a department head, supports planning, security, conservation and day-to-day operation of the Museum. 8) Conducts research and provides support for grant proposals related to the preservation, care, and management of the library and archival collections, and manages grant-funded projects. 9) Undertakes special projects as required. Qualifications: 1) M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited program, with archival experience and/or training. 2) Three to five years of experience as a librarian in an academic, research, or public library. 3) Demonstrated knowledge of library and archival management systems including: experience with OCLC and an online cataloging system in a special collections environment, experience using currently accepted cataloguing standards (AACR2, LCSH, LC Classification), and experience using DACS, EAD, and MARC. 4) Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail. 5) Computer and Internet literacy. 6) Understanding of social media and its use in promoting greater access to library collections. 7) Supervisory experience. 8) Knowledge of Connecticut or New England history. 9) Experience in cultural and educational organizations. Additional requirements: Must be able to climb stairs and stepstools, move and lift books and boxes in excess of 30 pounds, wheel carts, sit at a computer for extended periods, and tolerate dust and odors associated with collection activities. Some weekend and evening work required. For a complete job description, see http://newhavenmuseum.org/images/stories/pdf/librarian_job_announcement.pdf. To apply, please cover letter, résumé, and three references to search@newhavenmuseum.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.