Librarian - Fairfield Museum and History Center. Reports To: Executive Director. Level: Part-Time
(Wednesday-Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM). Supervises: Library interns and
Volunteers. Function: Responsible for the administration, care, and
management of the Fairfield Museum’s library (archival, photographic,
genealogical and reference) and the oversight of public access to those
collections. Assists patrons and museum staff with historical research.
Background: Established in 2007 as an expansion of
the 105-year-old Fairfield Historical Society, The Fairfield Museum is
today a vibrant nexus of community life that welcomes more than 35,000
visitors annually. Our community-focused mission has guided our success
in becoming a focal point of civic pride, a prominent center for the
study of arts and humanities, and an award-winning institution of
statewide renown. We maintain an eighteenth-century historic home and
operate five Town-owned historic properties as part of a creative place-
making initiative to create a dynamic center for arts, humanities and
performance in the center of Fairfield.
The Museum’s research library is among the best resources for
Connecticut history, used by hundreds of students, scholars and
researchers each year. We are home to the Collier Collection in
Connecticut History, with books and research materials covering all
aspects of state history. Our archives include over 200 manuscript
collections of family, business, and organizational records related to
Fairfield and its region, and researchers make particular use of our
genealogical and photographic resources. We have an active digitization
program and participate in statewide initiatives including Connecticut
Collections (www.ctcollections.org) and the Connecticut Digital Archive (ctdigitalarchive.org/).
General Duties:
(1) Manage and direct Library operations and facilities: Manage the
storage of library and archival materials and oversee the care,
conservation and security of those collections, in conjunction with
Collections Manager. Recruit, train and manage library volunteers and
interns. Oversee library space utilization, furnishings, equipment, and
security. Administer copyright compliance. Manage sections of the
Museum’s website pertaining to library/archives.
(2) Provide proactive customer-oriented services, including
reference/research services and guidance in accessing library resources:
Provide assistance to library clients (in person, by telephone, and
online) in answering inquiries, locating information, and interpreting
resource catalogs. Participate in appropriate online forums to share
information about the library’s holdings, local history questions, and
research opportunities. Assist Museum staff in locating and developing
resources and information helpful in developing exhibitions and
programs. Make digitized photographic resources available for
reproduction to patrons (in accordance with library policies), media
outlets, and for use in museum exhibitions and programs. Work with
Museum staff to research and develop programs for students and teachers
that encourage broad use of library resources and deepen engagement with
themes of exhibitions and collections.
(3) Lead efforts to develop and refine the museum’s library
collections: Conduct community outreach to identify library acquisitions
that help the museum meet its goal to document Fairfield’s entire
history; review new publications in local and regional history to add to
library's book collection; maintain reference files on topics related
to local history. With Collections Manager and Curator, evaluate
proposed acquisitions and select items for the collection that advance
the museum’s goals. Convene the Museum’s Collections Committee as needed
to review collections policies and approve deaccessions. Process and
arrange archival materials in accordance with professional standards,
create finding aids, and provide appropriate housing for materials.
Catalog or index resources in accordance with professional standards,
and implement strategies for expanding public access to library
collections. Work with Collections Manager to describe and manage
materials in our collections database. Create online access to
library/archival material in conjunction with appropriate statewide
initiatives, including the Connecticut Collections portal and the
Connecticut Digital Archive. Maintain key contacts and collaborations
within the historical, museum and genealogical community that help
position the Fairfield Museum Library as a prominent resource.
(4) Develop and manage the library’s departmental budget and assist
in identifying new revenue sources: Work with the Executive Director to
expand library support through grants, donor stewardship, and other
fundraising activities.
Qualifications: Successful applicants will bring
creative energy, attention to detail, and enthusiasm to their work, and
have 3-5 years of relevant work experience. Masters in Library Science
or similar degree with significant experience in historical research
preferred. Applicants should also clearly demonstrate their ability and
experience with: Inspiring and managing a diverse team of staff, interns
and volunteers. Being an energetic self-starter, creative problem
solver, effective leader and ability to be an enthusiastic advocate of
the Fairfield Museum’s mission and programs. Communicating verbally and
in writing with a variety of audiences. Having a highly organized and
efficient work ethic, and the ability to simultaneously balance multiple
projects in a fast-paced environment. Working with Microsoft Office,
cataloging databases, and archival management software, as well as
engagement with online platforms for sharing library resources.
This is a part-time (28 hour/ week) position requiring Saturday and
occasional evening hours. Compensation is $30/hour or commensurate with
experience.
To Apply: Please email a detailed resume and cover letter to librariansearch@fairfieldhs.org by November 15th, 2019. The Fairfield Museum is an equal opportunity employer.
