Librarian, Rare Books (Assistant or Associate)

The University of Arizona Libraries seeks an innovative, collaborative, and user-centered Rare Books librarian to join the Curatorial Unit within Special Collections.

The Rare Books Librarian will play a key role in advancing Special Collections' book collection development program. This position encompasses responsibilities in collection development, instruction, reference, exhibitions, and events.
The Rare Books Librarian will manage and coordinate all aspects of Special Collections' book acquisitions, including activities related to cataloging, space management, preservation, and ongoing collection maintenance. In collaboration with the Public Services Unit Lead, this position will also contribute to the planning and execution of Special Collections exhibitions and events, as well as assist with tours and outreach initiatives.

The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the University Libraries and with other units within Special Collections to support the University's teaching, learning, and research mission.

Established in 1958, Special Collections collects rare and unique photos, documents, books, film, video and audio recordings, and other primary source materials. Special Collections is a repository and cultural heritage institution that is part of Arizona's land-grant university. We steward materials to mirror who is here, amplify voices, expand our historical record, and create opportunities for new research. Learn more about What We Collect here.

This is a continuing-eligible or continuing status track, academic professional position. Incumbents are members of the general faculty and are entitled to all accompanying rights and privileges granted by the Arizona Board of Regents and the University of Arizona. Retention and promotion are earned through achievement of a record of excellence in position effectiveness, scholarship, and service.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Acquire, appraise, and
  preserve collections of primary and significant research value, especially rare
  books.
• In partnership
  with the Unit Lead, manage and coordinate all aspects of Special Collections'
  book acquisitions.
• Identify and engage with
  existing and prospective book vendors and donors as well as other curatorial
  area donors as appropriate.
• In collaboration with Preservation Technician and the
  Collections Management Archivist, recommend, develop, and prioritize treatment,
  preservation and housing solutions, with a focus on book collections.
• Participate in, consult on,
  and evaluate potential donations and purchases with other members of the
  curatorial unit.
• Liaise with Collections
  Services Department to provide guidance on original cataloging and to work on
  book acquisition and receiving workflows. In collaboration with other members
  of Special Collections, participates in activities and issues related to space,
  preservation, and collections maintenance.
• Coordinate and document the
  workflows around the acquisition of purchased and donated purchased book and manuscript collections and donated book
  collections.
• Contribute to Special Collections' rare books education,
  course-related instruction and other specialized educational sessions to
  students, the community and other primary customers. Develop and prepare
  appropriate instructional and educational aids.
• Contribute to Reading Room staffing and respond to reference
  inquiries on-site and offsite through telephone, mail, and e-mail.
• Curate and prepareexhibits of SpecialCollections materials and assist in related eventssuch as lectures and
  receptions.
• Collaborate with the Public Services Unit Lead and the
  Marketing and Communications Department to promote the use of rare books collections throughpresentations, social media content, and other channels as appropriate.
• Participate in library-wide activities such as project teams
  and other groups as needed to complete goals of the department and the
  Libraries.
• Collaborates with other
  library departments, including Collections Services, Research Engagement,
  Access and Information Services, and Student Learning and Engagement to support
  the teaching, learning, and research mission of the University.
• The UA Libraries support the
  UA's strategic initiatives designed to
  create a welcoming environment for all faculty, staff, and students. The
  candidate is expected to support related strategic efforts in Special
  Collections and the Libraries.
• Other
  duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with descriptive standards and cataloging
  practices for rare material.
• Facility in engaging intersectional perspectives in rare book
  acquisition, exhibition, and programing.
• Enthusiasm for collaborative approaches to departmental
  activities and initiatives.
• Knowledge of accepted preservation methods for archival,
  photographic, and paper materials.
• Knowledge of book cultures and markets.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment, one that values
  and leverages the benefits of a variety of perspectives.
• Positive attitude and strong demonstration of UA Libraries' Values.

• Master's
  degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Formal coursework
  or training/professional development in rare books.
• Evidence of the ability to achieve
  continuing status (equivalent to tenure), including contributing to the
  information/library profession and to fulfilling the responsibilities of a
  library faculty member through service and scholarship.

• Three years of experience related to reference work, instruction and / or public services in a special collections' environment.
• Reading proficiency in Latin or Romance language.
• Experience with primary source literacy, object-based pedagogical strategy, and/or active learning techniques using primary sources and/or special collections, particularly with rare books.
• Experience documenting and implementing procedures and policies.
• Experience with exhibition and rare book curation.
• Demonstrated experience supervising students.