CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
POSITION TITLE: Research Specialist I (Architecture)
Department of Research and Access
POSITION PURPOSE: The Research Specialist I (Architecture) assists
researchers by providing access to CHS collections and related resources
and guidance in the use of those resources, in the CHS Research Center, and
through databases, catalogs, publications, and other forms of remote
access. The Research Specialist I also fields research inquiries regarding
CHS collections and related resources. The Research Specialist I also
maintains special expertise in and serves as the reference resource person
for the history of American architecture after 1830.
PRINCIPAL PERFORMANCE GOALS, 1997-2002: Sustain and enhance the
CHS's role as a premier research institution, its reputation for excellent
customer service, and commitment to education and lifelong learning, by
making its collections and other resources known and accessible to the
broadest group of users possible. Increase and improve access to and
knowledge of these CHS resources by providing a range of collection- and
expertise-based services to researchers and other members of the public in
the most consistent, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
POSITION DUTIES:
· Following CHS policy, make appointments for students and other patrons
for use of the Research Center.
· Register new researchers prior to their use of collections.
· Conduct initial reference interview with individual researchers prior to
their use of the Research Center collections. Must distinguish between
users in terms of: relevance and relative importance of CHS holdings to
research topic and goals; the number and kinds of materials needed (e.g.,
original works or copy and secondary sources); expected duration of
research stay; and other appropriate issues.
· Orient and direct researchers and other users to CHS collections and
other research resources, and to the appropriate specialist and offices.
· Assist and guide researchers in their use of CHS collections and research
resources and direct them to pertinent documentation and related
collections in both CHS and other institutions.
· Provide special expertise in the history of American architecture after
1830, with particular emphasis on architecture in Chicago.
· Respond to telephone, email, and written reference inquiries pertaining
to Chicago history and the CHS collections by providing ready information,
referral, and/or guidance on the use of CHS and related collections and
information sources.
· Develop informational brochures, finding aids, lists, and other topical
guides to the CHS collections and related databases, reference sources, and
holdings in other institutions.
· Serve collections and collection items to researchers in the reading room
and, when appropriate, storage room setting, providing appropriate guidance
and supervision on the use and handling of materials.
· Continuously review and update reference collections and materials and
databases for condition, relevance, and completeness.
· Stay conversant with computer-based research resources (e.g., on OCLC,
RLIN, the World Wide Web, CD-ROM's, etc.) and train other staff members to
use these services and to utilize them to assist patrons.
· Participate in the development of policies, procedures, and strategies
governing the service and use of CHS collections.
· Advise the Director in developing annual goals and objectives for the
Department of Research and Access.
The Research Specialist I (Architecture) may also be called upon to:
· Instruct users on use of microfilm readers, CD-ROM, xerox, and other
reading room self-service equipment.
· Maintain microforms, CD-ROMs, self-service reference files, and other
reference materials in good order; re-shelve and refile reference materials
as needed.
· Provide specialized reference assistance to the Society's interpretive
efforts and projects and to institutional projects of benefit to CHS and
its users.
· Provide specialized reference assistance in the use of the collections
and related resources as needed by the Development Office and Public
Relations Office.
· Perform other related duties as assigned.
VALUES, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
· Demonstrated commitment to excellent public service
· Commitment to teamwork and collaboration
· Commitment to education
· One year of previous library work experience with special collections
materials, such as photographs, graphic art, architectural drawings and
records, and/or maps.
· A Masters degree in Library or Information Science, or three years of
full-time experience as described above
· Knowledge of Chicago history and the history of American architecture
after 1830
· Above-average oral and written communications skills, and the ability to
deal diplomatically and effectively with members of the public
· Ability to work with fragile paper and film-based materials
· Ability to work under pressure
SALARYAND BENEFITS: Salary is competitive. Benefits include vacation,
sick, holiday and choice of insurance.
Send letter of application, current resume, names and phone numbers of
three work references to:
Director of Human Resources
Chicago Historical Society
Clark Street at North Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60614
Application Deadline: September 8, 2000
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
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