Associate Director, Arts Library Special Collections - Yale University Library, New Haven, CT

Position Focus:

Reporting to the Director of the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library, the Associate Director of Arts Library Special Collections (ALSC) manages the day-to-day operations of a busy special collections unit comprised of five full-time staff and several student assistants. The successful candidate will oversee and support ALSC research services, instruction and outreach, and collection development and management. Coordinates Arts Library exhibits showcasing ALSC collections in the William H. Wright Special Collections Exhibition Area and oversees the Library’s Bibliographical Press. With the Arts Library Director and Arts Library archivists, the Associate Director develops collecting strategies and goals for both archival and special collections at Haas Arts Library. Selects contemporary artists publications (e.g., artists’ books, examples of fine and innovating printing and binding techniques, serials, and other types of self-published works by artists) that reflect the wide range of creative and research endeavors of students and faculty. Collaborates with the Architectural Records Archivist and Arts Library Director to develop short- and long-term goals and a vision for architectural acquisitions. The Associate Director promotes and instills the highest service standards and leverages the unit’s resources to provide excellent customer service throughout the library. The incumbent participates in long-range strategic planning for the Arts Library; fosters a creative, collaborative, and team-oriented work environment; and facilitates communication and coordination between Arts Library staff members and other units of the Yale Library System. The Associate Director works with colleagues to develop shared services across Yale Library special collections, to better support the diverse research needs of students, faculty, and visiting researchers. Establishes and improves ALSC policies in support of learning and research through the provision of reliable, secure, and convenient access to collections physically and virtually. 

This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 3 (Grade 25) or Librarian 4 (Grade 27). Librarian ranking information is available at http://bit.ly/YULRanksPromotions

Essential Duties

1. Oversees all Arts Library Special Collections (ALSC) operations (systems and workflows for facilities, security, preservation, acquisitions, digitization), budget administration, and services (reference, reading room, cross-training, instruction, exhibitions).
2. Manages the day-to-day operations of the unit and directly supervises two archivists and three Library Services Assistants.
3. Provides leadership and vision in the selection, organization, and ongoing management of the Arts Library's special collections (both print and digital).
4. Coordinates the Arts Library exhibit program. Participates in Arts Library exhibit, outreach and instruction programs, and events. This includes the Bibliographical Press, a YUL-wide program that promotes the history, practice, and significance of printing and the book arts.
5. Delivers instructional sessions and reference support in the use of Arts Library special collections by the Yale community and the broader public. Collaborates with other librarians, archivists, and faculty to integrate ALSC materials into courses.
6. Oversees ALSC collection development, including research and selection, dealer and donor relations, and acquisitions negotiations across a broad range of materials, including books, manuscripts, ephemera, broadsides, photographs, and digital media relating to the visual arts, architecture, design, and the dramatic arts.
7. To foster the effective growth and use of the Arts Library's special collections, develops and maintains strong ties with other members of the University Library, Beinecke Library, Yale Center for British Art, Yale University Art Gallery, and arts area faculty at Yale University. As appropriate, they develop and maintain strong relations with other relevant academic fields to support the mission of the Arts Library.
8. Works with the Arts Library's Head of Access Services to coordinate staff who are cross-trained provide coverage for both the ALSC service desk and the i-desk for general collections.
9. Participates in setting priorities, planning workflows, recommending changes to procedures and policies; resolves problems, interprets policies, generates statistics and reports, carries out projects.
10. Makes recommendations for the ALSC budget and regularly monitors the current budget.
11. May supervise the Kress Fellow in Art Librarianship.
12. Participates in overall Arts Library planning, including the move of collections and transition of services, in coordination with other units.
13. Serves on library committees, working groups, and task forces, and engages in professional development outside the library.
14. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts.
15. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited library school and an undergraduate or graduate degree in the visual arts, art history, architecture, or a related field. Five years of professional experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in a research library and ability and achievement in managing staff and budgets. Demonstrated problem solving skills, experience coordinating projects, and the ability to bring projects to fruition.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Familiarity with a special collections environment comprised of archives, manuscripts, rare and antiquarian books, audio-visual materials, and ephemera as well as in acquiring, cataloging, processing, preserving, securing, and/or digitizing them. Experience managing both analog and digital materials.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Demonstrated ability working collegially, both collaboratively and independently, within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications, analytical ability, and the ability to provide exceptional service to a diverse clientele.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Commitment to an inclusive workplace. Ability to engage with diverse audiences (age, gender, nationality, race/ethnicity, profession, sexual orientation, etc.). Demonstrated commitment to excellence and innovation in developing programs for customer service and outreach, which includes curating exhibits and providing reference and instruction.

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