Society of Southwest Archivists

University of Nevada, Reno: Director of Special Collections

  • 14 Oct 2016 2:03 PM
    Message # 4306388

    Director of Special Collections: The University of Nevada, Reno Libraries seeks an experienced professional for Director of Special Collections to shape the future of the department and its programs. The Special Collections department includes the University Archives and the largest Basque Library collection outside of the Basque Country.


    Special Collections houses a wide array of manuscript and collections in many formats, and a rare books and book arts collection illustrating the history and printing of books. Research strengths are in Nevada and western history, culture, and the environment; mining and railroad history; Great Basin Indians; and women in Nevada. Senator Harry Reid has designated the University Libraries as the recipient of his papers, documenting his 30-year career in the U.S. Senate, including service as Senate Minority and Majority Leader. This important collection of primary research materials, including print and electronic documents, will bring national attention to the department and attract researchers from around the world.


    Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, the Director is responsible for the planning, implementation and promotion of a wide range of departmental projects. The successful candidate will have demonstrated management success and the ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds, opinions, and orientations. The candidate will be knowledgeable in current and emerging archival, access, and digitization standards, practices, and technologies. The Libraries emphasize excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills; strong service orientation; the ability to manage change; and the desire to actively engage in campus and community outreach activities to promote the collections and build partnerships.


    Required Qualifications

    Master’s degree from an ALA accredited program in library/information science, or equivalent degree program.
    Five years minimum of progressively responsible experience working in special collections or archives in a university or research library, including at least two years supervising staff.
    Evidence of scholarship and participation related to special collections and archives and a commitment to continued scholarly and professional activities.
    Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
    Demonstrated knowledge and experience with:
    - Archival information systems such as ArchivesSpace, Archon or Archivists’ Toolkit
    - Digital formats and standards such as XML, EAD, and Dublin Core
    - Metadata best practices and control for special collections and archives
    - Project planning and management
    - Managing collections in a variety of formats, including manuscripts, maps, photographs, audio and digital files
    Preferred Qualifications
    Additional subject degree at the Master’s or advanced degree level Grant writing and grant management experience
    Experience with disaster preparedness, response and recovery planning
    Experience with a digital preservation program
    Experience curating exhibits
    Experience cultivating and maintaining donor relations
    Knowledge of history of the West


    Salary: Salary minimum $80,000. This is a full-time, tenure track faculty position. Appointment may be at the level of Assistant Professor or above depending on experience, record of scholarship, service and achievement. Benefits: Competitive benefits package include 24 vacation days per year and tuition benefits for self and family. No state income tax.


    About us: The University of Nevada, Reno is the land-grant university and major research institution in the state with a student body of over 20,000. Special Collections is located in the Mathewson-lGT Knowledge Center which provides high-tech research, presentation and computing spaces, and inviting study areas. Instructional design, media production, and maker spaces are part of the organization and we are proud to offer opportunities to collaborate with experts in these specialties.


    Reno is a metropolitan area of over 400,000 situated on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Reno offers a favorable quality of life recognized by numerous national sources. Residents and visitors enjoy an array of cultural activities and major festivals and events. It is an outdoor mecca, located 38 miles from Lake Tahoe and offering abundant summer and winter recreational opportunities. Sacramento and San Francisco are, respectively, two and four hour drives away.


    To Apply: For a complete job description go to: http://docs.library.unr.edu/admin/jobs/sc.pdf and to apply go to https://www.unrsearch.com/postings/22105. Please attach a letter of application, resume, contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin November 8th.
    EEO/AA. We value diversity within our students, faculty and staff. Women, under-represented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. References will be verified for finalists in the process.

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