Head of Special Collections
Williams College Libraries
Williams College, a top-ranked coeducational liberal arts college located in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, seeks a dynamic professional to lead the newly created Special Collections Department which brings together the College Archives and the Chapin Library, the College’s rare books library. This full-time, 12-month administrative staff position reports to the Director of Libraries. Williams College Libraries, comprised of Sawyer Library, Schow Science Library, and Special Collections, is home to rich and historic collections selected for undergraduate research in the liberal arts. As a teaching library, we value our role as educators and our tradition of excellent personal service.
The Head of Special Collections offers a unique opportunity to transform special collections at Williams, building upon a staff with strong expertise and commitment to user-centered services, deep and broad collections more typical of research institutions, and a new award-winning library building. The Head of Special Collections will lead the department in realizing its potential to support teaching and research at Williams College.
The Head of Special Collections provides leadership for the planning, delivery, and assessment of the programs of the Special Collections Department. S/he supervises the Chapin Librarian and the College Archivist and is responsible for overseeing the department’s financial and staffing resources. In conjunction with the College Archivist and the Chapin Librarian, the Head develops the collection in support of the teaching and research mission of the College. S/he prioritizes collections and new acquisitions to be cataloged by Collection Management staff and ensures the proper storage, treatment, and preservation of the collections. In support of the library’s teaching mission, the Head of Special Collections works with the Head of Research Services and Instruction Librarian to create teaching, learning, and research opportunities for Special Collections. The Head participates in departmental activities including providing research assistance, instruction, and collection development. As a member of the library’s leadership group, the Head of Special Collections participates in strategic planning. The Head collaborates with College Relations in stewarding current and prospective donors and participates in regional and national professional organizations.
Qualifications:
Graduate degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of relevant advanced degree and library experience
Minimum seven years of successful and increasingly responsible professional experience in special collections, rare books, and archives
Demonstrated successful supervisory and managerial experience in special collections, including budgetary oversight
Ability to work creatively, collaboratively, and to effectively facilitate change and promote teamwork
Strong commitment to user-centered reference and instruction services within a special collections setting
Expert knowledge of library preservation and conservation issues and best practices
Excellent communication, organizational, planning, and project management skills
Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of library users and colleagues
Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable.
To apply for this position, please visit https://staff-careers.williams.edu. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-4247 or email at hr@williams.edu.
Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive.