The Head of the Rubenstein Library Technical Services Department provides vision and leadership in developing technical services that will support the innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly activities of the Duke community, both in Durham and on the global campuses. S/He assumes leadership in arranging, describing, cataloging, and preserving materials in all formats in an environment of changing standards, tools, and scholarly practices. S/He oversees the workflows for both manuscript/archives and print materials and works closely with Collection Development, Research Services, and University Archives to identify priorities and goals across the Rubenstein Library. S/He serves as the primary liaison for the Rubenstein Library with other technical services within the Duke University Libraries and coordinates ongoing reformatting work and special projects with other library departments, including Conservation, Preservation, and the Digital Production Center.
Responsibilities
• Coordinates the work of the Rubenstein Library Technical Services department, bringing together staff with specialized expertise to process and catalog both simple and complex collections.
• In partnership with other areas within the Duke University Libraries, develops an orderly workflow with smooth handoffs and establishes policies, guidelines and assessment strategies.
• Collaborates closely with others in the Duke Libraries to select, manage, and integrate library systems used to describe print and manuscript/archival materials with related descriptive systems used by the Duke University Libraries and the Triangle Research Library Network.
• Writes and assists with grant and other funding proposals for processing, cataloging, planning, and other projects in the library. Directs and manages grants, special projects, and fellowships located in Rubenstein Library Technical Services as assigned.
• As a member of the Management Team, develops policies, priorities, and goals for all of Rubenstein Library.
• Manages the operations of the Rubenstein Library Technical Services Department; sets goals; hires, trains, supervises and evaluates staff; establishes standards and expectations; prepares and manages the departmental budget.
• Keeps abreast of and communicates new developments and trends affecting the department’s work. Analyzes and reports on the work of the department for recommendations or conclusions related to staffing, equipment, and training.
• Contributes to local, consortial, regional and national meetings to stay abreast of development/trends in technical services and to represent the Duke University Libraries.
• Collaborates with other libraries in the Triangle Research Libraries Network and their staffs to enhance technical services and to coordinate policies and procedures.
• Participates in weekend rotation of reference duty.
• Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge and takes an active interest in the profession. Growth and interest should be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations, and service to the library, University, or community in a professional capacity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises, directly or indirectly, all departmental staff including,
• 15.0 FTE staff
• Temporary and term limited, externally-funded positions
• Approx. 60 student assistant hours per week
• Graduate interns
Qualifications
It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to diversity. In addition, managers and supervisors are expected to help develop a common vision by providing clear direction and priorities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and promoting mutual understanding through effective communication. They are also expected to take the time to effectively plan and evaluate performance, provide feedback, recognition and coaching, and develop employees to achieve their personal and organizational goals.
Education:
Required: ALA-accredited MLS and/or advanced degree in archives administration or in an academic field related to Rubenstein Library holdings or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
Preferred: Second related advanced degree
Experience:
Required: Minimum 5 years of full-time professional archival or library experience in technical services; experience supervising staff knowledge of the library systems used to describe print and manuscript/archival materials; knowledge of current and emerging standards and best practices for cataloging, metadata creation, and archival processing; experience working in a production environment; demonstrated experience in project management; excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; strong customer-service orientation and team building skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex, fast-paced service-oriented environment; demonstrated initiative and flexibility in adapting to change; strong computer skills, including familiarity with library applications and experience with online library systems; demonstrated knowledge of current developments and trends in technical services.
Preferred: Seven or more years of full-time library experience in technical services; experience working in an academic research library; active participation in the profession; familiarity with workflow and metrics assessment; experience with records management, visual materials, digital materials and/or public services; familiarity with funding agencies and experience in writing grant applications; experience with space planning; experience managing a budget; reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages.
Working Conditions
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs
• Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is likely
• Frequent bending, crouching, stooping
• Occasional weekend shifts required
• Occasional travel required
These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.
Salary and Benefits
Salary and rank dependent on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes 20 days vacation, 13 holidays, 12 days sick leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for professional development and training.
Environment
Since its founding in 1924, Duke University has grown into one of the most prestigious private universities in the world and its medical center ranks annually among the top in the nation. The Duke University Libraries are the shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and ideas. The Libraries consist of the William R. Perkins Library and its branches: Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Lilly, Music, and the library at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort. Duke’s library holdings of 6.1 million volumes are among the largest of private universities in the United States.
Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research, medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters. Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to do business.
Duke offers a comprehensive benefit packages which includes both traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time and retirement, as well as wide ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be found at: http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/index.php
Application
Cover letter, detailed resume and the names, addresses (mailing and e-mail), and telephone numbers of three references should be submitted to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/6200. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed.