DIRECTOR OF THE JOHN HAY LIBRARY AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
The Brown University Library is seeking a creative, energetic, and forward-looking leader for the John Hay Library. Home to the University’s outstanding special collections, rare books, manuscripts, and University Archives, the newly renovated John Hay Library offers updated research and study spaces along with expanded exhibition galleries and three seminar rooms.
Reporting to the University Librarian, the new Director will have a strong background in supervision and management, a solid knowledge of special collections, along with the ability to provide exemplary leadership for and administration of the John Hay Library’s resources, services, operations, and personnel. In defining priorities for the John Hay Library, the new Director will work closely with other departments and units throughout the Library system to ensure that directions, practices, and processes in the Hay Library are consonant with those of the University Library.
The incumbent will work with other librarians and faculty to promote the integration of special collections materials in teaching, research, and educational public programs across the disciplines at both graduate and undergraduate levels, and will initiate and manage a variety of educational programs and services that showcase Brown’s special collections. He or she will lead the curators in developing and implementing effective collection management guidelines and practices which emphasize future areas of growth, strength, and sustainability. In addition, the Director will have an understanding of the management of digital records and objects as well as experience in the development of digital library collections and initiatives in order to enhance the delivery of special collections content and services to a broad audience.
The incumbent will directly supervise 5 FTE professional staff (the University Archivist, Reader Services Librarian, and three curators) and will have oversight for a total of 14 FTE, as well as student assistants. The successful candidate will represent the Brown University Library in local, regional, and national professional organizations. As part of the University Library’s senior administrative team, the Director of the John Hay Library and Special Collections will play a major role in library-wide planning and evaluation and in setting the Library’s strategic directions as they relate to Brown’s academic mission.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in library /information science or graduate degree in a relevant discipline.
- Five years of progressively responsible experience in managing or leading special collections services and operations.
- Demonstrated ability to articulate vision, set direction, and accomplish initiatives in changing environments.
- Demonstrated knowledge of rare books, manuscripts, archives, or special collections.
- Experience in working with curatorial, technical services, conservation, and digital library staff to develop goals for acquiring, processing, and making special collections fully accessible.
- Demonstrated understanding of and receptiveness to the uses of emerging technologies in archival and special collections.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with experience in working collaboratively with others.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of key issues and current trends in higher education and how they relate to the use of libraries and primary resources.
- Evidence of success in fundraising and/or obtaining grants.
- Evidence of scholarly engagement and active participation within the profession.
To Apply: please visit Brown University’s career opportunities website at: https://brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/staff-careers-brown/jobs and reference REQ114492. Complete an application online, attach documents, and submit for immediate consideration. Documents should include cover letter, resume, and the names and e-mail addresses of three references. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
