UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON LIBRARIES
NOTICE OF VACANCY
February 10, 2006
TITLE: Sound Recordings Librarian, Music Library
LOCATION: Music Library
THE LIBRARIES:
Among the largest academic research libraries in North America and winner of the 2004 ACRL "Excellence in Academic Libraries Award," the University of Washington Libraries has a collection of more than six million cataloged volumes, an equal number in microform format, more than 50,000 serial titles, and a combined media collection of well over 27,000 items. Yet beyond the strength of local collections and networked resources, excellent service programs, knowledgeable staff, diverse facilities and size of budget, the Libraries is known for innovation, responsiveness and an integrated planning and assessment process that makes the user-centered library not just a goal, but a reality. Students and faculty recognize the value provided by the Libraries and rank the Libraries as the most important source of information for their work. The Libraries also receives the highest satisfaction rating of any academic service on the surveys of graduating seniors conducted by the Office of Educational Assessment. The Libraries was commended in the University's 2003 accreditation review for its rich collection, well-qualified staff, and "exceptional service to students, staff development, and a commitment to planning and assessment of service."
THE MUSIC LIBRARY AND LISTENING CENTER:
The Music Library is one of the 15 branches of the University of Washington Libraries. The Music Library holds over 68,000 books and scores, 43,000 sound recordings and other media, and about 300 subscriptions to current periodicals. It is located in the School of Music, whose students and faculty are the primary clients. The Listening Center, located in the lower level, has onsite audio and video playback equipment. In collaboration with the Media Center, located in the Odegaard Undergraduate Library (OUGL), the Listening Center is planning a shift to a digital sound and video delivery system, pending funding.
THE POSITION:
The Libraries seeks a creative and innovative individual to lead the transformation of multimedia delivery and services at the Music Library of the University of Washington. The successful candidate must be knowledgeable in building a sound and video recording collection, have a solid background in music history, and have experience working with cutting-edge multimedia technology. Particularly encouraged to apply are candidates who demonstrate an ability to work effectively and collaboratively, and are skilled in forging and maintaining strong partnerships within and outside the library.
Under the general direction of the Head, Music Library, the Sound Recordings Librarian participates in collection development of sound and video recordings, recommends the design and development of facilities and equipment in the Listening Center, develops a preservation program for the recording collection, catalogs audio-visual materials for the Music Library, provides reference and user services including staffing the Music Library reference desk, acts as faculty liaison, and performs other duties as assigned.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Responsible for collection development of sound and video recordings for the Music Library and Listening Center.
Recommends the design and development of facilities and equipment to support services of the Listening Center. Conducts evaluation of adequacy and suitability of facilities, equipment, materials, and services. Establishes policies for maintenance of materials and equipment.
Advocates and coordinates multimedia enhancements in the Music Library in coordination with Digital Initiatives Programs, Information Technology Services, and other departments with the Libraries and on campus.
Maintains contact and builds effective relationship with the Media Maintenance Technician at the School of Music on projects.
Catalogs Music Library audio-visual materials in accordance with AACR2, producing original cataloging records as well as editing cataloging records from the OCLC database. Maintains cataloging records for the audio-visual collection for the Music Library
Oversees the work of technicians for cataloging and catalog maintenance.
Participates in the preservation of sound recordings and works with the Music Library's Special Projects Librarian in this and other areas.
In coordination with other music librarians, provides reference service, including bibliographic instruction and other user education activities as part of the public services program in the Music Library.
Maintains contact and builds effective relationships with faculty in the School of Music.
Collaborates with the Head of Multimedia Services, OUGL, and other librarians on campus regarding media materials.
Participates in library committees and meetings; represents the Music Library in the Cataloging Policy Committee.
Participates in discussions of the Music Library and Listening Center policies; provides specific contributions in assigned areas of responsibility.
Develops grant proposals for preservation and other projects and programs in the Listening Center.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree.
Experience in an academic library environment.
Working knowledge of the issues in digitization and delivery of digital content in an academic environment.
Experience in answering music reference inquiries.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and with others in a demanding and rapidly changing environment.
Strong commitment to user-centered services.
Flexibility and adaptability with a good sense of humor.
The ability to represent the Libraries on campus, regionally, and nationally.
Evidence of initiative and resourcefulness in past activities.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Two years experience working in a research music library.
Experience in collection development in music, especially in sound and video recordings.
Experience in music cataloging, especially sound and video cataloging.
Masters Degree, or equivalent, in music history or other fields of music.
Knowledge of copyright and licensing issues related to media.
Successful experience in a variety of public service, technical service, and/or information technology functions.
Experience in managing a diverse range of activities in a highly visible, pressured academic environment.
Proven ability to develop technology deployment plans, including analysis of cost/benefit issues.
SALARY:
$40,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and background.
BENEFITS:
Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF, The Vanguard Group, and/or Fidelity Investments) on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax.
APPLY TO:
Charles E. Chamberlin Senior Associate Dean University of Washington Libraries 482 Allen Library Box 352900 Seattle, Washington 98195-2900
Applicants should submit a letter of application, full resume including a work telephone number, e-mail address, salary requirements, and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who are knowledgeable of the applicant's qualifications for this position.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday,
April 28, 2006
University of Washington Libraries' Home Page is: http://www.lib.washington.edu and the Music Library's home page is http://www.lib.washington.edu/music
The University of Washington, an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, is building culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from female and minority candidates.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment authorization of each new employee.