[PADG:673] Professional Librarian Vacancy: Head, Preservation Department, Northwestern Univ.

[Ann Duncan-Gibbs <a-gibbs@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
September 23, 2005
 

PROFESSIONAL LIBRARIAN VACANCY

 

POSITION:
               
Head, Preservation Department
DEPARTMENT:       Preservation
DIVISION:
               
Technical Services
REPORTS TO:         
Assistant University Library for Technical Services
 
Summary:  The Head of the Preservation Department has chief
responsibility for developing and implementing a comprehensive program of
preservation for the Library?s general and special collections in all
formats. Manages and leads the staff of the department, who are engaged
in binding, mass de-acidification, reformatting, conservation, book
repair, digitization, and other preservation activities. Coordinates the
work of the department with that of other library units. Serves on the
Technical Services Division management team.  Also works closely
with the Assistant University Librarian for Collection Management and
other collection management staff. Serves as a member of the Management
Council, a group that advises the University Librarian. 
 
Responsibilities: Formulates and implements goals, objectives,
policies and projects for the Preservation Department.  Sets
priorities and allocates financial, staff, and space resources.
Continually examines, and as necessary adjusts, operations in relation to
Library policies and goals and in light of changing circumstances and new
opportunities.
Leads and manages the work activities of the Preservation Department,
which currently include binding, reformatting, mass de-acidification,
conservation, digitization, and preservation education for library users
and staff. Establishes standards and procedures for the evaluation, care,
treatment, housing, and reformatting of both circulating collections and
non-circulating special collections in print and non-print formats. Plays
a major leadership role in the Library?s program of disaster preparedness
and recovery.
Directly supervises three professional employees who supervise non-exempt
staff in conservation, materials processing, and preservation
digitization technology units. Also directly supervises one non-exempt
staff member. Responsible for the preparation of position descriptions;
hiring, training, and evaluating staff; establishing performance
standards and goals; and recommending appropriate personnel actions.
Develops and maintains positive communication patterns with staff at all
levels. Meets regularly with department staff. Promotes staff development
and continuing education for department employees. Plans, prepares, and
analyzes budgets, reports, and statistics; monitors and ensures the
appropriate management of resources allocated to the department,
including a number of financial accounts. Responsible for Web pages,
manuals, and other materials setting forth policies and procedures for
the department. As a member of the technical services management team,
consults with heads of the serials, monographic acquisitions and rapid
cataloging (MARC), and catalog departments; participates in the overall
planning and management of technical services operations, and helps
coordinate the work of the technical service departments with other
library units. Provides leadership in the development and coordination of
preservation policies and procedures throughout the Library. Works
closely with the Assistant University Librarian for Collection Management
and other collection management staff to incorporate preservation
considerations into collection building and maintenance activities.
Maintains communications and develops productive working relationships
with all Library units and with staff throughout the Library. Serves as a
member of the Library?s Management Council. Maintains current awareness
and understanding of issues and trends in preservation and
librarianship.  Keeps abreast of, and participates as appropriate
in, professional development, research, and service activities.
Represents the Library to external organizations such as the CIC on
preservation matters. Pursues grant opportunities and prepares grant
proposals for special programs. Manages or participates as appropriate in
grant-funded projects. Other duties as assigned or necessary.
 
Qualifications:  MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or
the equivalent combination of education and relevant library experience
and substantial experience in a comprehensive preservation program at a
research institution required. Successful administrative and supervisory
experience required. Skills in budget management, resource allocation,
and design of production processes required. Excellent organizational and
collaborative skills required. Knowledge of and/or experience working
with a broad range of preservation issues, including digitization and
digital preservation issues, preferred. Demonstrated written and oral
communication competence, including group presentation skills, preferred.
Record of successful leadership activities preferred. Record of career
growth that includes professional development, service, and/or
publication activities relevant to librarianship preferred. Experience
planning and managing grant-funded projects desirable.
 
SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications and experience ($50,000
minimum)
 
TO APPLY: Send letter of application and resume, including names of
three references, to Peter J. Devlin, Personnel Librarian,
Northwestern University Library, 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston,
Illinois  60208-2300 or

library-personnel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Review of applications
will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.  
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer. Employment eligibility verification required upon hire.