What are the responsibilities and job description for the Collections & Engagement Librarian position at InsideHigherEd?
Collections & Engagement Librarian
Location : Colby College
Open Date : Feb 12, 2025
Description :
Colby College Libraries is seeking a faculty librarian to join our team in Special Collections & Archives (SC&A). The Collections & Engagement Librarian works within SC & A, the libraries, across campus, and in regional community spaces to develop and promote innovative collections, programs, and projects that expand understanding about and conversations around primary and unique resources at Colby College and within the Waterville community.
The Collections and Engagement Librarian provides collection and subject-specific research, consultation, and mentoring for all levels of researchers using primary sources in our manuscript and published collections. This position collaborates with all department colleagues, particularly with the Archives Education Librarian, the Visual Interdisciplinary Arts Librarian, and the Digital Archives Librarian.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a member of the SC&A team, this position reports to the Associate Director and Head of Special Collections & Archives. Core responsibilities include :
- Manage, prioritize, and steward collections, including manuscript collections, rare books, and other materials.
- Catalog materials, including original / rare books cataloging, using archival and library standards.
- Collaborate with the department’s teaching program in coordination with the Archives Education Librarian
- Participate in collection development in collaboration with the Head of Special Collections & Archives, Archives Education Librarian, Visual and Interdisciplinary Arts Librarian, and other department and campus colleagues. Includes researching and identifying materials and resources for acquisition as they relate to the department’s collecting policy.
- Develop programming around our book and manuscript collections
o Use the collections in new and exciting ways to create meaningful opportunities for engagement with special collections materials.
o Activate exploration of SC&A primary sources as an important component of engagement on campus and within the regional community.
o Promote SC&A collections and participate in physical and virtual exhibitions to strengthen and build connections and relationships between the Colby Libraries / SC&A and the campus and local communities.
As this is a faculty librarian position, an MLS or equivalent is required.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
The Collections and Engagement Librarian engages regularly and closely with the SC&A team and with other colleagues and teams in the Colby Libraries. Additionally, the Librarian initiates and maintains relationships across campus with entities that help advance the Libraries’ work. The Librarian also creates and strengthens relationships with departments and staff across campus, alumni, downtown partners, and professional peers throughout Maine and beyond.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
May oversee hourly staff, student employees, contract / grant supported personnel, interns, and volunteers.
Qualifications :
REQUIRED Qualifications :
Preferred Qualifications :
Application Instructions :
Interested candidates should submit a letter of application that describes their interest in, and qualifications for, this position. Applicants must also submit a current curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (these will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate). All materials should be submitted as PDFs through Interfolio at http : / / apply.interfolio.com / 163478. Application review will begin March 7, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position can be directed to kathryn.donahue@colby.edu .
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement :
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes personnel decisions on the basis of the individual’s qualifications to contribute to Colby’s educational objectives and institutional needs. The principle of not discriminating on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, caste, national or ethnic origin, marital status, genetic information, political beliefs, veteran or military status, parental status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability unrelated to the job or course of study requirements is consistent with the mission of a liberal arts college and the law.
