At Kansas State University Libraries in Manhattan, KS, we are an ambitious organization that aims to be an innovator in library services. Our people are the most important asset in the pursuit of achieving our goals. Therefore, we actively recruit talented individuals with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, and ways of thinking. We seek strong communicators who relish productive collaborations with friendly colleagues. As our organization strongly believes in innovation, we especially value creative problem-solvers who thrive in an environment of change and have the ability to inspire others. The Libraries have a vision to grow, and we are very supportive of our staff’s professional development. In addition to five specialized branch libraries, Hale Library, the main library, is a splendid building located in the center of the university’s picturesque campus, with a spacious interior that creates a comfortable and relaxing work environment. If this sounds like a place that suits your personality and work style, and if you are someone who would like to be an active part of a library’s exciting growth, please consider applying for the following position.
Kansas State University Libraries’ Richard L.D. and Marjorie J. Morse Department of Special Collections invites applications and nominations for the position of Public Services Archivist to manage its public services functions and coordinate outreach initiatives. This position works with the head of Special Collections and a department team to create programs that will promote awareness and use of collections, support information and instructional needs of collection users and develop/support collection-associated user communities. This is a full-time tenure track position, and the candidate should have an established and evolving professional record of scholarly/creative accomplishments and professional service necessary for pursuing tenure at Kansas State University Libraries. This position reports to the Head of Special Collections.
Responsibilities:
- Develop Special Collections’ public services program in collaboration with department colleagues including on-site and remote research support, instruction, ongoing assessment of user research needs, development of physical/virtual research facilities and environments, web content and social media strategy and coordination of related forms of public information.
- Design educational and outreach strategies that engage collection-user communities and donors as partners with the department in developing collections, extending patron-access, enhancing facilities and research support and promoting a sustaining public interest in Special Collections.
- Collaborate with the Libraries’ Undergraduate and Community Services and Faculty and Graduate Services departments to engage with academic faculty in developing curriculum-specific instruction in primary sources and promoting their use in graduate and undergraduate research.
- Provide research assistance to faculty, students and outside researchers.
- Coordinate exhibit/event planning and support docent and other user-engagement programs.
- Supervise 1.0 FTE staff member who provides reference assistance, monitors reading room and directs the work of department student assistants.
- Pursue activities and meet responsibilities necessary for achieving tenure at K-State Libraries.
Required Qualifications:
- ALA accredited MLS or graduate degree in archival studies or related advanced subject degree with coursework and experience in archives/manuscripts.
- Strong familiarity with scholarly research processes and best practices in providing reference services in a special collections or archives department setting.
- Demonstrated ability to apply best practices in providing instruction and outreach programs in a special collections or archives setting.
- Ability and willingness to work with diverse groups both on the staff and within the patron community.
- Successful supervisory and/or team management experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of trends and relevant technologies for patron request and materials management systems and electronic reference.
Our Community:
Affectionately nicknamed “The Little Apple,” Manhattan is an up-and-coming community located in the charming Flint Hills region of Kansas, which consists of continuous rolling hills covered in tall grasses. It was named "One of the Best Places to Live / Top 25 Best Commuting Times" by Money Magazine and one of the "50 Best Places to Live" by Men's Journal. Forbes Magazine rated Manhattan #1 for "Best Small Communities for a Business and Career." Manhattan is one of the true classic college towns in the country. It is a great place to enjoy Big XII sports, wonderful restaurants, superb outdoor recreation, and ever-growing shopping choices. Manhattan, with a highly regarded public school system, is widely considered to be a fantastic place to raise a family. Manhattan High School is rated in top 5% of high schools in the U.S. by Newsweek magazine. Overall, Manhattan has big city advantages, while still being a 15 minute town. It is situated just off Interstate 70, less than two hours west of Kansas City. The regional airport offers multiple daily direct flights to Dallas and Chicago. While the main campus is located in Manhattan, Kansas State also has campuses located in Salina and Olathe.
Salary:
The Libraries aim to attract outstanding talents, and we offer competitive salary in recognition of responsibilities and experience.
To Apply:
Please send:
- A letter of application. To greatly strengthen your application, please apply your communication skills to clearly address the position responsibilities and qualifications listed above, and demonstrate how your work style, vision, and other distinctive qualities would enhance our organization.
- A curriculum vitae.
- Names and contact information for three references to libhr@k-state.edu, attention Michelle Bowen. Please include PUBSVSARC in the subject line. Deadline for applying is May 3, 2013.
