Director of Special Collections and University Archives

University of Tulsa Portal•Tulsa, OK

About The Position

The Director of Special Collections is responsible for administrative oversight and strategic planning for all aspects of department’s operations, including processing books, artifacts, archival material, manuscripts, maps, and other special collections materials and University Archives. The Director represents Special Collections to the public, promoting the collection to current and potential users in the TU community and the world. The Director strengthens ties with academic departments, develops activities, and addresses University goals. The Director reports to the Dean of McFarlin Library and provides leadership, planning and policy direction in all areas of collection development, public and technical services, preservation, security and implementation of new technologies as related to the areas of Special Collections and Archives.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from an ALA -accredited graduate school, college or university
three to five years of professional experience in an academic research library
previous experience in manuscripts, archives and a special collection
management experience in a research library setting
Proficient in PC or Mac software applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Knowledge of Archivist Toolkit, as well as The Museum Systems ( TMS ) database software application, or similar software
knowledge of digital imaging technology.

Nice To Haves

A background in history or the humanities law, museology, or another field that benefits Special Collections
demonstrated understanding of research methods
demonstrated knowledge of the acquisition, organization, and processing of archives, manuscripts, and special collections
effective leadership, human relations and oral/written communication skills
demonstrated effective working relationships with scholars, patrons, donors, students, volunteers, and the public
working knowledge of electronic library technologies as applied in the traditional functions of Special Collections
record of participation in professional and scholarly activities
ability to work with others in a team environment
ability to work effectively in a collegial manner in an ever-changing environment.
Demonstrated grant-writing experience.

Responsibilities

Assures that written guidelines for all aspects of Special Collection functions exist and are followed.
Convenes groups of selected faculty to advise on and create plans for collection development and growth.
Directs the activities of Special Collections personnel, interns and volunteers
Facilitates public and internal requests for the use of Special Collections and the archives.
Assures that written guidelines for collection use and citation in all media exist and are up to date.
Collaborates with other library departments in the development of exhibitions, publications, educational programs and activities, and helping to integrate the department into the overall library environment
Stays up-to-date on the latest public and technical services, collection preservation and security, and implementation of new technologies as it relates to the collection areas of special collections and archives
Oversees the electronic cataloguing and barcoding of collections and archives
Oversees the digitization of materials in the collection
Participates in the orientation of staff, faculty, volunteers, and students
Works directly with the university’s development staff on grants and fundraising activities related to the department including interacting with donors and attending donor functions.
Works with TU marketing and communications to promote Special Collections to the TU community and beyond.
Performs other duties as assigned.