Head of Special Collections

Providence Public Library•Providence, RI

11h•$70,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Head of Special Collections to lead the stewardship, preservation, and public engagement of Providence Public Library's exceptional Special Collections. Reporting to the Deputy Library Director, this leadership role is responsible for shaping the vision and strategic direction of the department while ensuring the Library's rare books, archives, manuscripts, and other unique materials are thoughtfully preserved, responsibly curated, and made broadly accessible through an open-access public library philosophy. The ideal candidate is an accomplished library professional with expertise in special collections, archives, or rare books who is equally passionate about preservation, research services, exhibitions, digitization, community engagement, and organizational leadership. This is an exciting opportunity to build upon one of Rhode Island's premier special collections, lead a dedicated team, cultivate meaningful partnerships with researchers, donors, and cultural organizations, and help ensure these remarkable collections continue to inspire curiosity, scholarship, and lifelong learning for generations to come. Key Purpose/Summary: This position leads the Special Collections Department in its efforts to increase access to, preserve, and expand the visibility of the Library's unique collections through collection stewardship, preservation, curation, reference services, programming, exhibitions, digitization, and community outreach. The Special Collections Department plays an important role in supporting the Library's mission to encourage lifelong learning, advancing and supporting research, and inspire curiosity. The strength of the Library's special collections makes it a unique resource within Rhode Island's public library landscape, and the Head of Special Collections ensures these collections are thoughtfully preserved, responsibly stewarded, and made broadly accessible through a proactive open-access public library philosophy.

Requirements

MLS from an ALA-accredited Library School with coursework or demonstrated experience in rare books, archives, or Special Collections required.
Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in Special Collections required.
Ability to use basic office software, databases, spreadsheets, digitization equipment; and an understanding of social media.
Google Workspace experience required.
Experience with Zoom, Google Meet, or similar web conferencing platforms required.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
Previous experience serving on an organization's leadership team strongly preferred.
Experience managing grants, collaborative projects, and strategic initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs all types of professional and managerial work which are required to maintain and operate the Special Collections Department.
Provides direct Special Collections reference service.
Provides curatorial oversight of Special Collections.
Oversees collection development.
Oversees public relations and outreach activities related to Special Collections.
Leads long-range planning for the department and develops and promotes new and existing services.
Develops departmental goals and objectives in collaboration with Library administration.
Reviews departmental effectiveness and recommends operational improvements.
Analyzes operational strengths, weaknesses, and emerging challenges and develops both immediate and long-term solutions.
Assists Administration in preparing departmental budgets.
Maintains records and prepares reports.
Coordinates the Board's Special Collections Committee.
Oversees acquisitions, de-accessions, and collection development.
Reviews and revises Special Collections acquisition and deaccession policies.
Evaluates materials for acquisition.
Sets acquisition priorities.
Strengthens core collecting areas.
Identifies emerging collecting opportunities.
Builds relationships with booksellers, collectors, donors, and partner organizations.
Conducts complex bibliographical research.
Reviews Library collections to identify rare or significant materials appropriate for Special Collections.
Performs original and copy cataloging as needed.
Leads the preservation, stewardship, and long-term care of the Library's Special Collections.
Develops and implements preservation priorities, standards, and best practices for collection storage, handling, environmental monitoring, and access.
Provides expert guidance to Library staff regarding the preservation and conservation of library materials.
Collaborates with Facilities to monitor environmental conditions, security, storage, and preservation concerns within Special Collections spaces.
Serves as a member of the Library's Disaster Core Team and leads disaster preparedness planning, collections emergency response, and recovery training for Library staff
Maintains and updates Library’s Disaster and Preservation plans.
Promotes preventive conservation practices that ensure the long-term preservation of the Library's unique collections.
Oversees the Library's organizational archives, ensuring their long-term preservation, organization, and accessibility.
Provides expert guidance to Library staff regarding the conservation and preservation of library materials.
Serve as co-director and project manager for Rhode Island's participation in the National Digital Newspaper Program.
Serve as a key member of the Digital Collections Committee.
Work closely with the digital collections team to support digitization initiatives and digital access.
Plans and implements exhibitions and programs.
Develops relationships with donors.
Collaborates with Advancement.
Attends professional meetings.
Makes connections that further Library goals.
Demonstrates an entrepreneurial approach to opportunities facing public libraries.

Benefits

group health, dental, and vision plans with an HRA that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible
monthly stipend if insurance is not needed
fully paid life insurance (up to $50,000)
long-term disability coverage
generous amount of paid time off, starting with 22 days (4 weeks and 2 days) annually
retirement plan with both Traditional and Roth options, offering a 5.5% company match and 100% vesting from the moment you're hired
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible
A 403(b) retirement plan with a 5.5% employer match and immediate vesting
Paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage
Generous paid time off and paid holidays
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Professional development and continuing education opportunities