Music Ensemble Librarian

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

About The Position

The Mead Witter School of Music seeks a Music Ensemble Librarian to manage four libraries serving its large performing ensembles: Orchestral, Choral, Wind, and Jazz. The position oversees music acquisition, rentals, licensing, library operations, student supervision, and systems and organizational maintenance in support of the ensembles. The librarian manages music purchasing, rentals, licensing, and copyright compliance; tracks rental materials and returns them promptly after performances; and ensures musical markings and bowings are transferred to all parts before distribution. The position maintains ensemble library databases, including the audition excerpt database, and enters purchased music into cloud-based storage. It also develops and maintains systems for electronic and physical work records and production and program information used by the production team and conductors. The role assists with hiring, training, and coordinating student staff, and manages student music librarians who prepare, organize, distribute, and collect performance materials. Additional duties include preparing reports for music listening agencies, answering music-related questions, maintaining departmental budgets, ordering inventory, acquiring music and commercial recordings, supporting daily broadcasts, and maintaining the music database and playlists in collaboration with music hosts. This is a 12-month position at 58% FTE, approximately 23.20 hours per week. The expected starting salary is $51,000 for 12 months, prorated for the part-time schedule, with the possibility of higher pay for highly qualified candidates. The department offers generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurance and savings accounts; and retirement benefits.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of performance practices, musical terminology, foreign languages, music theory, orchestration, transposition, and repertoire.
Familiarity with music publishing, licensing, and copyright laws.
Music library research skills and understanding of standard reference resources.
Extraordinary attention to detail and strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines.
Ability to build strong relationships and work successfully with faculty, staff, and students in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
Good customer service skills and verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with a professional orchestra.
Previous experience supervising students in an academic environment.
Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage purchasing, rentals, and licensing of music for large ensembles.
Oversee the Orchestral, Choral, Wind, and Jazz Ensemble libraries.
Acquire music through purchase or rental and ensure licensing, rental, and copyright compliance.
Track rental pieces and return them promptly after performances.
Ensure markings and bowings are transferred to every part before materials are distributed.
Maintain ensemble library databases, including the audition excerpt database, and enter purchased music into cloud-based storage.
Develop and maintain organizational systems for electronic and physical records in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Create and maintain production and program information infrastructure for the production team and conductors.
Assist with hiring, training, and activities of student staff supporting office functions.
Manage student music librarians who secure, prepare, organize, distribute, and collect performance materials for large ensembles.
Prepare required reports for music listening agencies.
Serve as a staff and listener resource for music-related questions.
Maintain departmental budgets and assist with ordering inventory.
Work with publishers, composers, and other libraries to acquire music for ensemble performances.
Oversee music department needs for daily broadcasts.
Acquire commercial music recordings for broadcast.
Maintain the music database, including overseeing music playlists in collaboration with music hosts.