Team Lead/Faculty Director of Rare and Distinctive Collections

University of Colorado Boulder Libraries

Job Announcement

Team Lead/Faculty Director of Rare and Distinctive Collections

The University of Colorado Boulder seeks a collaborative, reflective, and innovative individual to serve as Team Lead/Faculty Director of Rare and Distinctive Collections. This team consists of three sections: Research Services, Instruction and Outreach, and Collections. This position serves a critical role in the research and teaching mission of the University, ensuring the development of and ongoing access to many of the Libraries' unique and distinct collections for use by students, faculty, and researchers. This tenure-track position provides inclusive leadership and guidance for Rare and Distinctive Collections, which include archival, government information, maps, and rare books collections. They establish strategic priorities for collections-related initiatives and projects, in collaboration with stakeholders within the libraries, across campus, in the community, and throughout the CU system.

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Mission

We are a knowledge catalyst. We fuel inquiry, discovery, collaboration, creation, and the dissemination of knowledge. We welcome everyone, wherever they are on their educational journey.

Vision

An information-empowered world.

Values

Empower | Connect | Learn | Inspire

Our values define our interactions within the Libraries and radiate outwardly. This means that we develop a culture that compassionately and authentically embodies our values in all aspects of our work.

Diversity Statement

We affirm diversity and inclusive excellence to be vitally integral to the Libraries’ mission and vision. We strive to model this in recruitment and retention, building collections, and offering services and spaces to develop a receptive social, intellectual, and physical environment for all. Learn more about our dedication to diversity and inclusivity.

The University Libraries encourages applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that person may be one who comes from a less traditional background. As you review the qualifications, please think about how your qualifications are transferable if (at first) they do not seem directly related. Share how your skills translate in your cover letter. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications described.

What You Should Know

All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement. New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.

As part of the University of Colorado Boulder’s deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the campus has implemented a reference check pilot program with respect to final candidates for tenured faculty appointments. The reference check pilot program is intended to allow CU Boulder to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination – before making hiring decisions. All final candidates for tenured faculty appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

What We Can Offer

The successful candidate will be appointed as full-time (12 month) tenure track faculty member. Rank will depend upon professional experience. The salary range is $90,000-$105,000. Relocation assistance is available for those who qualify.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be dynamic. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and champion an environment of diversity, respect and inclusion.
• Master’s degree from an ALA accredited program in library and information science (MLIS), or an MA or PhD in History, Archival Studies, or Public History with related coursework and/or professional experience.
• 3 or more years of working in (e.g. collection management, outreach and engagement, instruction, and/or research services) one or more areas of focus for Rare and Distinctive Collections (archives, government information, maps, and/or rare books), with articulated interest in the other areas
• 2 or more years of supervisory experience, with demonstrated success in promoting teamwork, collaboration, and support for professional growth.
• Record of professional service and scholarly or creative work.

What You Will Need

• Experience with building and maintaining effective partnerships with multiple libraries and community stakeholders for rare and distinctive collections
• Experience cultivating and supporting donor and other fundraising relationships.
• Experience writing, implementing, and/or coordinating grants.
• Experience assessing and supporting the physical and digital needs of collections.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Experience leading or contributing to strategic planning initiatives.
• Experience cultivating community relationships to support engagement with collections.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• A cover letter of application specifically addressing qualifications for the position.
• CV/Resume.
• Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
  • This should be a brief (1-2 pages) discussion of your vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion relating to the responsibilities of this position and within the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries in general. (The Libraries’ Commitment to Diversity and Inclusive Excellence is available online here. The CU Boulder Campus Definition of Inclusive Excellence is here.) This statement could include a statement of values, relevant information about one’s background and experiences, ideas for serving a diverse campus community, particularly in libraries, or plans for bringing new points of view to your librarianship, research and service. Be as specific as possible.

References will be requested at a later stage in the process.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. It is recommended that applications be submitted by January 8th, 2023 in order to receive full consideration.

Questions may be directed to George Karpoff, Search Coordinator, at George.Karpoff@Colorado.EDU.

The full position description can be viewed at https://www.colorado.edu/libraries/jobs-and-opportunities.

Direct Link to Apply: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=44775 

The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and, when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

About the University, Libraries and Rare and Distinctive Collections:

As the flagship University of a multi-campus system in the State of Colorado, CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners situated on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU)—and the only member in the Rocky Mountain region—we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.

CU Boulder is committed to Colorado communities through collaborative research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Our faculty, staff and students work with the broader community to establish unique connections that have lasting outcomes—both across Colorado and around the world. Today, with our sights set on becoming the standard for the great comprehensive public research universities of the new century, we strive to serve the people of Colorado and to engage with the world through excellence in our teaching, research, creative work, and service. The University Libraries faculty and staff are diverse, talented, and passionate people who share this vision and mission. Librarians participate at all levels of the campus and hold full faculty status and rank. The Libraries, a member of the Association of Research Libraries, holds the largest collection in the Rocky Mountain region with over 12 million books, periodicals, government publications, audiovisual materials, microforms, maps, manuscripts, papers and computer-based resources. The Libraries faculty and staff collaborate internally, with colleagues beyond the campus, and with our clients to advance information literacy, intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, the disciplinary growth of information, and the amplification of knowledge.

The University Libraries Rare and Distinctive Collections collects, preserves, and makes accessible to the public unique materials documenting the university, Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain West, as well as other collecting foci. RaD consists of four collecting areas: Archives, Government Information, Map Collection, and Rare Books. The Archives was founded in 1918 and stewards more than 1,800 archival collections and 50,000 linear feet of primary source materials, documenting university history and other collecting areas. The Government Information Collection acts as the regional depository of government documents for the state of Colorado. The Map Collection contains general and thematic maps, atlases, and related reference materials, focused on Boulder, Colorado, and the American West. Rare Books was founded in 1963 and houses rare printed materials and contemporary artistic works in support of research and teaching in the arts, humanities, and sciences.

About Boulder, Colorado:

Boulder and the surrounding area is known as one of the best places to live because of its spectacular setting, acres of open space, and vibrant atmosphere. At 5,430 feet above sea level, acres of vast open space entwine into Boulder's cityscape nestled into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Home to approximately 90,000 residents, Boulder has a mild, dry climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Boulder offers activities for every interest. In 2021, the Boulder City Council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s Racial Equity Plan, a document that puts forth the city’s commitment to change with actions and measurable outcomes to advancing racial equity, while facing its history and policies that have impacted people of color. Penfield Tate II, the City of Boulder’s first Black mayor elected in 1974 is quoted as saying, “The measure of a great city and a great country is not the size of its greenbelt but how it treats its people.”

Please see CU’s Systemwide Lands Recognition Statement, arrived at after connecting with Native American groups on all CU campuses, as well as with campus chief diversity officers, chancellors and system leadership: https://president.cu.edu/statements/cu-systemwide-lands-recognition-statement.

Team Lead/Faculty Director of Rare and Distinctive Collections

Position Description

The Team Lead/Faculty Director for Rare and Distinctive Collections (RaD), reporting to the Associate Dean, manages a team of 9 faculty librarians and 8 staff supporting RaD’s collecting areas of archives, government information, maps and rare books. This team consists of three sections, Research Services, Instruction and Outreach, and Collections. This position serves a critical role in the research and teaching mission of the University, ensuring the development and ongoing access to many of the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries' unique and distinct collections for use by students, faculty, and researchers. They lead and coordinate grants; manage budgets, donor and other fundraising relationships supporting RaD’s collecting areas and operations; cultivate community engagement with RaD’s collection; and lead the team’s strategic vision. They also serve as a member of the Deans’ Advisory Committee; participate in Libraries-wide strategic planning; oversee the planning and development of RaD’s policies and practices for digital initiatives, collection management and development, services, etc.; provide leadership in developing, coordinating, and fulfilling all aspects of RaD team goals and objectives, as well as policies and practices; lead and advocate for the need of RaD within the Libraries and university; and maintain liaisons with other Libraries teams. 

Responsibilities

• Provide responsive and inclusive leadership to lead all aspects of the operations of Rare and Distinctive Collections (RaD).

• Participate collaboratively with the Success and Engagement Strategies chapter to help implement and articulate the vision and strategic direction of the chapter.

• Create and articulate a strategic vision for RaD in alignment with organizational priorities and ensure that this vision is integrated into the operations of the team.

• Fosters a diverse and inclusive environment that supports the Libraries as an organization that supports mission and values to Include, Empower, Connect, Learn, and Inspire, with emphasis on sustained action and cultural transformation

• Advocate for and support the financial and material needs of the RaD and University Libraries.

• Support and coordinate grants involving members of the Rare and Distinctive Collections Team.

• Lead the cultivation and coordination of donor and other fundraising relationships supporting RaD’s collecting areas and operations.

• Cultivate relationships and collaborate with Libraries, campus, and community stakeholders with vested interests in RaD. This should include, but is not limited to, the existing collaborations and partnerships with the CU Art Museum, CU Natural History Museum, CU Heritage Center, American Music Research Center, and Program in Jewish Studies.

• Promote a customer service-oriented climate for RaD’s collections, services, and operations.

• Monitor and evaluate for implementation emerging trends in physical and digital access to, as well as changing professional best practices for, RaD’s collecting areas.

• Play a key role in library and campus strategic planning related to storage of and access to rare and distinctive materials.

• Coordinate, promote, and support access to RaD’s collections, in collaboration with appropriate RaD team members and other Libraries units.

• Foster an environment for innovative teaching through engagement with primary source materials.

• Maintain a consistent record of significant scholarship/research and/or creative work and professional service.