Career and Education

The Rare Books & Manuscripts Librarian to catalog rare books and process manuscript collections, will be involved in all aspects of cataloging and manuscript processing, including original cataloging; accessioning, arranging and describing manuscript collections and creating descriptive metadata such as finding aids and catalog records as needed. The Rare Books & Manuscripts Librarian also works with the University Archivist and a varying number of student assistants to develop, document and implement workflows that will improve access to complex archives and collections of manuscripts in order to increase the value of these materials to research, teaching and learning. This position will report to the Head of the Department of Steward & Sustain.

The Rare Books & Manuscripts Librarian will catalog and process books, manuscripts, and ephemera following national standards for cataloging & archival description, e.g. Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS); develops workflows and procedures for accessioning, processing, and managing collections in a variety of formats in accordance with accepted archival standards, the unique needs of Miami University Libraries and minimal processing techniques (MPLP); participate in collection development; participate in Special Collections & University Archives public services, including reference, instruction, donor relations, outreach and exhibitions; collaborate with the Preservation Librarian in the preservation assessment of collections and in the selection of materials for preservation and conservation treatment.

A graduate degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited institution; formal coursework, training and/or experience in rare books, special collections librarianship, Archives, manuscript processing; training and/or experience providing instruction in primary resources, special collections and/or archives; strong commitment to high quality public service in a customer service oriented environment; familiarity with archival best practices for appraisal, arrangement, and description, and with national archival standards including EAD and DACS, gained through coursework or hands-on experience. Ability to meet the Miami University continuing contract and promotion requirements http://www.lib.miamioh.edu/about/larps.pdf. Appointment as Associate Librarian requires an established record of service and scholarship as described in these requirements.

Position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Consideration may be given to candidates with experience in reading room supervision, research services, and instruction in a special collections or archives setting; demonstrated knowledge of current archival theory, practice, and national and international standards and best practices that govern the arrangement and description of primary source materials; training and/or experience cataloging rare books and/or other special collections materials using Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Books and relevant specialized thesauri; experience developing processing plans and creating EAD finding aids; knowledge of archive management software (ArchivesSpace, Archon, Archivists’ Toolkit, or similar); demonstrated ability to manage projects and meet deadlines; a second master’s in a relevant academic discipline; commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment and workplace; commitment to professional growth.

Submit cover letter to address how you meet the required and other qualifications listed and curriculum vitae). Inquiries may be directed to William Modrow at modrowwm@miamioh.edu.