Special Collections Librarian

About the role

The Golda Meir Library seeks an energetic and dedicated professional to serve as Special Collections Librarian in the Archives and Special Collections Department. Reporting to the Head of Archives and Special Collections, the role involves developing rare books and special printed materials to support UWM faculty and student research, delivering high‑impact instruction in various modalities, facilitating use of research materials by students, faculty, staff, and the public, and promoting the collections through public programming and outreach. The department’s collection strengths include the history of books and printing, book arts, art, art history, Indigenous writing and languages of North America, and LGBTQ+ studies.

Responsibilities

• Develops, curates, and manages rare book and special printed materials collections.
• Designs, develops, delivers, and assesses instruction in a variety of formats to faculty, staff, students, and other patrons.
• Cultivates and maintains productive relationships with donors, collectors, vendors, and professional colleagues.
• Serves as a liaison to academic disciplines and/or other campus units providing information on collections, instructional and research support, and library services.
• Promotes collections and services to students, faculty, and the public through engaging physical and digital exhibits, presentations, and public programs.
• Provides timely and accurate reference and research assistance as part of a team of professional staff and interns, including interacting with patrons.
• Participates in supervision and staffing of the reading room and service point.
• Participates in the training and supervision of interns and fieldworkers.
• Designs and develops projects, programs, procedures, and services.
• Resolves complex issues which may impact policies and procedures within the unit.
• Collaborates with other library departments.
• Serves on committees to advance librarianship at the campus, local, and state levels.
• Serves as a resource to other librarians and staff outside of their unit on a regular basis.
• Oversees day‑to‑day functions of one or more library operations or services.
• Develops or coordinates specialized projects or programs.
• Provides specialized services utilizing a high level of expertise on a broad range of disciplines or in a designated discipline area.
• Obtains materials, resolves issues, and answers questions that are complex and highly specialized in nature.
• May direct the day‑to‑day activities of student workers.
• Initiates and solicits input to modify policies, procedures, and assessment tools to improve workflows and/or user experiences.

Requirements

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA‑accredited institution.
• Evidence of formal coursework or training/professional development in rare books and special collections.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of professional experience working in a special collections setting.
• Evidence of coursework in literature or art history or art and design.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of best practices in library instruction.
• Demonstrated experience with collection development and collection management, including the preservation of print materials.
• Demonstrated experience with developing exhibits, public programs and other outreach activities.
• Demonstrated experience supervising student employees.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative and changing working environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Initiative in developing and implementing ideas to serve users.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to user services.

Pay

Expected salary range: $52,000–$58,000 (final offer contingent on skills, knowledge, and abilities demonstrated during the selection process).