Special Collections Research Librarian

The Fairfield Museum & History Center is a vibrant center of community life that welcomes more than 34,000 annual visitors. As a dynamic public forum, we believe in the power of art and humanities to inspire the imagination, stimulate ideas, and build a better society. Our mission is to inspire civic engagement by celebrating the diverse history of our region and its people. The Museum’s Research Library is among the best resources for Connecticut history, widely used by students, scholars, and researchers. It is home to the Collier Collection of Connecticut History with books and research materials covering all aspects of state history. The archives include more than 200 unique manuscript collections of family, business, and organizations related to Fairfield and its region. The Library participates in statewide digital initiatives including Connecticut Collections and the Connecticut Digital Archive.

Responsibilities

• Oversee public access to Fairfield Museum’s Special Collections holdings as well as provide research assistance to Library users in person, by telephone, and online.
• Assist with the development of Library programs in partnership with Deputy Director for Programs that engage new audiences.
• Implement a collection development policy to keep the library collections current in local, regional, and state history resources.
• Identify opportunities to integrate new and evolving technologies to digitize collections and finding aids, and increase accessibility of Library resources.
• Oversee Library space utilization and preservation planning.
• Manage the organization and bibliographic control of public catalog data. Upload catalog data to the KOHA system.
• Actively participate in academic, museum, and humanities professional organizations to promote the Fairfield Museum’s Library as a prominent resource.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in history or library science.
• 3-5 years of relevant and progressive work experience.
• Knowledge of library digitization standards and an interest in Connecticut history.
• Experience with the organization, description, and cataloging of archival materials.
• Knowledge and experience with current digital standards.
• Knowledge of American and Connecticut history.
• Familiarity with genealogical research and resources.
• Familiarity with new and evolving technologies to increase accessibility of Library resources.
• Knowledge of professional standards for library reference and research services.
• Ability to work independently with creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Work Conditions

• Ability to lift, carry, and bend while handling boxes or volumes weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to climb and reach using stepstools and ladders.
• Operate basic office equipment.
• Occasional exposure to dust and other allergens.

All Fairfield Museum employees are required to undergo a criminal background check and must be eligible to work in the U.S.