Head of Special Collections and Archives

Location:
Strom Thurmond Institute, STI 122
Open Date:
Mar 8, 2023
Close Date:
Apr 8, 2023
Description:

Clemson Libraries seeks a dynamic, service-oriented, and collaborative Head of Special Collections and Archives (SC&A) to provide leadership and expertise at Clemson Libraries. The Special Collections and Archives Department includes university archives, manuscripts, artifacts, rare books, digital archives, and records management. The Head of Special Collections and Archives will be responsible for growing the collections, expanding access to Clemson’s unique resources, securing the preservation of materials, and enhancing in-person service and outreach activities. SC&A is currently building regional and nationally recognized collections in agriculture, architecture, athletics, military history, textile history, and Black life in the Upstate. The department and the Libraries are dedicated to expanding the presence and influence of historically marginalized individuals in our collections, documenting their stories, and preserving their rich histories.

This position sets the vision for the department, leads efforts in the procurement of new collections and provides oversight for the internal collections processing work of the Archives. The incumbent oversees reference and instruction efforts within the Special Collections and Archives Department, and collaborates with library colleagues, campus partners, and the Office of Development to expand and improve access to and utilization of Clemson’s special collections. Clemson Libraries recently underwent a reorganization, and the incumbent will have an opportunity to help shape the future of the department.

Clemson Libraries faculty are members of the academic community, with responsibilities in the areas of librarianship, scholarship, and service. This is a 12-month tenure-track faculty position and works under the direction of the Associate Dean for Collections and Discovery.

Responsibilities include:

• Provides leadership and directions for the strategic planning, project management, and daily operations and supervision of the department
• Leads, plans, and oversees collection management operations, accessioning, and processing for materials in all formats acquired for Special Collections and Archives. Develops, implements, and/or refines procedures related to best practices for archival processing, reference, and collection management.
• Engages in outreach and collaboration with campus and community partners in pursuit of collecting historical information and sharing knowledge. Leads efforts related to the procurement of new collections.
• Manages and coordinates operations for the department composed of approximately 13 positions, including direct supervision of faculty and staff members. Develops, supports and empowers departmental faculty and staff to conduct their work.
• Directs the efficient, appropriate, and timely expenditure of the department budget, which includes exhibit planning, supplies, student employees, and outreach. Develops budgetary recommendations and approves day-to-day expenditures.
• Provides oversight and direction for Special Collections exhibits housed in multiple campus locations.
• Provides scheduling and oversight of the Archives reference desk in order to ensure consistent support for researchers.
• Manages, coordinates, and provides oversight of instruction activities.
• Collaborates with colleagues in the Libraries to establish and refine interdepartmental workflows according to division and university priorities.
• Provides oversight for the university’s records management team.
• Cultivates and participates in donor events in collaboration with Clemson University Foundation.

Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities 

• Develops a focused program of high-quality research and creative accomplishments, consistent with professional responsibilities and the Libraries’ mission and goals.

Service

• Actively participates and demonstrates leadership in professional responsibilities that serve the Libraries, university, profession, and community.

Salary and Benefits 

Faculty rank and minimum salary of $80,000 based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. Various medical plans, dental plans, and retirement plans are available. 18 days annual leave, 15 days sick leave, 13 paid holidays, and liberal professional development leave are provided. Library faculty receive an individual stipend for travel or other professional development activity.

Location 

Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science and engineering-oriented Carnegie Research One university in a college town setting along a dynamic Southeastern corridor. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit, and a competitive drive to excel. Centrally located in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clemson is in one of the fastest-growing areas of South Carolina, and a two-hour drive from Charlotte and Atlanta.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• An ALA-accredited graduate degree in librarianship or a relevant accredited graduate degree in another scholarly field as deemed appropriate by the Libraries.
• Minimum of 3 years full-time professional experience in at least one of the department’s functional areas (special collections, university archives and records management).
• Previous management/supervisory and strategic planning experience.
• Demonstrated skills in oral and written communication and creative problem-solving.
• Demonstrated commitment to the promotion and enhancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment of collegiality, respect, trust, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience managing a special collections and/or archives unit or department in an academic or research library.
• Donor relations, collections solicitation, and gift management experience.
• A second master’s degree in History or a related field.
• Experience with developing archival collections, including the acquisition, arrangement and description of archival collections.
• Experience with processing large and complex archival collections including born digital records.
• Experience with instruction, outreach, and promoting collections and services in special collections and archives.
• Experience with digital asset management systems.
• Certified Archivist and/or Certified Records Manager

Application Instructions:

Applicants should electronically submit all applications and related materials via Interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/122292. Required materials include a cover letter, professional curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references. Applications received by April 8 will be guaranteed consideration.

Diversity Statement

Clemson University Libraries seeks to best serve our community through creating a welcoming environment in which diverse ideas and perspectives come together to achieve common goals. We are committed to the practice of inclusion as it is essential to the continued success not only of Clemson University but of the library and information science profession. We embrace Clemson’s core values of integrity, honesty, and respect, and add to those the ideals of compassion, dignity, and historical awareness so that Clemson Libraries’ staff, collections, spaces, and services inform the interest, information, and enlightenment of all who we serve.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information. Clemson University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and encourages applications from minorities and women.