Associate Dean for Special Collections - University of Arkansas Libraries

The University of Arkansas Libraries has exclusively retained Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) to find the winning candidate for this important position. Interested candidates should provide a CV and 2-page cover letter (details below) to Amy Morse (amy@jackfarrell.com). Thank you.

The University of Arkansas, a Research 1 institution, and the flagship campus for the state, is seeking an Associate Dean for Special Collections to join its Libraries team and help advance the University’s mission as a public land-grant institution. The University and the Libraries are experiencing much growth and are thriving, along with the Northwest Arkansas area.  The Libraries are contributing to the University’s strategic plan in creating a culture of student success, research excellence, and an employer of choice.  Special Collections is very much a part of this initiative, and the Associate Dean will have opportunities through its dedicated spaces undoing a major renovation.

Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, the Associate Dean for Special Collections will play a critical role in supporting the evolution of a 21st century research library at the University. As a member of the Libraries’ Administrative Group, the Associate Dean works collaboratively to develop and achieve the Libraries’ strategic goals. In addition, the Associate Dean will provide leadership for organizational assessment efforts for the Libraries.

The Associate Dean will lead the Special Collections division, which is comprised of manuscript collections, rare books, architecture collections, and University Archives, in the development of strategic plans, generate national and international interest in the collections, and will work collaboratively with other organizations in the nation to enhance the availability of archived materials. The winning candidate will lead a team of 5 faculty and 10 staff. 

Primary responsibilities include articulating a strategic focus to achieve the Division’s and Libraries’ goals and priorities; anticipating, initiating, and responding to changes in the academic programs and the University environment; structuring the collections to meet the information needs of the University; and ensuring that the Division maintains a strong commitment to excellent customer service. The Associate Dean also facilitates the integration of research and teaching through collaborations with University departments and programs, collaborates with colleagues to advance digital initiatives, actively contributes to library-wide planning and efforts, and represents the Libraries in relevant local, regional, national, and international organizations. This position is based in the University Libraries on the Fayetteville, Arkansas campus.  Relocation assistance is available. 

Responsibilities of this position include research, creative work, and service in keeping with the faculty requirements of the University of Arkansas.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Minimum Qualifications (education and experience only):

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program; OR an archival certification and a graduate degree in an appropriate discipline such as history, public policy, political science, or a related field
• Minimum of seven years experience in an academic or research library, archives, or major historical society
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible supervisory experience managing staff and/or faculty with proven knowledge of archival management best practices
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage complex projects
• Sufficient performance, scholarship, and service to be recommended for appointment with tenure at either Associate Librarian or Librarian rank
• Preferred Qualifications (education and experience only): 

   

  · Both a master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program and a graduate degree in history, public policy, political science, or related field

   

  · Demonstrated success in supporting supervisees or team members to thrive and grow professionally

   

  · Proven ability to provide leadership in a complex organization, including budget management, and planning

   

  · Demonstrated success in donor relations, collection solicitation, and fundraising

   

  · Combination of relevant collection development and management experience with rare books and/or manuscript collections

   

  · Experience with writing and administering grants

   

• Knowledge of accepted preservation methodologies including both analog and digital materials
• · Proven ability to actively maintain engagement with stakeholder communities in support of archival collection development, promotion, and accessibility

   

  · Familiarity with exhibit curation and design of both physical and digital exhibitions

   

• Demonstrated success in reinforcing and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collegially as a member of a team
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to effective public service and ability to work with diverse constituents
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically
• Demonstrated understanding of, and receptiveness to, emerging technologies and trends in archives and special collections
• Rank and Salary

   

  Tenure-track or tenured, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Librarian / Associate Professor or Librarian / Professor.  Salary range $120,000-$125,000 commensurate with education and experience.

   

  Benefits

   

  Relocation allowance available. Benefits include $5,000 start-up research funding, TIAA or Fidelity Investments, 22 days of annual leave, tuition reduction, and health insurance.

   

  
  Additional Information:

   

  University Libraries:
  The University Libraries share the stewardship of the University’s goals and take responsibility for the health of the research and teaching collections and programs that further support the academic mission. The University Libraries are comprised of Mullins Library and three branch libraries: Chemistry and Biochemistry, Fine Arts, and Physics, as well as two off-site facilities including an architecturally unique climate and humidity controlled 27,000 sq. ft. high density storage facility. For more information, visit the Libraries’ home page (https://libraries.uark.edu).

   

  The Special Collection library is housed in Mullins Library and will complete a total renovation in summer 2024. This transformation will allow Special Collections to better support the preservation of its unique material, facilitate instruction and use of the collection, and allow for ample space to exhibit items for public viewing.
   
  Values of the University Libraries:  
  The University of Arkansas Libraries aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
   
  Enriching campus diversity and inclusion is a guiding principle at the University of Arkansas. The University of Arkansas Libraries asserts that the responsibility for creating, supporting, and maintaining an inclusive workplace belongs to all of us. We can strengthen our culture and organization by approaching each other and our work with intentional goodwill, honesty, empathy, and trust as we encourage others to hold themselves and each other accountable to do the same.
   
  We are committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. For more information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion and the University Libraries, please visit our website at https://libraries.uark.edu/diversity/.

   

   

   

  Application Materials:

   

  Please see below regarding what is required of applicants. Candidates who received international degrees in library and information science not accredited by ALA will need to submit the foreign credential evaluation determination.

   

  
  The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The university welcomes applications without regard to race/color, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. 

   

  Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

   

  NOTE: The University of Arkansas Libraries has exclusively retained Jack Farrell & Associates (www.jackfarrell.com) to find the winning candidate for this important position. Interested candidates should provide a CV and 2-page cover by email to Amy Morse (amy@jackfarrell.com). The cover letter should address: 1) why am I interested?, 2) how am I qualified?, and 3) what might the Special Collections unit look like in several years under my stewardship? Thank you.  JO 202309071