New Opening: Head of Special Collections - UMKC University Libraries -
(Please excuse posting to multiple lists. Thank you)

Dynamic urban academic research library seeks innovative and
knowledgeable leader with strong public service orientation, experience
with rare book, manuscript, and sound recording collections, and
knowledge of digitization projects for the position of Head of Special
Collections at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) University
Libraries.

Leads daily operations of the Special Collections Department, which
includes the Kenneth J. La Budde Special Collections and internationally
known Marr Sound Archives.  In conjunction with the Assistant Director
for Public Services and Special Collections, formulates  the
department's strategic plan within the context of the University
Libraries' strategic plan.  Sets priorities for the collections and
their preservation, management and development of dedicated and
knowledgeable staff, and management of digital initiatives.  Works
closely with faculty, students, scholars and researchers to develop new
teaching, learning and research opportunities using the Special
Collections as an integral part of the overall library resources and
services.  Successful candidate will have an opportunity to transition
the department-staff and collections-to shared space that will be
featured in a major renovation and expansion of the Miller Nichols
Library.

The Kansas City region's rich array of cultural and academic
organizations provides established partnerships and offers many new
opportunities to partner with professional colleagues on events,
exhibits, programming, grants and digitization projects.  The successful
candidate will actively participate with UMKC library leadership in the
stewardship of established and potential donors.

The Special Collections at UMKC houses the Snyder Collection of
Americana, the Suzanne Statland Collection on Holocaust Studies, the
Richard W. Bolling Papers, the Truman Library's Student Research File,
and a number of other smaller collections. The department also offers
marvelous research opportunities in music history, especially American
music history and the history of American jazz.  The Marr Sound
Archives, a unit of the Special Collections Department, holds over
300,000 sound recordings in formats that include LPs, 78s, 45s,
cylinders, transcription discs, instantaneous cut discs and open-reel
tapes. The focus of the collection is the American experience as
reflected in recorded sound.  The UMKC University Libraries were
recently awarded a $502,000 Andrew W. Mellon grant to catalog the J.
David Goldin Collection of transcription discs.  More information about
the Special Collections can be found at
http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col/index.html.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City recognizes that a diverse
faculty, staff and student body enriches the educational experiences of
the entire campus and greater community.  To this end, UMKC is committed
to recruiting and retaining faculty, students and staff who will further
enrich our campus diversity and making every attempt to support their
academic, professional and personal success.

In a large area of green space and in Kansas City's research/cultural
corridor, the campus is located in the heart of one of America's most
affordable and attractive cities.

Required Qualifications:  Must have an ALA-accredited MLS, an additional
graduate degree preferably in history or another discipline in the
humanities or arts, and a minimum 3 years progressively responsible rare
book and manuscript experience and knowledge of digital formats and
standards.  Must have evidence of successful supervisory experience, the
ability to manage a department of eight staff, and transition the staff
and collections to a new merged space and realigned service operation.
Must have excellent analytic, problem solving skills; exceptional
interpersonal skills; strong skills in communication, both orally and in
writing; and a strong commitment to public service.  Must show evidence
of professional initiative, mature judgment; understanding of the
scholarly research environment.  Must be able to thrive in a team
setting, handle multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment, and
operate effectively in a diverse academic community.

Preferred: Grant-writing experience and successful work with donors.
Experience in the development of digital library content to support
teaching and learning.

Salary: Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience.
Minimum starting salary:  Librarian II: $45,000+; Librarian III:
$50,000+. Excellent benefits and support for professional growth
opportunities.

(For information about Librarian ranking, see:

http://www.umkc.edu/lib-council/handbook/promotion-comm/2-3-3-1PromCommA
cadStatusLibns.htm

Send letter of application, resume, names of three references to: Bonnie
Postlethwaite, Chair of Special Collections Librarian Search Committee,
University Libraries Administrative Office, University of
Missouri-Kansas City, 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110,
816-235-1531 or submit via e-mail to: umkcula@umkc.edu
<mailto:umkcula@umkc.edu>   Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must
state their current visa and residency status.  All final candidates
will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior
to beginning employment. For best consideration, applications should be
received by May 30, 2008. Application review continues until position is
filled.

UMKC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer.  Women,
minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged
to apply.

Buddy Pennington
Serial Acquisitions Librarian
University of Missouri - Kansas City
University Libraries

800 E. 51st Street

Kansas City, MO  64110

816-235-1548

UMKC University Libraries: Discovery. Knowledge. Empowerment.