Head, Art Library

University of Iowa LibrariesHead, Art Library

The Libraries intends to hire for one position at either the Specialist Librarian classification, requisition #21001747, or Expert Librarian, requisition #21001748, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your cover letter the position you wish to be considered for or indicate both.

The University of Iowa Libraries seeks an innovative and service-oriented librarian to serve as Head, Art Library. Under the general direction of an Associate University Librarian, the Head administers the Art Library and serves as liaison to the School of Art and Art History (SAAH) and the Stanley Museum of Art (SMA).

The Art Library holds around 160,000 books, journals, and video recordings on the creation and study of the visual arts from cave painting to 3D animation. Particularly strong collections of interest to studio artists and art historians include: printmaking, painting and drawing, ceramics, design, photography, intermedia, African arts, the Renaissance, Dada, and modern and contemporary art. The 11,500 sq ft library is on the second floor of Art Building West, designed by architect Steven Holl.

The School of Art & Art History provides a creative, multidisciplinary environment for students of the studio arts, the history of art, and art education. The SAAH has two Divisions: the Art History Division and the Studio Art Division. Within the Studio Division, there are programs for Ceramics, 3D Design, Graphic Design, Intermedia, Jewelry and Metal Arts, Painting & Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.

Specific Duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a vision for the Art Library that supports the SAAH’s vision for education, research, creative work, and service in studio art and art history.
• Provide liaison services for the SAAH and SMA including reference, research, instruction, scholarly communications, digital initiatives, and related responsibilities.
• Assist undergraduate and graduate students in the use and critical evaluation of information resources and information management skills.
• Collect, manage, and maintain art and art history resources in all formats.
• Supervise 1 support staff and various student employees.
• Oversee the day-to day-operations of the Art Library including space planning, staffing and services such as reference, circulation, document delivery and reserves.
• Support Assistant University Librarian for Advancement with donor relations regarding the Art Library.
• Participate in GLAM (gallery, libraries, archives, and museums) initiatives on campus.
• Interact with appropriate Main Library personnel, Physical Plant Maintenance staff, and SAAH staff to maintain facilities and equipment for the use, preservation, and conservation of materials in the Art Library.
• Participate in and contribute to relevant library and University-wide activities and committees
• Contribute to the profession through service, research, publishing, and/or teaching.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree from an ALA accredited Library Science program
• Degree in an art-related field
• For the Specialist Librarian level: minimum three years post-MLS relevant professional experience in an academic/research library
• For the Expert Librarian level: minimum six years post-MLS relevant professional experience in an academic/research library
• Experience in academic library reference and instruction
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, and collaboration are essential
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in an academic environment, workplace setting, and/or community
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Professional engagement at regional or national level

 Desired:

• Advanced Degree in an art-related field
• Collection development experience
• Supervisory experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of or experience with emerging trends in librarianship
• Evidence of competence in managing change in complex environments
• Working experience with digital humanities research tools and approaches related to disciplines in the arts

The University of Iowa Libraries system consists of the Main Library, the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, and libraries for art, music, engineering, business and sciences. The UI Libraries has more than 5.7 million volumes including thousands of electronic resources. We coordinate the development and maintenance of the University’s locally created open access digital resources including the Iowa Digital Library, featuring close to a million digitized texts, images, and audio and video recordings, as well as Iowa Research Online, our institutional repository. A department of the libraries, The Digital Scholarship & Publishing Studio collaborates with faculty and graduate students on the digital design, implementation, and circulation of their research, with a focus on digital humanities and the arts. Our Special Collections include over 250,000 rare books, ranging in age from the 15th century to newly created artists’ books, as well as 4.7 miles of manuscripts. We also host the Greater Midwestern Regional Library of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine.

The University of Iowa Libraries is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Association of Research Libraries and a variety of other regional and national collaboratives focused on information services at scale. The Libraries provides a program of support for professional development activities and its staff members are actively engaged in national cooperative efforts. The Libraries are a founding member of the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Diversity Alliance.

Application Details:

To apply for the position: http://p.rfer.us/UIOWAx0I7BV Applications are only accepted through the Jobs@UIOWA website. In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter that clearly addressed how they meet the qualifications of this position. Be sure to mark the documents as a "Relevant File" to the submission when completing the application. The Libraries will be filling this position at one of two levels. The Specialist Librarian classification salary range is $52,500 - $65,000, and the Expert Librarian classification salary range is $55,000 - $85,000. You must indicate in your cover letter the level of classification (Specialist Librarian and/or Expert Librarian) you wish to be considered for or indicate both. See required qualifications for additional information. This position will be posted through at least April 12, 2021, and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and degree verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. 

Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.

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