Special Collections and Archival Services Librarian

Special Collections and Archival Services Librarian

The Pritzker Legal Research Center (PLRC) of Northwestern Pritzker School of Law seeks applications from highly motivated and talented individuals for the full-time position of Special Collections and Archival Services Librarian. The PLRC's special collections include archival collections such as the Supreme Court papers of Associate Justice Arthur Goldberg (JD '29, '30), over 3,000 sketches of Chicago courtroom artist Andy Austin, and a world-class rare law books and documents collection consisting of several thousand unique titles dating back to the 15^th century. More information about these collections can be found on the PLRC's Special Collections and Archives web page. The successful applicant will join an energetic and experienced library staff that provides the highest level of service and support to meet the multifaceted needs of the faculty and students of Northwestern Law and the broader research and scholarly communities. We seek someone who is creative, flexible, capable of working in a dynamic environment, and is committed to excellence.

This is a hybrid position, subject to law school and university guidelines and operational needs, that currently permits up to two remote days a week, with standard Monday-Friday business hours.

Specific duties of this position include the following:

• Manages and curates the PLRC's rare books, documents, archival, and other special collections; develops strategies for development and promotion of the collections; works to ensure that the value of the collections as a research and scholarly resource to both internal and external audiences is maximized.

• Collaborates with Collection and Bibliographic Services staff to ensure safe handling of materials and strategies for preserving damaged or at-risk items. Collaborates with Law Facilities to monitor and advise on the climate and security conditions of Special Collections spaces.

• Responds to Special Collections-related reference, research, and digitization requests (including obtaining any required patron-signed usage limits) and maintains statistics for the same.

• Coordinates and curates physical and digital exhibits; helps identify relevant materials and develops and implements strategies for large-scale digitization projects using Special Collections and related materials in all formats; collaborates with relevant entities to ensure that the highest standards are used to select, process, and digitize materials.

• Collaborates with PLRC, Law School, and University Archives staff to identify, manage and preserve Law School archival material.

• Coordinates the cataloging and metadata workflow for rare books and other special collections materials with the Catalog Librarian and Associate Director for Collection and Bibliographic Services.

• Collaborates with the Selection Team and the Director in the acquisition, sourcing, and negotiating for purchase of specialized materials. Includes working with the Director, the Dean's Office, and Alumni Relations and Development staff to identify fundraising opportunities to support strategic investments in specialized materials.

• Develops effective relationships with Law School faculty and staff users to help assess their instructional and research needs as pertinent to Special Collections; offers course-related, specialized education sessions when requested by individuals or groups. Collaborates with other Law School and University Departments and in the wider legal and academic community to develop outreach and promotion of Special Collections resources.

• Prepares finding aids, guides, and other instructional and research tools to enhance access to Special Collections materials.

• Networks, collaborates and actively participates in local, regional, national, or international organizations regarding related issues.

Required qualifications:

• ALA-accredited graduate degree in library science or equivalent by start date.

• Formal coursework or training in rare books, archives, analytical bibliography, and/or special collections librarianship.

• Demonstrated understanding of appropriate preservation practices for rare books and other special collections materials.

• Demonstrated experience in digitization processes and project management including knowledge of the operation and management of archival-quality digitization scanning equipment and related software.

• Familiarity with new and emerging standards and technologies relevant to the bibliographic control of digital collections, including familiarity with metadata standards.

• Reading knowledge of at least one modern non-English language, preferably French, German, Chinese or Japanese. Working familiarity with Latin and its use in 15^th through 17^th century printed works.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, prioritizing work to ensure that departmental and library goals are realized.

• Aptitude for complex, analytical work with attention to detail, demonstrated problem-solving skills, flexibility, and creativity.

• Demonstrated commitment to user-centered library service, and the ability to work flexibly and creatively in a changing and fast-paced environment with a culturally diverse population.

• Demonstrated strength in written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

  Desired qualifications:

• Additional advanced academic degree, particularly in law, literature, or history.

• Significant and demonstrated experience in an academic law library rare books and/or archives environment.

• Knowledge of early printing and the history of the book.

• Successful experience with donors in a special collections environment.

• Demonstrated innovative use of technology to advance teaching and learning with special collections materials.

• Knowledge of and/or working experience with current cataloging rules and standards, particularly for rare books.

An internal candidate has been identified and will be considered for the position alongside other qualified candidates identified through the recruitment process.

To apply, candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter explaining their interest in the position, qualifications, and relevant experience through Northwestern's online application system at the link below.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Specific inquiries can be addressed to Eric Parker, Associate Director for Collection and Bibliographic Services, at ecp278@law.northwestern.edu.

Salary and reporting
The expected annual pay for this position is $72,500 - $82,500. This base pay range is for a twelve-month academic appointment and is subject to negotiation. This position reports to the Associate Director for Collection and Bibliographic Services.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Northwestern Benefits to learn more.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

• Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link above and below).

• Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.

• All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the "Submit" button.
• Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.