Rare Books Librarian

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

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Position Summary

The Rare Books Librarian serves as the main contact for instruction, reference, and research utilizing the University’s Rare Books collection, housed in Pius XII Memorial Library and encompassing more than 30,000 volumes. The Rare Books collection has particular strengths in theology, philosophy, Church history, English recusant history, and works by or about Jesuits. Items of note include incunabula, including a leaf of the Gutenberg Bible; works by Athanasius Kircher; missions, travel, exploration; and the 1662 Blaeu Atlas major . Concentrated areas of expansion include artists’ books and books representing diversity in race, gender, sexuality, and perspective.

The Rare Books Librarian is responsible for creative and user-focused administration and public services, including: developing and managing the Rare Books collections; providing research assistance and instruction; working with donors and other University stakeholders; providing guidance and support on collection description; and promoting the collection through exhibits, outreach, and collaborative projects.

The Rare Books Librarian also assists the Research and Instruction unit in providing Humanities research, reference, and instruction support.

The Rare Books Librarian reports to the University Archivist and will work closely with the Distinctive Collections and Digital Services departments, including the University Archives, the Vatican Film Library, and Digital Services; and Research & Instruction Services.

Position Purpose

The Saint Louis University community relies on the expertise of the Rare Books Librarian to bring its research- and teaching-focused collections to students, faculty, staff, and external academic researchers. Particular areas of purpose for this position include diversifying and deepening our collections; developing and expanding collaborative partnerships across campus and the local region; revising existing workflows to meet institutional priorities; and supporting the research needs of researchers in the humanities.

Responsibilities of this position include:

Rare Books Public & Research Services (40%)

• Serves as the institutional point person for research, reference, and consultation of the Rare Books collection for students, faculty, staff, members of the general public, and external academic researchers
• Offers instruction and tours for graduate and undergraduate students; proactively engages University faculty to develop instructional programs and offerings
• Coordinates with faculty and staff in Digital Services for targeted digitization for reference and research projects
• Curates displays and exhibits highlighting the Rare Books collections

Planning and Administration (30%)

• Develops, maintains, and curates the Rare Books and Rare Books Reference collections through collection development activities, including making acquisitions to align the collections with institutional and instructional priorities and performing targeted deselection as appropriate
• Pursues and develops relationships with donors and other stakeholders in the community
• Determines and carries out best preservation practices for materials in the collection
• Creates and/or revises workflows, policies, and procedures to meet changing collection and campus needs
• Collaborates with Cataloging faculty to ensure accurate and appropriate description of materials
• Co-manages the Archives and Rare Books reading room with University Archives faculty and staff
• Collaborates with other library departments, including Collection Management Services, Research and Instruction, Access Services, and other Distinctive Collections and Digital Services departments
• Supervises student employees

Subject Librarian Responsibilities in the Humanities (20%)

• In collaboration with the Research and Instruction Services department, serve as a subject librarian for one or more academic departments in the humanities; These will be determined by the successful candidate’s experience and interests, and needs of the Research and Instruction Services department
• Teach interactive, curriculum-integrated information literacy instruction sessions in the classroom and online
• Create and manage digital learning objects including tutorials and other teaching materials
• Collaborate with other faculty librarians in the delivery of the SLU Libraries’ information literacy program for first-year students that is integrated into the University Core

Service, Scholarship, and Professional Development (10%)

• Serves on committees and task forces at the department, Libraries, and University level
• Participates in local, state, and national/international professional and scholarly societies and organizations

Required Qualifications

• An American Library Association-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science or international equivalent
• Motivation for continuous professional development and growth as a faculty member
• Experience with information literacy instruction and/or other relevant teaching or training experience
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member in a dynamic environment
• Excellent analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to and support for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional knowledge of or experience in Special Collections or Rare Books obtained through methods including, but not limited to, professional work experience, coursework, internships, practica, etc.
• Reading knowledge of Latin or another Romance language
• Secondary masters degree in English, History, or a related field
• Experience providing instruction and/or research services in a humanities discipline
• Experience creating engaging visual content for the public including displays, exhibits, and social media posts
• Experience supervising student employees

Items requested as part of  the  application process

1. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment 
Reflecting Jesuit values of inclusive academic excellence,  the  Libraries & Museums at Saint Louis University are committed to building a diverse and equitable workplace where members from all backgrounds can thrive. We view diversity as based on one's ability, age, gender, culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background, among other elements. Equity involves fairness, such as treating people equitably while recognizing people's needs may differ, and social justice for those marginalized in society. Inclusion means creating a welcoming environment and ensuring conditions for full and meaningful participation so that all people feel valued as members of  the  Libraries & Museums and  the  wider University community. 

Please describe in around 250 words your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how you would contribute to  the se priorities at Saint Louis University. 

2. All applications must include a cover letter addressing qualifications for  the  position, curriculum vita and three current professional references.

Function

Nonmedical Primary Appointment 12 mo.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.