Associate University Librarian for Special Collections - Cornell University Library

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Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

The Cornell University Library stands at the center of intellectual life at the university, fostering connections and knowledge that help faculty, students, staff, and researchers from around the world excel in research, scholarship, and creative expression. It supports and enhances faculty and student productivity through its extensive collections, cutting-edge services and facilities, and a deep network of digital resources.

Cornell University Library seeks a forward-looking Associate University Librarian (AUL) to enhance library-wide and user-centered special collections services. This includes ensuring that special collections are increasingly diverse and inclusive as well as accessible to the broadest possible audience. Fostering an environment of continuous innovation for the best user-experience in physical and virtual spaces is essential. Reporting directly to the University Librarian and serving as a member of the Library Executive Group, the incumbent will bring their vision and expertise to the leadership and management of the entire library with special focus on and responsibility for library-wide Special Collections and its services that support the evolving needs of the Cornell community.

The AUL will cultivate clarity and alignment to library-wide special collections by fostering a healthy workplace and leveraging the expertise and diverse resources held throughout Cornell University Library. The AUL will also provide strategic direction for advancing a mindset that balances new acquisitions with responsible stewardship of existing collections while building a more diverse and inclusive record for future generations. The AUL will enhance the Library’s reputation and strengthen its engagement and outreach with the Cornell community and beyond, representing the Library in national and international library communities.

The AUL will provide leadership to develop and implement strategies for relevant and sustainable quality user experience. The incumbent will increase the visibility of special collections. Additionally, the AUL will participate in grant-writing and play a key role in fundraising activities to advance library priorities.

This position will have direct oversight of the University Archives Program and the following three units:

• The Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell's largest repository of rare books, manuscripts, archival materials, and the home of the University Archives.
• Digitization and Conservation Services, a library-wide service dedicated to preserving and disseminating information in support of the research lifecycle.
• Catherwood Library, a comprehensive resource on labor and employment in North America which includes the Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in library or information science or other relevant discipline
• Minimum five years of relevant work experience with increasing responsibility
• Demonstrated achievement in the management of special collections or other cultural heritage, or research-oriented institution
• Proven ability to inspire, build trust, lead, and manage organizational change and to foster innovation and collaboration
• Proven ability to cultivate an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written skills for communicating complex concepts and perspectives to a wide range of constituencies
• Experience with national standards and best practices in the acquisition, processing, and long-term management of manuscript, archival, and like materials in analog and digital forms
• Proven ability to strategically steward donors

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in financial management, fundraising, and grant writing
• Record of scholarly engagement and professional service, including presentations, publications, and service to regional, national, or international organizations
• Demonstrated experience with space design and facilities management

This position is based in Ithaca, New York.

Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Relocation assistance is available.

Background: Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Its inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff imparts an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contributes creative ideas to further the University's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. In addition to the main campus in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's expansive global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus being built on Roosevelt Island in New York City. The Ithaca campus sits on 2,300 acres in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Ithaca, located roughly halfway between Manhattan and Toronto, offers a wealth of arts, culture, and activity while maintaining an eclectic college-town feel. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the multitude of rolling hills, breathtaking gorges, hiking trails, and lakes offering countless outdoor activities. The city has been named one of the top 100 places to live, a top 10 recreation city, a best green place to live, and one of the "foodiest" towns in America.

One of the leading academic research libraries in the United States, Cornell University Library is a highly valued partner in teaching, research, and learning at the university. With an operating budget of approximately $65 million and a staff of more than 350 FTE, the Library supports 2,700 faculty, 22,000 students and 94 PhD fields. Its world class collections, expert librarians, responsive services in physical and virtual library spaces inspire and nourish scholarship and learning. Cornell University Press, the first University Press in the US, has a staff of approximately 40 FTE, reports directly to the University Librarian.

Benefits: Our comprehensive Endowed benefits package includes 22 vacation days, 13 paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, and university retirement contributions (TIAA-CREF and other options). Professional travel funding is available. More information regarding Cornell’s generous benefits can be found at this link. The anticipated salary range for this position will be $150,000 - $180,000, dependent on experience.

Please include a diversity statement in your application: A description of your past, present, and/or future aspirations to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your career and/or to convey how you see these commitments continuing at Cornell. Such articulation may be a separate statement or examples may be shared in your cover letter.

Application Procedure: Candidates should apply online via the Cornell Careers site. Please submit one document that contains a cover letter, resume, diversity statement, and the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three references (pdf preferred). We will inform you if we plan to contact references. We will begin reviewing applications March 17, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

As part of the university's comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 primary vaccination or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.