Job Description
The McGoogan Library of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, NE, seeks an innovative and collaborative Head of Special Collections and Archives to join a team of faculty and staff. Through this recruitment, the library is looking for an experienced, dynamic, visionary individual who can lead a growing and active Special Collections and Archives Department. The McGoogan Library is undergoing an extensive renovation that will serve as a hub for wellness, learning, and scholarship. The Special Collections and Archives Department is serving a lead role in the gallery and digital exhibit space of the Wigton Heritage Center, which starts construction in June 2019.
The Head of Special Collections and Archives will manage, coordinate, and oversee the department’s public service and outreach programs, collection development, technical processing, digital stewardship, and collection access. This position will oversee all exhibits and related programming of the Wigton Heritage Center. Working with the Director of the Library, the successful candidate will build donor interest and participation in the library’s Special Collections and Archives. As a member of the library’s leadership team, the Head of Special Collections and Archives is responsible for communicating a vision, setting and communicating priorities, collaborating with other library and UNMC departments, and developing strategies to move the library and department forward. The Head of Special Collections and Archives will also manage a budget for rare book acquisitions and other expenses.
The ideal candidate will have:
- deep understanding of the nature of special collections and archives and their connection to the University’s mission;
- ability to effectively partner with the Library’s Director and UNMC Foundation staff to help raise funds for the Library and Wigton Heritage Center and its projects;
- established record of writing successful grants;
- expertise in one or more of the following: rare books, archives, born-digital materials, exhibitions;
- demonstrated planning, decision making, and problem-solving skills;
- current knowledge of legal, ethical, and copyright issues related to managing special collections and archives;
- experience cultivating relationships with faculty;
- experience conducting outreach or advocating on behalf of the library; and
- enthusiasm for working in an academic health sciences environment.
Faculty participate in campus service and receive support to pursue professional development. This is not a tenure-leading faculty position, but all faculty may elect to pursue tenure or promotion. An ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science, or a graduate degree in archival studies, history, or a related field with library or archives experience is required. Please see the position description for more information on requirements. Minimum salary is $70,000 per year. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment and welcome diverse applicants including those who are traditionally underrepresented in special collections and archives.
About McGoogan Library of Medicine
The McGoogan Library of Medicine, as one of the nation’s major health science libraries, serves the information needs of UNMC students, faculty, and staff, as well as licensed Nebraska health professionals and residents of Nebraska. The library provides timely access to high quality collections of print and electronic materials, develops applications of information technology, promotes the development of information management skills that support lifelong learning, and promotes networking and the integration of information. The library is part of the University of Nebraska Consortium of Libraries (UNCL).
The Special Collections and Archives work in support of the information, instruction, and research needs of UNMC students, faculty and staff, as well as visiting researchers and the public. The collections are composed of rare and unique documentary materials created and accumulated by UNMC and its constituent members, as well as from individuals and organizations external to the medical center, throughout the state of Nebraska.
Various collections include rare books, University archives, history of health sciences in Nebraska, 20th century history of health sciences reference, artifacts, and artwork. Areas of active collecting include rare books and university archives; secondary areas include artifacts and artwork.
The library will undergo an extensive renovation starting in June 2019. The library will feature dedicated spaces for archives, artifacts, art, a room featuring Nebraska history and history of medicine books, dedicated space for researchers, and two rare book rooms. https://www.unmc.edu/library/about/renofaq.html
About Wigton Heritage Center
The Wigton Heritage Center will serve as a welcome and campus history center that will highlight the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s unique heritage. The 10,000-square-foot Wigton Heritage Center will celebrate UNMC’s history and history of the health sciences in Nebraska through the gallery and digital exhibit space; highlight the McGoogan Library’s special collections, artifacts, archives and rare books. The Wigton Heritage Center will expose University Hospital’s historic façade and iconic columns within a planned atrium that will serve as a welcoming space for alumni, visitors, new and prospective students, and others. https://blog.unmc.edu/ccc/wigton-heritage-center/
About UNMC
As Nebraska’s only public academic health sciences center, UNMC is committed to the education of a 21st century health care work force, to finding cures and treatments for devastating diseases, to providing the best care for patients, and to serving our state and its communities through award-winning outreach. The Nebraska Medicine system, anchored by Nebraska Medical Center, a tertiary/quaternary academic medical center on the UNMC campus, offers 39 specialty and primary care clinics and 50 specialties and subspecialties. Each of our five UNMC campus sites is its own community, connected to a greater community.
Additional Info & Requirements
- Demonstrated knowledge of current principles, best practices and standards of book and archival collections in an academic library environment
- Excellent interpersonal skills; evidence of strong written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated experience managing an exhibits program
- Successful record of experience in employee development, change management and team building, including a demonstrated commitment to building and supporting a diverse and inclusive library faculty and staff
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project planning and management, implementing and assessing program services
The Community
Currently the 42nd largest city in the United States, the Omaha metropolitan area is home to over 900,000 people who welcome visitors with open arms and authentic Midwestern hospitality. Founded in 1854, the city of Omaha has always been a dynamic, energetic city continually transforming itself. In our livable, right-sized city, you will find everything you might be looking for, including:
- Cultural, entertainment, and sporting venues,
- Lakes and rivers for fishing, sailing, and kayaking,
- A well-developed trail system for runners, bikers, and hikers,
- Gardens, greenspaces, and farm-to-table growers,
- A dynamic and notable restaurant scene,
- An amazing network of makers and inventors, and
- Thriving academic and professional communities.
The Omaha metropolitan area offers a variety of excellent K-12 educational options and is a great place to raise a family. Omaha is within easy driving distance from Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, and Minneapolis, and is home to a convenient regional airport.
HR Info
Emily McElroy at emily.mcelroy@unmc.edu
Application
UNMC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment, where everyone feels valued, respected and included. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Review of applications will begin as received. Priority consideration will be given to those submitting applications by June 10, 2019; applications will be accepted until position is filled. To apply http://unmc.peopleadmin.com/postings/44635
UNMC does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.