Job Description
The Richard L. D. and Marjorie J. Morse Department of Special Collections at Kansas State University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Reference and Instruction Specialist. This full-time, non-tenure track faculty position will be a term appointment for the first year with a regular appointment option thereafter. It reports to the Head of Special Collections and has primary responsibility to coordinate the department’s reference and instruction services. This individual oversees daily operations of the department’s reading and seminar rooms, which serve as integral locations for people to engage with the department’s holdings. Individually and in collaboration with department and Libraries colleagues, the incumbent provides high quality customer service while assisting others with their reference and instruction needs. The incumbent also explores opportunities to improve delivery and implementation of these services through professional development and creating and updating relevant policies and procedures. This position requires effective communication skills and application of project management concepts while working with colleagues and users of special collections. Additionally, the specialist must possess excellent interpersonal skills to build and develop productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholder communities. This position has supervisory duty for 5–10 reference student employees who serve as the first point of contact for those who visit the special collections reading room at Hale Library. Relevant responsibilities include hiring, scheduling, training, approving hours worked, communicating procedures and policies, coordinating their work on special projects, and conducting regular evaluations. Further, this person compiles, analyzes, and reports departmental statistics for reference and instruction. Works with department head to assess staffing, facility, technology, and financial resource needs, and to implement plans to meet those needs.
Required Qualifications
· Baccalaureate degree.
· One year of full-time equivalent experience in a cultural heritage environment.
· Knowledge of theories and practices related to archives and libraries.
· Experience successfully supporting research in a library, archives, museum, or similar environment.
· Successful experience teaching new concepts to others.
· Successful supervisory experience and/or leading projects with peers or colleagues.
· Demonstrated project management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
· Graduate degree from an ALA-accredited program or related field.
· Graduate-level coursework in archival subjects or concentration in archival administration.
· Knowledge of laws and ethics that inform providing access to archival collections, especially in a higher education environment.
· Two or more years of experience in a cultural heritage environment.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
Benefits at Kansas State University
Benefits come in all shapes and sizes, and at Kansas State University, we recognize that one size does not fit all. That's why we offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking for stellar health care, tuition assistance or valuable retirement plans, the K-State family has you covered. We value our employees and their countless contributions, so we do our part to ensure they and their families feel right at home. Beyond offering an unmatched sense of community and inclusiveness, K-State provides employees with a variety of benefits, including health care, retirement options, discounted event tickets and much more.
Health insurance
In partnership with the State of Kansas, we offer health insurance benefits for you and your family's needs. You are able to select from a variety of medical insurance plans, including prescription, dental and vision. Learn more.
Retirement plans
Kansas State University offers two mandatory retirement plans to assist you in preparing you for your future. Employees may also contribute to a variety of voluntary retirement plans to supplement their retirement savings.
Time off
We recognize that your life is made up of many pieces. You value your time with friends and family, wellness, spirituality, relaxation and, of course, your work life. Kansas State University seeks to support your work life balance by providing a rich leave program. Full-time employees earn eight hours of vacation leave every pay period. Learn more.
Tuition assistance
Kansas State University values continuing education for its employees. The University provides a tuition assistance program to all full-time, benefits-eligible employees to assist with their education goals. A spouse and dependent grant is also available for eligible employees.
Additional Info & Requirements
For best consideration, apply by January 5, 2024. Submit application through the Kansas State University Careers website including a cover letter and CV.
The Community
Kansas State University employees take pride in making a difference in nearly 21,000 lives at the nation's first operational land-grant university. In fact, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities recently designated K-State as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. As the Princeton Review's No. 1 university in the nation for quality of life, K-State also takes pride in its employees. K-State was ranked No. 3 in Forbes - America's Best Employers by State and we are the top employer for higher ed in the state.
Of course, our employees also are members of the Manhattan community, Livability.com's #16 place to live in the nation, featuring eclectic restaurants, a treasure trove of shopping and, of course, plenty of purple.
Links
External Job Ad
https://lib.k-state.edu/about/careers/
HR Info
Marcia Brock
libhr@ksu.edu