Assistant Librarian – Rare Books – Texas Tech University Libraries

Assistant Librarian – Rare Books
Texas Tech University Libraries

Position Description
Performs complex professional and administrative functions in the operations of a specialized section in the library; must cooperate and function as part of a team to provide services to all library users. This is an entry-level rank assigned to those beginning their professional careers or those, who upon appointment, do not meet the criteria of Associate Librarian. Under the direction of the department head for Rare Books, the Rare Books Librarian acquires, catalogs, maintains, and promotes the Library’s collection of rare and special items (primarily monographs) by working cooperatively with designated staff. Work is performed under general supervision with latitude for individual initiative and judgment. Evaluation is based upon the accomplishment of defined objectives.

About the Department and/or College
Ranked among the top third of academic research libraries nationally, Texas Tech University Libraries serve as vital partner with students and faculty in their learning endeavors. The University Libraries’ system is comprised of: (1) University Library, (2) Southwest Collection/ Special Collections Library, and the (3) Architecture Library. The University Library is a patent and trademark depository and is one of two regional depositories for U.S. government documents in Texas. The central focus of the Texas Tech University Libraries is to make available 3.72 million physical volumes, electronic resources, special collections, and archives, to offer services to students and faculty that enable academic and research success.

Major/Essential Functions
The Rare Books Librarian must be able to gain a broad understanding and familiarity with items in the Rare Books collection and the ability to evaluate the existing collection as well as any potential acquisitions (either purchased or donated), in objective and user-centered ways. Cataloging responsibilities include complex copy cataloging and the creation of original bibliographic records for books and other formats following national standards (AACR2, LCSH, DCRMR, RDA). The Rare Books Librarian must be able to develop a program of outreach and engagement and provide bibliographic instruction and rare books expertise for TTU classes. As subject liaison for Rare Books, this duty will include workshops, classes, and tours. The librarian is also responsible for developing and maintaining web pages and Libguides that enhance the use of the collection. The Rare Books Librarian must also keep abreast of developments in the preservation of rare items and the use of information tools and technology to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and community users of Texas Tech University Libraries Rare Books. The Rare Books Librarian provides reference expertise for the Rare Books collection in addition to a regularly assigned reference desk schedule. The incumbent is also expected to engage in scholarly pursuit and other professional activities in accordance with Texas Tech Library’s standards for promotion and tenure. The librarian will provide the supervisor with reports and statistics as requested.

Candidates who have very strong records of scholarship supported by extramural funding and who have the proven capacity or clear potential to bring externally sponsored research to Texas Tech University are encouraged to apply. Service duties include program-building, as well as a commitment to extra-curricular activities. Service to the department, college, university, and community is expected.

Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience cataloging in an academic library.
Experience purchasing or recommending items for purchase in an academic library
Experience with bibliographic instruction, especially for manuscripts, early writing formats, and the history of the book.
Experience designing and maintaining webpages and Libguides.
Demonstrated organizational and communication skills.
Experience working with diverse student populations and first-generation students is highly desirable.
Reading knowledge of other languages, such as but not limited to, German, Spanish, French, and Latin.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Texas Tech University (www.ttu.edu) is a tier one research university with an enrollment of over 38,000. Texas Tech recently surpassed the Hispanic student population threshold necessary for designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Texas Tech is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, Greater Western Library Alliance, and Texshare and is a founding member of Texas Digital Libraries. The University Library (http://library.ttu.edu/) has over 3.7 million volumes and is ranked 56th among ARL Libraries.

Lubbock has a metropolitan population of over 300,000 and is the regional center for education, agriculture, health care, banking, and business. It offers a wide range of academic programs in colleges and schools, including graduate, law, and medicine.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, Texas Tech University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. We actively encourage applications from all those who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community at Texas Tech University. The university welcomes applications from minoritized candidates, women, protected veterans, persons with disabilities, and dual-career couples.