HEAD OF COLLECTIONS CARE

Company: The University of Chicago Library
Location: Chicago
Posted on: November 19, 2024

Job Description:

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Requisition Number: JR27841
Division / Dept. / Unit: Library C & A - Preservation Administration
Work Schedule: 37.5 hours/week
Job Summary
As a member of the Preservation Department, the Head of Collections Care provides oversight and management for programs and workflows for the care of the Library's general and circulating collections. Programs consist of commercial library binding that includes first-time binding, rebinding, and rehousing of library collections, and shelf preparation of materials that includes marking and labeling of all types of library materials for the shelf. Other activities include stabilization projects for older and distinctive collections, and other preservation initiatives.
The Head of Collections Care plays a pivotal role in preserving and maintaining our extensive physical collections for the long-term through planning and managing library-wide preventive strategies including environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, and disaster preparedness and recovery.
Responsibilities

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• Oversees and directs all operations and staffing for (2) full-time staff and student assistants of the commercial library binding program including binding, shelf preparation of materials, and housing workflows for the library's general and circulating collections.
  
• Sets goals and policies, evaluates operations and workflows for efficiency and provides statistics and reports for program assessment and planning.
  
• Establishes guidelines and procedures, monitors workflows, and sets priorities for the team to ensure quality, consistency, timeliness, and coordination of services across the library.
  
• Serves as the liaison with vendors, managing all aspects of service, and ensuring adherence to quality standards.
  
• Manages and tracks budget allocations, including monitoring invoices and payments for library binding services, ensuring efficient utilization of resources. Proposes and works with annual allocations, analyzes expenditures and production data to anticipate and plan for changes and improvements to workflows. Plans and implements workflows for new initiatives and projects.
  
• In conjunction with Conservation, develops and implements library-wide preventive preservation policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the long-term preservation of diverse general and circulating collections.
  
• Conducts regular monitoring and assessment of environmental conditions including temperature, relative humidity, pest monitoring, disaster preparedness, and response. Collaborates with the Conservation team to provide a coordinated approach to collections care including preservation education for staff and users, and disaster preparedness and recovery operations as needed. Keeps abreast of trends in collections care and preventive preservation.
  
• Assesses general collections for preservation needs; consults with staff on preservation issues, reviews complex materials for binding or boxing. Plans and manages rehousing projects for fragile physical collections in storage and use while working closely establishing critical relationships with Technical Services, the East Asian Collection, Stacks Maintenance, and other units to coordinate and streamline the workflows, improve consistency, ensure timeliness for items processed through the unit, and plan new initiatives.
  
• Controls the execution of tasks within a particular subject or functional area requiring an in-depth knowledge of library practices and procedures.
  
• Interviews, hires, and trains employees; sets and adjusts staff schedules, and manages performance.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  
  Minimum Qualifications:
  Education:
  Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  Work Experience:
  Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
  Preferred Qualifications
  Experience:
  
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  • 1-2 years of experience in a library, museum, archive, or related field.
    
  • 1 year of experience managing workflows or projects, setting priorities.
    
  • 5-7 years of previous supervisory experience.
    
    Preferred Competencies
    
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    • Ability to manage multiple workflows effectively; flexibility to respond to changing needs and priorities.
      
    • Ability to work collaboratively with a team, and effectively and collegially with supervisors, staff, and vendors.
      
    • Ability to work well independently.
      
    • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail.
      
    • Demonstrated team building skills.
      
    • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
      
    • Excellent analytic and problem-solving skills.
      
      Working Conditions
      
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      • Position is onsite.
        
      • Ability to handle the physical aspects of the position including lifting, carrying, moving loaded book trucks, and shelving materials.
        
      • Capacity to manage fragile materials in a safe manner.
        
      • Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
        
        Application Documents
        
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        • Resume (required)
          
        • Three (3) Professional References (required)
          
          When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
          To Apply
          To apply for this position, external candidates must submit their profile and any other required materials through this link. Internal candidates must apply by logging into Workday using their CNet ID and password; for more information, please see How to Apply for a UChicago Job (Current Employee) QRG. Resumes sent via mail, fax, or email will not be considered.
          Equal Opportunity Statement
          The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.
          Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should contact University Shared Services via the Applicant Inquiry Form or 773-702-5800.
          
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