Position: Supervisory Librarian (Collection Development Officer)
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $163,964 – $191,900
Full job posting on USAjobs.
This position is located in the Collection Development Office, Researcher and Collections Services.
The position description number for this position is 233189.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule.
This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.
Duties
This position serves as the Collection Development Officer in the Collection Development Office (CDO), Researcher & Collection Services (RCS) within the Library Collections & Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress. The position reports directly to the Associate Librarian, RCS and in this leadership role, the incumbent advances the Library’s mission by leading the planning, development, coordination, and delivery of Library-wide collection development strategies, policies, and programs. These activities enable the recommendation and selection of library materials in all formats and languages in service of the world’s largest library.
Initiatives of the Collection Development Office are essential to the Library’s role in support of the Congress and the United States Government as a whole, the scholarly community, and the general public. Collection development at the Library is extremely broad, covering virtually every discipline and field of study including the entire range of different forms of publication and media for recording and storing knowledge.
The Collection Development Officer chairs the Library’s Collections Policy Committee, guides the development of strategies that ensure the effectiveness of the collection development program, oversees analytical and evaluative studies, facilitates the resolution of complex collection policy challenges, and serves as a trusted advisor on a wide variety of collection development issues.
The Collection Development Officer is responsible with delegated authority for the oversight and administration of the Collection Development Office. Evaluates current and proposed collection development programs, develops new programs, and recommends actions to be initiated or discontinued.
Participates in the formulation of high-level strategies to engage vendor partners productively in meeting program objectives. Designs and implements collection development efforts to be undertaken within existing resource levels and advises on the impact of efforts requiring additional resources.
In consultation with the Associate Librarian RCS, is responsible for setting the annual General Collections acquisitions budget, including determining allocations necessary for the effective expenditure of funds appropriated for collection acquisitions.
Analyzes collections coverage and needs from various perspectives, taking into consideration the long-term impact of such factors as publication patterns, availability and budget, as well as the needs of many constituencies, chiefly the U.S. Congress.
Oversees design and delivery of analytical studies concerning the collection development program and identifies and proposes solutions to problems impacting the way in which the work is carried out.
Translates management goals and objectives into effective operations. Is responsible for meeting operational goals and objectives articulated within directional plans.
Supervises employees performing work up to the GS-14 level. Directs the Collection Development Office ensuring, within fiscal constraints, the Office’s productivity, cost-effectiveness and responsiveness to the needs of the Library’s collection development. Executes the administrative and human resource responsibilities for staff supervised.
Coordinates activities concerning collection development across all related functional areas of the Library. Leads development of digital collecting strategies in close collaboration with the Digital Services Directorate and others across the agency to provide guidance and oversight in their implementation. Applies the Library of Congress Collections Policy Statements, Federal regulations and legislation when developing the Library’s collections.
Leads the Library’s Collections Policy Committee. Serves as a primary liaison from LCSG to the United States Copyright Office regarding collection development and acquisitions issues. Areas of interest include deposits (both registration and mandatory deposit), Best Edition requirements and Special Relief agreements.
Provides guidance, training, and other support to more than 200 recommending officers across the Library. Develops authoritative new approaches, methods, or standards to resolve critical and highly unusual problems and issues in the collection of digital materials. The incumbent ensures institution-wide collaboration, communication, and oversight to sustain and strengthen the Library’s reputation as a premier research institution.
Provides policy guidance and advice on collection development programs and strategies to senior managers, and officials at multiple levels in the Library, researchers, scholars, and the general public. Works closely with and advises collection development and acquisitions staff throughout the Library. Serves on interagency, national and/or international special work groups, task forces, or expert panels on special projects and studies critical to the resolution of collection development issues and problems.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library’s vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library’s Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: https://www.loc.gov/extranet/cld/development-programs/supervisor/supervisorcompetencies.html
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Qualifications
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Ability to manage the full range of collection development activities in a major research library.**
Ability to provide program management oversight and administration.**
Ability to supervise and lead a diverse workforce.**
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of library science.
Ability to serve as a program liaison within and outside the agency.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Career Showcase – Collections Development Officer
Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
This event will be livestreamed on Zoom for Government.
Join a live, virtual Career Showcase to learn about an exciting career opportunity directly from senior leaders at the Library of Congress. Simply log on to the link below on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (ET) to learn about the Collections Development Officer position at the Library of Congress. Registration is not required.
To participate anonymously, simply identify yourself as “Anonymous2024” when entering the session.
Please join the webinar on Zoom>>
When: Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Library of Congress – Collections Development Officer
Or join by telephone:
Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ada@loc.gov.
A recording of the Career Showcase will be available by no later three business days following the event.
Education
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.
A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor’s degree;
OR
B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
You MUST submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.
Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.
Position: Librarian (Acquisitions)
Location: National Defense University, Department of Defense
Salary: $99,200 – $128,956
Full job posting on USAjobs.
National Defense University (NDU) supports the joint warfighter by providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders who have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world.
Duties
Analyzes, evaluates, and establishes methods for procurement of library materials to include books, subscriptions, research databases, electronic content, copyright permissions.
Manages the library’s FEDLINK accounts, tracks funding, ensures that service accounts are adequately funded and orders are placed and received in a timely manner. Oversees the library’s serials contracts.
Works with vendors to identify product availability and pricing, negotiates pricing when appropriate; prepares requirements packages and documentation; maintains vendor licenses and acquisitions documents.
Collaborates with and serves as a resource for library administration and staff regarding library acquisitions and budgetary issues; acts as a liaison for business matters to other university personnel.
Monitors expenditures, maintains spending and budget records and prepares reports, supports budget planning through data gathering and analysis.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
U.S. Citizenship or National
Suitable for Federal Employment
Registered for Selective Service
This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
Obtain and maintain Seret clearance
Qualifications
One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-11 within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
Basic Requirement: To qualify for this position, you must meet one of the basic requirements described below.
1. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor’s degree;
OR
2. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
AND
Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience in the acquisition of library services and information products including books, ebooks, periodicals, research databases, supplies, and services; and contract negotiation.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
Education is not substitutable for specialized experience for this grade level.
Position: Reference Librarian (Korean)
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $68,405-$88,926
Full job posting on USAjobs.
This position is located in the Scholarly Services Section, Asian Division, General & International Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collections Services.
The position description number for this position is 447805.
The incumbent for this position will work a full-time, flextime work schedule.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Duties
The librarian is responsible for building the collections of the de facto national library; facilitating research and reference instruction and support onsite and virtually; and coordinating library engagement and interaction with a large and diverse array of users and communities. The librarian helps balance new collections acquisitions with responsible stewardship of existing collections while building a more diverse and inclusive record for future generations. In the provision of reference and research services, the librarian utilizes traditional in-person methods in reading rooms and emerging technologies including social media and digital scholarship to assist researchers and other audiences in the use of library resources. The librarian serves as the division’s primary liaison with researchers, visitors, and communities of practice, raising awareness of our collections and resources and making them accessible to all.
Enables access, discovery, dissemination, and use of collections and resources, current and historical, analog and digital, for all users. Provides support for the identification and selection of sources for those engaged in routine research, and maintains connections and life-long learning opportunities for casual users through the discovery and use of the Library’s resources.
Provides reference and instruction to individual researchers and groups where needs are relatively easy to determine from standard research interviews, in-person or virtually, and the bibliographic source materials are of limited technical complexity. Identifies domestic and international analog and digital resources in a field of specialty to address user needs that are easily determined from interviews or written requests. Develops knowledge of resources in other institutions to provide informed referrals. Provides support of limited technical complexity in evolving forms of digital scholarship. Assists users with specialized collections under the direction of senior staff and seeks assistance for locating materials that are not readily accessible.
Provides in-person and telephone reference services in a reading room setting and through reference desk rotation. Utilizes technologies such as Ask-a-Librarian, email, chat, social media, and video conferencing to provide research and reference services. Responds orally or in writing to inquiries related to assigned field of responsibility. Increases access to and convenience of online resources and services by assisting in preparing research guides, collection guides, and finding aids on specific topics of recognized research interest and demand using standard search strategies. Assists senior librarians in revising or updating research materials.
Assist with reviewing a wide variety of brochures, catalogs, journals, and other sources for new items and sources for possible acquisition in order to develop collections in areas of subject or geographic responsibility.
Assists other staff in determining the quality and usefulness of collection materials. Assists in developing strategies for the organization, storage, preservation, and service of materials. Monitors the condition of collection materials to ensure adherence to established preservation standards and specifications.
Orients users and explains procedures and regulations governing use and handling of materials in the collection. Coordinates the acquisition of items of limited technical complexity, or those easily acquired, through the online acquisition process. Examines recommendations to identify processing and custodial requirements and to identify out-of-scope materials. Maintains liaison with other recommending officers and subject specialists to coordinate acquisition of materials within and across divisions.
Under the direction of senior staff, the incumbent liaises with current and potential researchers and users. Collaborates with others to develop, promote, facilitate, present and evaluate programs to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of researchers and other user communities. Assists with different audiences to achieve a variety of outcomes.
Assists with research facilitation, book discussions, tours, workshops, orientation sessions, author talks, workshops, consultations, displays, tutorials, and other means of engagement. Assists in developing content for traditional print outlets and social media platforms.
Collaborates with the Library’s programs for congressional outreach, visitor engagement, educational outreach, and exhibitions, and with other collections-based programs. Represents and attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields for the purpose of professional development.
Performs various other duties as assigned.
NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Korean.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Korean.
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Qualifications
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Ability to communicate in Korean.**
Ability to provide reference and research services.**
Ability to develop and manage library collections.**
Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to provide consultation or liaison duties.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Korean.
Education
There are no education requirements for this position
Position: Reference Librarian (Japanese)
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $68,405-$88,926
Full job posting on USAjobs.
This position is located in the Scholarly Services Section, Asian Division, General & International Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collections Services.
The position description number for this position is 447805.
The incumbent for this position will work a full-time, flextime work schedule.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Duties
The librarian is responsible for building the collections of the de facto national library; facilitating research and reference instruction and support onsite and virtually; and coordinating library engagement and interaction with a large and diverse array of users and communities. The librarian helps balance new collections acquisitions with responsible stewardship of existing collections while building a more diverse and inclusive record for future generations. In the provision of reference and research services, the librarian utilizes traditional in-person methods in reading rooms and emerging technologies including social media and digital scholarship to assist researchers and other audiences in the use of library resources. The librarian serves as the division’s primary liaison with researchers, visitors, and communities of practice, raising awareness of our collections and resources and making them accessible to all.
Enables access, discovery, dissemination, and use of collections and resources, current and historical, analog and digital, for all users. Provides support for the identification and selection of sources for those engaged in routine research, and maintains connections and life-long learning opportunities for casual users through the discovery and use of the Library’s resources.
Provides reference and instruction to individual researchers and groups where needs are relatively easy to determine from standard research interviews, in-person or virtually, and the bibliographic source materials are of limited technical complexity. Identifies domestic and international analog and digital resources in a field of specialty to address user needs that are easily determined from interviews or written requests. Develops knowledge of resources in other institutions to provide informed referrals. Provides support of limited technical complexity in evolving forms of digital scholarship. Assists users with specialized collections under the direction of senior staff and seeks assistance for locating materials that are not readily accessible.
Provides in-person and telephone reference services in a reading room setting and through reference desk rotation. Utilizes technologies such as Ask-a-Librarian, email, chat, social media, and video conferencing to provide research and reference services. Responds orally or in writing to inquiries related to assigned field of responsibility. Increases access to and convenience of online resources and services by assisting in preparing research guides, collection guides, and finding aids on specific topics of recognized research interest and demand using standard search strategies. Assists senior librarians in revising or updating research materials.
Assist with reviewing a wide variety of brochures, catalogs, journals, and other sources for new items and sources for possible acquisition in order to develop collections in areas of subject or geographic responsibility.
Assists other staff in determining the quality and usefulness of collection materials. Assists in developing strategies for the organization, storage, preservation, and service of materials. Monitors the condition of collection materials to ensure adherence to established preservation standards and specifications.
Orients users and explains procedures and regulations governing use and handling of materials in the collection. Coordinates the acquisition of items of limited technical complexity, or those easily acquired, through the online acquisition process. Examines recommendations to identify processing and custodial requirements and to identify out-of-scope materials. Maintains liaison with other recommending officers and subject specialists to coordinate acquisition of materials within and across divisions.
Under the direction of senior staff, the incumbent liaises with current and potential researchers and users. Collaborates with others to develop, promote, facilitate, present and evaluate programs to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of researchers and other user communities. Assists with different audiences to achieve a variety of outcomes.
Assists with research facilitation, book discussions, tours, workshops, orientation sessions, author talks, workshops, consultations, displays, tutorials, and other means of engagement. Assists in developing content for traditional print outlets and social media platforms.
Collaborates with the Library’s programs for congressional outreach, visitor engagement, educational outreach, and exhibitions, and with other collections-based programs. Represents and attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields for the purpose of professional development.
Performs various other duties as assigned.
NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Japanese.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Japanese.
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Qualifications
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Ability to communicate in Japanese.**
Ability to provide reference and research services.**
Ability to develop and manage library collections.**
Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to provide consultation or liaison duties.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Japanese.
Education
There are no education requirements for this position
Position: Reference Librarian (Chinese)
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $68,405-$88,926
Full job posting on USAjobs.
This position is located in the Scholarly Services Section, Asian Division, General & International Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collections Services.
The position description number for this position is 447805.
The incumbent for this position will work a full-time, flextime work schedule.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Duties
The librarian is responsible for building the collections of the de facto national library; facilitating research and reference instruction and support onsite and virtually; and coordinating library engagement and interaction with a large and diverse array of users and communities. The librarian helps balance new collections acquisitions with responsible stewardship of existing collections while building a more diverse and inclusive record for future generations. In the provision of reference and research services, the librarian utilizes traditional in-person methods in reading rooms and emerging technologies including social media and digital scholarship to assist researchers and other audiences in the use of library resources. The librarian serves as the division’s primary liaison with researchers, visitors, and communities of practice, raising awareness of our collections and resources and making them accessible to all.
Enables access, discovery, dissemination, and use of collections and resources, current and historical, analog and digital, for all users. Provides support for the identification and selection of sources for those engaged in routine research, and maintains connections and life-long learning opportunities for casual users through the discovery and use of the Library’s resources.
Provides reference and instruction to individual researchers and groups where needs are relatively easy to determine from standard research interviews, in-person or virtually, and the bibliographic source materials are of limited technical complexity. Identifies domestic and international analog and digital resources in a field of specialty to address user needs that are easily determined from interviews or written requests. Develops knowledge of resources in other institutions to provide informed referrals. Provides support of limited technical complexity in evolving forms of digital scholarship. Assists users with specialized collections under the direction of senior staff and seeks assistance for locating materials that are not readily accessible.
Provides in-person and telephone reference services in a reading room setting and through reference desk rotation. Utilizes technologies such as Ask-a-Librarian, email, chat, social media, and video conferencing to provide research and reference services. Responds orally or in writing to inquiries related to assigned field of responsibility. Increases access to and convenience of online resources and services by assisting in preparing research guides, collection guides, and finding aids on specific topics of recognized research interest and demand using standard search strategies. Assists senior librarians in revising or updating research materials.
Assist with reviewing a wide variety of brochures, catalogs, journals, and other sources for new items and sources for possible acquisition in order to develop collections in areas of subject or geographic responsibility.
Assists other staff in determining the quality and usefulness of collection materials. Assists in developing strategies for the organization, storage, preservation, and service of materials. Monitors the condition of collection materials to ensure adherence to established preservation standards and specifications.
Orients users and explains procedures and regulations governing use and handling of materials in the collection. Coordinates the acquisition of items of limited technical complexity, or those easily acquired, through the online acquisition process. Examines recommendations to identify processing and custodial requirements and to identify out-of-scope materials. Maintains liaison with other recommending officers and subject specialists to coordinate acquisition of materials within and across divisions.
Under the direction of senior staff, the incumbent liaises with current and potential researchers and users. Collaborates with others to develop, promote, facilitate, present and evaluate programs to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of researchers and other user communities. Assists with different audiences to achieve a variety of outcomes.
Assists with research facilitation, book discussions, tours, workshops, orientation sessions, author talks, workshops, consultations, displays, tutorials, and other means of engagement. Assists in developing content for traditional print outlets and social media platforms.
Collaborates with the Library’s programs for congressional outreach, visitor engagement, educational outreach, and exhibitions, and with other collections-based programs. Represents and attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields for the purpose of professional development.
Performs various other duties as assigned.
NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Chinese
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Chinese.
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Qualifications
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Ability to communicate in Chinese.**
Ability to provide reference and research services.**
Ability to develop and manage library collections.**
Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to provide consultation or liaison duties.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Chinese.
Education
There are no education requirements for this position.
Positions: Head Librarian, National Museum of Asian Art Library
Location: Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
Job originally posted on ALA JobList
Description
OVERVIEW
The Head Librarian of the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art Library is responsible for the development, management, and promotion of the Library’s significant collection of materials related to Asian Art, its initiatives, and its expert research services. Success in this role will require excellent relationship-building skills, to ensure that the collections align with institutional priorities, and programmatic offerings have an impact on the Smithsonian and the diverse research communities served by SLA and NMAA. In addition, the position will directly oversee NMAA’s repository of Japanese-language library holdings and collection development, and catalog Japanese publications.
This position is administered by Smithsonian Libraries and Archives (SLA), located in and jointly supervised with the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA), and reports to the SLA Associate Director for Research and Scholarly Services and the NMAA Senior Associate Director for Research. Eligible for telework.
About Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives (SLA) is the world’s largest museum library and archives system and provides authoritative information and innovative services for Smithsonian researchers and curators, as well as scholars and the public worldwide. SLA is an ARL-affiliated network of 21 specialized research libraries and institutional archives, and provides the Institution’s museums and research centers with resources and services that are as diverse and deep as the collections, exhibits, and scholarship they support. SLA’s digital and print research collections play a dynamic role in advancing scientific and cultural understanding, and span the range of pursuits of humanity from aerospace, anthropology, and art history to business history and botany, cultural history, design, philately, and zoology. It maintains a collection of nearly 3 million volumes and 44,000 cubic feet of archival materials, with locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, New York City and the Republic of Panama.
About National Museum of Asian Art and Library Research Center
With a collection of over 100,000 volumes of materials on Asian arts and cultures, the National Museum of Asian Art’s Library Research Center acquires and makes available its collections, provides a full range of services in support of research, exhibition, publication, and education programs of the institution as well as outside scholars, students, and the public. With more than half of the collection in East Asian languages, the NMAA Library is one of the most important Asian art research libraries in North America. The National Museum of Asian Art, which comprised the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, preserves, exhibits, and interprets Asian art through groundbreaking exhibitions, digital innovation, thought-provoking public programs, and emerging research. It also houses an important collection of nineteenth-century American Art of the Aesthetic Movement, including the largest collection of works by James McNeill Whistler, including his celebrated Peacock Room.
Requirements
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Formulates, develops, coordinates, and directs the NMAA Research Center Library programs and operations; formulates and directs long-range planning for the collection development and for improvement of library services, both for physical and digital access for Smithsonian researchers, scholars, and the public.
- Selects, interprets, and manages collections of scholarly print and electronic materials on Asian art, with particular emphasis on Japanese art. Collects materials published in the field of Asia and Asian studies primarily within arts and humanities disciplines. Conducts research on relevant Asian Art topics, in particular Japanese, to enhance the NMAA Collections. There may be occasional travel for the purpose of acquisitions, research, and/or conference attendance.
- As a subject expert in the arts of Japan, provides expert reference services, collection development, acquisitions of materials. Performs descriptive cataloging of multilingual collections in accordance with national standards as interpreted by the Library of Congress and oversees the library’s resource description and processing workflows.
- The position requires the incumbent to be fluent in Japanese to oversee and describe the repositories of Japanese art historical publications and catalogue Japanese publications.
- Provides advanced reference and research service, and oversees library staff in scholarly research support, outreach and instruction. Anticipates research needs, and creates specialized trainings and online research tools, and keeps abreast of relevant resources and technology to support the work of a 21st century research library.
- Supervises NMAA library staff, interns, volunteers, and students. Establishes performance goals and duties, conducts formal and informal evaluations, assesses training needs and makes recommendations for further staff development and hiring.
- Develops budget projections for library operations and monitors annual budget spending. Manages the library’s collections budget for monographs and serial acquisitions. Supervises all acquisitions by purchase and gift/exchange to ensure the comprehensiveness of the library collection, including the receiving, processing, and payment of materials.
- Develops strong relationships and works collaboratively with NMAA museum curators, Smithsonian colleagues, and affiliated researchers. Represents SLA and NMAA at attendance and participation in professional associations, seminars, and conferences, and in collaboration with internal and external partners.