Head of Special Collections and Archives (Steward and Sustain); Associate or Principal Librarian

Job Description Summary

The Miami University Libraries seek a dynamic, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as Head of Special Collections and Archives; Associate Librarian or Principal Librarian. This position provides vision and direction for a department that encompasses the Walter Havighurst Special Collections, the University Archives, and the Western College Memorial Archives.

Job Description

The department stewards more than 125,000 rare books and manuscripts, over 600,000 postcards, and a wide range of distinctive collections of national and international significance. Collection strengths include the history and culture of the Ohio Valley / Old Northwest Territory; 19th-century transportation; the American Civil War; Russian history, art, and literature; William Holmes McGuffey and his Readers; and children’s literature from the 18th–20th centuries. Signature holdings include Shakespeare folios, illuminated manuscripts, the Freedom Summer civil rights archives, the Myaamia Collection (developed in partnership with the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma), the Native American Women Playwrights Archive, and the Global Islam Collection.

The archives preserve the essential record of Miami’s history and its role in regional and national contexts, including institutional records dating back to 1809, documentation of the Freedom Summer initiative, and materials from Oxford’s former women’s colleges.

The Head is responsible for departmental operations, including public services, collection development, preservation, digitization, instructional support, and programming. The successful candidate will guide a talented team of librarians, staff, and student employees while managing the department’s personnel, budget, and strategic priorities. As a member of the Libraries’ leadership team, the Head contributes to strategic planning, cross-departmental initiatives, and external partnerships that expand the reach and impact of Miami University’s distinctive collections.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Provide visionary leadership for departmental activities, including collection development, preservation, conservation, description, digitization, and access to materials in multiple formats.

Cultivate external relationships by partnering with University Libraries’ advancement staff to cultivate donors, steward gifts-in-kind, pursue grants, and manage endowed and restricted funds in alignment with donor intent and library priorities.

Supervise and support staff, fostering a collaborative, and future-focused work environment while guiding professional growth.

Advance teaching and research by integrating primary sources into curricula, supporting instruction and research services, and collaborating with faculty on credit-bearing courses and experiential learning opportunities.

Strengthen digital initiatives by developing policies for born-digital materials, web archives, and digital preservation, and collaborating with library technology teams to enhance discovery and access.

Increase visibility and impact by developing exhibits, outreach programs, partnerships, and professional engagement that enhance the reputation of the Libraries and the University.

Minimum Qualifications :

ALA-accredited master’s degree in library and information science or non-U.S. equivalent

At least five years of progressively responsible experience in special collections or archives in an academic or research library.

Experience building and sustaining collaborative relationships with academic departments, faculty, and campus or community partners.

Record of scholarship and professional achievement appropriate for appointment at the rank of Associate or Principal Librarian

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Knowledge of archival and metadata standards (e.g., MARC, EAD, Dublin Core) and familiarity with tools for managing, preserving, and providing access to analog and born-digital materials.

Consideration may be given to candidates with :

Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

Demonstrated success in supervising and mentoring professional and support staff.

Experience with collection development, preservation planning, archival description, and user services.

Experience in instruction and public programming related to special collections.

Demonstrated success working with advancement staff to cultivate donors, secure gifts-in-kind and financial support, and pursue external funding through grants and partnerships.

Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management

An additional advanced degree in a humanities or related field.

Understanding of the mission of a teaching-focused public university and the role of special collections and archives in advancing student learning, faculty teaching, research, and community engagement.

Ability to articulate a clear vision for the role of special collections and archives in advancing learning, teaching, research, and community engagement.

Knowledge of best practices in special collections and archives, including ethical stewardship of gifts-in-kind, special collections security, and awareness of copyright and intellectual property issues.

Additional Position Information (if applicable)

Required Application Documents

Submit cover letter and resume / CV.

Special Instructions (if applicable)

Inquiries may be directed to Aaron Shrimplin at shrimpak@miamioh.edu. Screening of applications will begin two weeks from the date of posting and will continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Remote Work

For positions that are approved for remote work : Remote work is not a right, it is a work arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason, including the convenience of the University.

Reasonable Accommodations

Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Miami University Values Statement

Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Statement

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex / gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560.

Clery Act

As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at : http : / / www.MiamiOH.edu / campus-safety / annual-report / index.html , which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2223.

Labor Law Posters for Applicants

Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.