Head, Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction, UNLV University Libraries R0152688

Head, Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction, UNLV University Libraries

Reporting to the Director of Special Collections and Archives (SCA), the Head of Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction provides direction, leadership, and expertise for all public services functions of the division, including reference and research services, circulation and security, outreach and promotion, and primary source literacy instruction. The position leads the planning, development, implementation, promotion, and assessment of user-centered services provided to students and patrons, ensuring an integrated and coordinated approach to customer service, community engagement, and teaching in line with SCA and UNLV Libraries priorities.

This role collaborates within SCA and across the Libraries to increase the visibility and use of services and collections, enhance student academic success, and remove barriers to access of collections. The position directly supervises 1 FTE and may directly or indirectly supervise a variable number of undergraduate and graduate student assistants as resources allow. The Head of Special Collections Research, Engagement, and Instruction is a core member of the SCA Area Leads Team, the division's cross-functional leadership team, which advocates for the work and staff of the division.

As a strong partner in research and student learning, UNLV Libraries fosters critical thinking and lifelong learning at one of the nation's fastest growing universities. University Libraries comprises Lied Library and four branch libraries and we are a gateway to more than 80,000 electronic journals, 1.2 million volumes, and 1.4 million e-books. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds to join our growing organization of over 120 experienced faculty librarians, professionals, and staff members.

The primary mission of the Special Collections and Archives Division is to collect, preserve, provide discovery and access to, and promote, interpret, and instruct in the use of our materials. Special Collections and Archives documents the history, culture, and physical environment of the city of Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada region, the global gaming industry, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Our collections include manuscripts, books, photographs, periodicals, maps, architectural drawings, oral history interviews, audiovisual materials, University archives, born-digital records, and other cultural artifacts. Significant collecting areas are: gaming and gambling; regional community groups and organizations; sexual entertainment and economies;
Las Vegas entertainment and the arts;
Las Vegas and urban resort architecture; mining and railroads; and Southern and Central Nevada history.

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as leading a respectful, positive work environment. The University Libraries values begin with our belief that everyone deserves a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment where they are treated with respect and dignity. The Libraries extends its commitment to diversity and equity in employment and especially welcomes applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who contribute to diversification.

This position requires an earned Master's Degree in Library or Information Science from an American Library Association accredited program and at least 5 years of experience providing public services in an archives or special collections. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date.

• Experience providing effective reference support to diverse communities of users, both virtually and in person
• Experience teaching in an archives or special collections, including collaborating with faculty, providing support and guidance for designing assignments using collections, and designing engaging learning activities for students at all levels
• Experience with common circulation, project management, and collection management systems such as Aeon, Alma/Primo, Archives Space, Springshare products, and Air Table
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in research and instructional services
• Knowledge of primary source information literacy theory and practice
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competence and sensitivity in working with individuals who are highly diverse regarding many facets of identity, including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, ability, income, level of educational attainment, and religion

• Experience supervising professional, paraprofessional, and/or student employees
• Experience providing outreach services to diverse audiences of students, faculty, and community members
• Knowledge of community archives practices
• Knowledge of assessment tools and techniques
• Expertise in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada history

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and…