Special Collections Librarian

The Yale Divinity Library (YDL) seeks a service-focused and collaborative Special Collections Librarian. The position provides opportunities for growth and professional development in one of the country’s largest academic theological libraries, known especially for its collections related to the history of Christian missions. Reporting to the Director of the Divinity Library with a dotted line to the Associate Director, Archival Description, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, the incumbent will supervise the daily operations of the Special Collections unit at the Divinity Library.

The Special Collections Librarian is responsible for acquiring, processing, and describing archival collections in a variety of languages and formats. The Special Collections Librarian oversees reading room operations and the two staff members who handle day-to-day public services. This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 1 to Librarian
3. Librarian ranking information is available here .

• Examines files relating to the provenance of collections, reviews pertinent historical literature, and analyzes material to determine content and the appropriate level and type of arrangement and description, as well as develops plans for accomplishing the work, including estimates of necessary resources, for recently acquired and backlog collections.
• Accessions, arranges, and describes archival material in accordance with established standards and best practices, at an appropriate level of detail and effort, and in a timely manner.
• Screens for potentially sensitive material; removes extraneous material; recommends appropriate preservation and conservation procedures; and may coordinate reformatting of material for preservation and access.
• Creates, manipulates, and enhances descriptive, administrative, and technical metadata for collections, according to national and departmental standards, using a variety of applications including Archives Space and library management systems.
• Facilitates student and researcher access to YDL special collections and oversees reading room policies and procedures, including materials movement and digitization.
• Supervises two archival assistants, student assistants, and interns who support reference and instruction, ensure security protocols, and contribute to collection maintenance.
• Coordinates policy updates with librarians in other Yale repositories.
• Works with faculty and instructors on presentations, assignments, and lesson plans to integrate Yale’s special collections materials into the curriculum.
• Identifies materials requiring conservation and preservation; makes recommendations for improving maintenance of the collections.
• Works independently with varied user groups in a complex organization, and functions collaboratively in a team environment.
• Assists in research services functions of the department through reference assistance, service in the reading room, and involvement in primary source instruction to the Yale community.
• Participates in the formulation and documentation of unit and departmental policies and procedures.
• Trains and supervises staff and student assistants.
• Makes recommendations on personnel selection and staffing requirements as well as equipment and supply needs.
• Participates in library-wide planning and committee work as appropriate.
• Contributes to the advancement of the archival profession and/or professional or scholarly knowledge relevant to the job.
• The incumbent serves as a member of the YDL’s management team and contributes to YUL’s and the Divinity Library’s long-range planning.
• Completes special projects as assigned. Contributes to YUL and University-wide initiatives and is active professionally.

• Demonstrated proficiency in archival appraisal, arrangement, and description practices and standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems, and familiarity with tools that create EAD finding aids and platforms such as Archives Space.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work…