Librarian, Rare Books; Assistant or Associate

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona Libraries seeks an innovative, collaborative, and user-centered Rare Books librarian to join the Curatorial Unit within Special Collections. The Rare Books Librarian will play a key role in advancing Special Collections’ book collection development program. This position encompasses responsibilities in collection development, instruction, reference, exhibitions, and events. The Rare Books Librarian will manage and coordinate all aspects of Special Collections’ book acquisitions, including activities related to cataloging, space management, preservation, and ongoing collection maintenance.

In collaboration with the Public Services Unit Lead, this position will also contribute to the planning and execution of Special Collections exhibitions and events, and assist with tours and outreach initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the University Libraries and with other units within Special Collections to support the University’s teaching, learning, and research mission.

• Acquire, appraise, and preserve collections of primary and significant research value, especially rare books.
• In partnership with the Unit Lead, manage and coordinate all aspects of Special Collections’ book acquisitions.
• Identify and engage with existing and prospective book vendors and donors as well as other curatorial area donors as appropriate.
• In collaboration with Preservation Technician and the Collections Management Archivist, recommend, develop, and prioritize treatment, preservation and housing solutions, with a focus on book collections.
• Participate in, consult on, and evaluate potential donations and purchases with other members of the curatorial unit.
• Liaise with Collections Services Department to provide guidance on original cataloging and to work on book acquisition and receiving workflows. In collaboration with other members of Special Collections, participate in activities and issues related to space, preservation, and collections maintenance.
• Coordinate and document the workflows around the acquisition of purchased and donated book and manuscript collections.
• Contribute to Special Collections’ rare books education, course-related instruction and other specialized educational sessions to students, the community and other primary customers. Develop and prepare appropriate instructional and educational aids.
• Contribute to Reading Room staffing and respond to reference inquiries on‑site and off‑site through telephone, mail, and e‑mail.
• Curate and prepare exhibits of Special Collections materials and assist in related events such as lectures and receptions.
• Collaborate with the Public Services Unit Lead and the Marketing and Communications Department to promote the use of rare books collections through presentations, social media content, and other channels as appropriate.
• Participate in library‑wide activities such as project teams and other groups as needed to complete goals of the department and the Libraries.
• Collaborate with other library departments, including Collections Services, Research Engagement, Access and Information Services, and Student Learning and Engagement to support the teaching, learning, and research mission of the University.
• Support the UA’s strategic initiatives designed to create a welcoming environment for all faculty, staff, and students. The candidate is expected to support related strategic efforts in Special Collections and the Libraries.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Familiarity with descriptive standards and cataloging practices for rare material.
• Facility in engaging intersectional perspectives in rare book acquisition, exhibition, and programming.
• Enthusiasm for collaborative approaches to departmental activities and initiatives.
• Knowledge of accepted preservation methods for archival, photographic, and paper materials.
• Knowledge of book cultures and markets.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of a variety of…