Librarian, Rare Books; Assistant or Associate – University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ

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, as well as assist with tours and outreach initiatives.

• 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 purchased book and manuscript collections and donated book 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 offsite through telephone, mail, and e-mail.
• Curate and prepare exhibits of Special Collections materials and assist in related events such as lectures and receptions.

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Formal coursework or training/professional development in rare books.
• Evidence of the ability to achieve continuing status (equivalent to tenure), including contributing to the information/library profession and to fulfilling the responsibilities of a library faculty member through service and scholarship.

• Three years of experience related to reference work, instruction and/or public services in a special collections’ environment.
• Reading proficiency in Latin or Romance language.
• Experience with primary source literacy, object-based pedagogical strategy, and/or active learning techniques using primary sources and/or special collections, particularly with rare books.
• Experience documenting and implementing procedures and policies.
• Experience with exhibition and rare book curation.
• Demonstrated experience supervising students.

This posting will remain open until filled. To ensure your application is considered, please submit your application materials by 11:59 p.m. on the first review date of February 9, 2026.

This posting will remain open until filled. To ensure your application is considered, please submit your application materials by 11:59 p.m. on the first review date of February 9, 2026.