HEAD OF RESEARCH SERVICES, Special Collections, University Libraries at Boston University in BOSTON, MA

The Boston University Libraries seek a dynamic, service-oriented, collaborative leader for our Head of Research Services position, to lead the research services unit providing users with access to and engagement with the library’s distinctive and special collections. Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Special Collections, this position will lead the creation of a user-focused environment that is positive, informative, and inclusive, aiming to build a global community of students, scholars, and the public who engage with the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, University Archives, Nursing Archives, Rare Books collections and other special collections. A key aspect of the role, which serves as a manager and mentor to 3 archivists, an archival assistant, as well as interns and student workers, is to articulate and implement a team vision that centers equitable, consistent access in a supportive environment for all users. The Head of Research Services will:

Program administration: Lead the Special Collections research services program, overseeing instruction, faculty and student engagement, and both onsite and remote reference services. Manage, coach, and develop a team comprising three archivists and one support staff member, field study interns, and student workers to deliver instruction and reference services.
Reading room and reference services: Oversee researcher use of special collection materials, ensuring effective circulation of special collections materials. Deliver consistent reading room service hours to researchers, identifying and resolving operational and capacity gaps as needed in partnership with library administration. Enhance workflows and improve services for both onsite and remote researchers to ensure equitable access to collections. Collaborate with reference staff in the African Studies Library and Music Library to foster a community of practice for special collections reference services across all libraries. Create and maintain reference tools, aids, guides, webpages, and tutorials to enhance online learning and engagement with collections.
Instruction and pedagogical innovation: Oversee the planning, development, implementation, promotion, and assessment of both online and in-person instruction programs, including orientation, in-depth instruction, and research education sessions for students and faculty. Coordinate special collections outreach efforts with academic departments and faculty, ensuring integration into curricula in collaboration with access services, liaison, and academic engagement teams. Engage with curriculum leadership to tailor instructional offerings and support innovative strategies for integrating archives into academic programs. Support digital scholarship by developing pathways for faculty and student engagement with special collections, in collaboration with internal and external partners such as Digital Ventures, the Boston University Center for Humanities, and other university programs. Oversee the creation and management of faculty, graduate, and undergraduate research awards and teaching fellowships to promote research in the university’s special collections and to foster high-impact, experiential learning opportunities in diverse work environments at BU. Advise on collection development priorities based on faculty research and teaching priorities.
Collaboration and professional practice: Collaborate in the broader professional academic library community. Pursue professional development and skills training to meet emerging and ongoing needs from the university community. Actively participate in relevant professional communities, including subject and functionally focused organizations. Participate in working groups, committees, and other service opportunities as a representative of library research services. Collaborate on intramural events with departments or programs.

Skills

Master's degree in library or archival studies.
5-7 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated leadership experience in a research services environment, preferably within a special collections or archival setting.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to implement these principles in service delivery.
Proven experience in managing and developing teams, as well as in planning and assessing instructional and reference services.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Advanced knowledge of special collections management, digital scholarship, and academic engagement.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. The libraries will begin review of candidate applications on January 20, 2025. This position will remain open until filled. Working at Boston University Libraries Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections services, and their own professional development. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment. Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities. Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.