Librarian Supervisor

Introduction

The Wisconsin Historical Society is seeking an individual with education or equivalent experience in archives or library conservation and preservation, a background in library/archives research collections, and strong management skills to lead preservation work in the Division of Library-Archives. Well qualified applicants for this position would have a Master's degree in Preservation Administration, a Master's degree with a specialization in Preservation Management or Conservation, OR a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Preservation OR equivalent work experience.

The Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library-Archives holds a premier research collection on North American history, with library holdings of 3.9 million items and archives of 130,000 cubic feet. It is a depository for state and federal government publications and administers the Wisconsin State Archives, a repository for state and local government records. In addition to its excellent Wisconsin collections, the Library-Archives is widely known for its national holdings in genealogy, newspapers and periodicals, mass communications history, social action, organized labor, and film and theater history. The preservation coordinator supervises a professional conservator and a professional librarian, plus permanent microfilm lab staff engaged in maintaining the physical condition and security of this collection through preservation planning and projects, in an environment that emphasizes flexibility and teamwork.

View more information about the Wisconsin Historical Society Library-Archives.

Job Duties

Lead the preservation program in the Library-Archives Division and the operations of the paper conservation lab, the microimaging lab, and the audio lab; supervise a permanent staff of 5.75 full-time employees and 3.5 full-time limited-term employees; provide preservation expertise and guidance to staff assigned to preservation work; advise the Administrator of the Library-Archives Division on overall direction of the preservation program; conduct research and planning; identify priorities; develop policies, standards and procedures and orients staff to them; plan and manage implementation projects; prepare grant proposals; develop plans and specification for consultants; ensure that storage environments are monitored and oversee the implementation of standards for all rehousing, reformatting, and conservation activities performed by division staff; plan and coordinate disaster recovery procedures and contribute to the security of collections.

Special Notes

1. Verification of academic degrees will be conducted prior to an offer of employment.
2. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
3. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to hire only individuals who are eligible to work in the United States. Upon reporting for work, an individual will be expected to present proper evidence establishing employability.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the theory and concepts of the preservation of library or archives collections.
• Knowledge and ability in library or archives preservation administration.
• Knowledge and ability in program planning, assessment and revision.
• Knowledge and ability in implementing the principles and methodology of delivering a variety of preservation services for a large library/archives repository which serves scholarly, specialist, and general users.
• Knowledge, Skills and Ability in supervising and managing professional and support personnel, including selection, performance management, performance evaluation, employee development, and discipline.
• Ability and skills in working as a manager, fostering a fair and productive working environment.
• Knowledge and ability in preservation strategies and conservation treatments for library and archives collections in all formats, including digital and electronic formats.
• Ability and skills in identifying problems, gathering and analyzing data, and identifying and evaluating solutions for preservation needs.
• Ability to set priorities and complete projects to meet deadlines.
• Ability and skill in working independently and following through on work plans with minimal direction.
• Ability to align individual and program responsibilities with broader institutional goals and to contribute as a Library-Archives staff and management team member to reaching those goals.

How To Apply

Please submit:

• Application for State Employment Form OSER-DMRS-38 (please note that Madison, Wisconsin is located in Dane county – county code 13)
• a current resume
• a paper (not to exceed six pages total) that describes your experience in the following areas, 1-5, below

Please label each response 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Write clearly and concisely and use examples to support your statements when necessary. If you omit information requested on this announcement, your application may be rated ineligible. Since the answers to each question will be scored separately, be sure to provide a separate and complete answer for each question. Do not reference your response to one question as the answer for part of any other questions - each answer should stand alone. Your responses are considered to be an Examination for this position and will be used to determine your eligibility for this vacancy.

Answer all questions below:

1. Describe your experience in library and/or archives preservation, including your specific responsibilities, the number of years of experience you have had performing this work, and the number of different collection formats you have worked with. (Responsibilities may include work such as: performing conservation treatments; assessing the condition of collections; planning and implementing preservation projects; providing instruction and advice on preservation; etc. Collection formats may include analog and digital collections, photographs, maps, audio recordings, film, art works on paper, microforms, newspapers, books, etc.)
2. Describe your experience as a supervisor or lead worker in a library, archives or preservation program. Include the level (i.e., professional, paraprofessional, clerical) and title of staff that you supervised and the number of years of experience you have had as a supervisor.
3. Describe your academic preparation in Library Science and Archives Management. (List academic degrees and graduate level courses in Library Science and/or Archives Management.) or, if you do not have the academic background, indicate your professional experience and number of years in library and/or archives work. (experience as a professional librarian or archivist may be in either technical services or reference).
4. Describe your responsibility for developing and implementing a preservation plan for library or archives collections (this can include art works on paper and moving image materials). Please give an indication of the size and complexity of the collection or group of collections that the planning and implementation involved. (Factors in determining size and complexity of a collection include number of items, number of formats represented, and number of storage locations and environments.)
5. Describe your academic preparation/knowledge of Library and Archives Preservation. (List academic degrees and graduate level courses in Library Science, Archives Management and/or Preservation.) or, if you do not have the academic background, indicate your professional experience and number of years in Library and/or Archives Preservation.

Send completed application materials (via mail or Fax) to:

Do not send materials as zip files.

Completed applications materials must be received by 4 pm on Friday, November 20, 2009.

Materials will be evaluated and the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Based upon the Examination results, you may be asked to interview for this position. Questions may be directed to Brian Schroeder by email at brianl.schroeder@wisconsinhistory.org or by telephone at 608-264-6409.

The Wisconsin Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer.