Position Title:

The People's Archive Manager, DC Public Library

Position Description:

This position serves as manager of the People's Archive Division at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, the Central Library of the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL). The Special Collections Division includes several unique and rare collections of high research value including but not limited to the Black Studies Center, Washingtoniana, DCPL Archives; Washington DC Community Archives; Washington Star Photo Collection; Peabody Collection and the Children’s Illustrations Collection.

The Special Collections Division is a public service unit of the central library that provides materials in a variety of formats, reader’s advisories, research assistance, programs, and published materials on a broad subject area. The Division provides leadership in collection development, program development, community partnerships, research, and publishing in support of the central library and the 24 neighborhood libraries which comprise the DCPL system. The Special Collections Division serves District of Columbia residents, and regional, national and international customers.

As manager of the Special Collections Division the incumbent of this position plays a key role in the development of collections, programs, materials and services that attract the community to special collections as the destination for information and programs on a particular subject. The position is responsible for the technical and operating program of the Special Collections Division including implementation of customer services standards developed by the Director of Public Services. Additionally, the position, in coordination with IT services, bears responsibility for ensuring the continuing integration and use of technology and electronic databases in subject areas supervised.

Responsibilities:

• Manages special collections programs and services and the day-to-day activities of staff. Serves as the principal advisor to the Associate Director concerning the special collections
• Develops specific plans to meet program goals and adjusts work plans to achieve objectives within established timeframes.
• Prepares yearly collection, program and supply budgets and monitors and tracks expenditures. Makes recommendations regarding collections and services to better serve targeted customer groups. Conceptualizes, plans and establishes a niche of specialized service including conferences and publications that attract regional attention to the special collections.
• Publicizes the programs, collections, and services of the subject division. Convenes regular meetings with the special collection librarians, archivists and managers to interpret changes, procedures, rules, and policy in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the Subject Collections group and the MLKML.
• Plans, analyzes, and evaluates the operations of the collection’s group, coordinating activities with the Associate Director of MLKML, for maximum delivery of service.
• Prepares performance evaluations the Special Collection staff. Reviews performance evaluations prepared by subordinate supervisors.
• Directs the selection, maintenance, and preservation of the collections. Gives technical guidance to the professional and technical staff in the use of new technologies.
• Interprets policies governing the library and explains available resources and services of the cluster and the library system to users (readers, teachers, students, and special interest groups) and non-users.
• Investigates and responds to customer concerns and recommends solutions for corrective action as needed.
• Coordinates on-the-job training of collections group staff. Convenes and conducts monthly meetings with various levels of staff for the purpose of continuing training and disseminating information.
• Plans and implements procedures for digitization, conservation, microfilming, establishing new services which include organization, location, collection development, staff selection, and physical layout.
• Publishes articles, essays and provides presentations promoting the Special Collections of the District of Columbia Public Library.
• Initiates and participates in the development of community partnerships and regional associations. Represents the District of Columbia Public Library and the profession of librarianship.
• Supervises the work of librarians and related positions including library associates, library technicians, and library aides; other specialists in the areas of African American studies, American studies, and history; archivists; consultants; and volunteers.
• Prepares regular status reports and/or monthly and annual reports on program operations and services obtaining input from unit staff.
• Serves as the Library’s subject expert on boards, committees and community meetings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines: Library Science; History; Museum Studies; or related field from an accredited college or university in addition to at least five (5) years of experience providing direct public service in a library, cultural or educational setting or at least 1 Year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level. In addition, the following is required:
• Mastery of the collection development function of a library in order to solve complex problems within the program
• Ability to develop community partnerships.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups interested in subject-related programs.
• Ability to supervise a staff of professional, administrative, and support employees and provide oversight to consultants and volunteers.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

The Government of the District of Columbia values the safety of our employees, our residents, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs.

You will be required to submit proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to your initial HR representative, or you must request an exemption from your representative. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with the Government of the District of Columbia.

Application Process:

Apply at https://dchr.dc.gov/page/employment-opportunities-new 

Deadline:

02/03/2022