Position Title:
Acquisitions Librarian- The Folger Shakespeare Library
Position Description:
The Folger Shakespeare Library is the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, the ultimate resource for exploring Shakespeare and his world.
The Folger welcome millions of visitors online and in person. We provide unparalleled access to a huge array of resources, from original sources to modern interpretations. With the Folger, you can experience the power of performance, the wonder of exhibitions, and the excitement of pathbreaking research. We offer the opportunity to see and even work with early modern sources, driving discovery and transforming education for students of all ages.
The Folger Shakespeare Library knows that an exceptional staff is the backbone of any great organization. We hire exceptionally qualified diverse individuals who are committed to the mission, vision, and values of our organization. Once employed, the Folger provides a generous compensation, leave, and benefits package, as well as many opportunities for personal and professional growth, and we encourage you to come join us
The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is seeking an experienced Acquisitions Librarian to join its Collections team. This individual reports to the Associate Librarian for Collections Care and Development and is responsible for the management and the leadership of the Acquisitions Department, which administers a robust acquisition program both of antiquarian and secondary research material including electronic resources.
Responsibilities:
• Cultivates and maintains excellent working relations with all vendors, dealers, and donors.
• Participates in the creation and management of the collections budget.
• Monitors Acquisitions expenditures, provides expenditure reports, manages the allocation of restricted and unrestricted funds for the purchase of rare and modern items.
• In consultation with appropriate staff, reviews and maintains current approval plans.
• Coordinates the subscriptions for electronic resources and their access procedures with the Acquisitions Coordinator for Electronic Resources and Secondary Research Material.
• Reviews and negotiates new license agreements, engages in, and promotes ethical practices in purchasing, and complying with licensing terms and access agreements.
• Supervises and reviews the processing of all new acquisitions, whether purchases or gifts of items, maintaining accurate acquisition and donor records.
• Supervises the preparation of orders, correspondence, reports, and maintenance of office files.
• Oversees staff in providing detailed information to Development to facilitate donor communication.
• Makes sure all invoices are paid in a timely manner.
• Provides an open and supportive working environment for Acquisitions staff.
• Works closely with the Associate Librarian for Collection Care and Development in planning and executing Acquisitions Group procedures.
• Fosters good working relationships with other units and divisions of Collections and the institution.
• Participates with other members of the Collections Care and Development group in developing and executing communal goals and projects.
• Works with conservators to plan for the needs of newly ordered or acquired materials.
• Collaborates with Advancement to successfully manage gift-in-kind arrangements.
• Participates in the institutional fundraising events for the acquisitions department
with collaboration from appropriate sources.
• Participates in the management of a digital asset collection development policy.
• Acts as one of the Acquisitions Group representatives on staff committees and/or assists on projects for committees.
• Maintains current awareness of trends in the management and integration of acquisitions activities within technical and public services. Serves as an ambassador for the Folger at conferences.
• Performs other acquisition duties as assigned.
Requirements:
• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent experience required.
• Proficiency in the use of integrated library systems and spreadsheets necessary.
• Familiarity with MARC records or bibliographic description in general required.
• Bibliographic knowledge of a modern European language preferably Italian, French, or German preferred.
• Bibliographic knowledge of Latin preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, organization skills, and interpersonal skills.
Pandemic response: Non-essential Folger staff are working remotely from the D.C. area, and all programming had been moved online. When we return to the office this position is expected to work on site. The building is currently closed to the public due to construction projects.
All staff, contractors, and visitors working or visiting onsite are required to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine and furnish proof of vaccination (unless they have received a medical or religious exemption). Masks are required in all shared or public spaces onsite until further notice.
The Folger is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application Process:
Interested individuals should submit their cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. No phone calls please. Please apply through our website: Jobs and Internships at the Folger.
Deadline:
3/25/2022
