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The Director of Libraries and Archives is an experienced and innovative library professional with a deep commitment to research, scholarship, and accessibility. In addition to acting as the principal librarian, the Director will lead our renowned research libraries and archives to support collection research, canon-expanding exhibitions, and programs.
The libraries provide research resources about the Brooklyn Museum—our history, objects, and exhibitions—as well as general art and cultural history, from antiquity to the present. We help local and international scholars and researchers find answers to their questions and promote equity through expanding access to our historical narrative. Our Art Reference Library is particularly strong in the arts of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Islamic world, mirroring the Museum’s encyclopedic collections. The Wilbour Library of Egyptology is one of the finest research libraries devoted to the study of ancient Egypt in the world. Library Special Collections include a full range of visual and textual documents ranging from fashion sketches to artists’ books. Our archives contain primary source documents that detail the history of the Museum, including its predecessor institutions, with over 3,200 linear feet of records, including travelogues, letters, photographs, invoices, layouts, and internal documents. We are also a member of the New York Art Resources Consortium (NYARC), participating in its trailblazing web archiving program, and are leaders in the development of model information services programs.
Responsibilities
Manage the Libraries and Archives staff—which includes a Cataloguer, Archivist, interns, and volunteers—and hire additional staff as opportunities become available
Support research and interpretation of our collections
Collaborate with colleagues across the Museum on cross-disciplinary exhibitions, installations, and publications, and represent -Libraries and Archives in cross-departmental meetings and on committees
Provide state-of-the-art service to increase usage of the Libraries and Archives, collect and report usage metrics and statistics, and sustain core Libraries patrons and researchers
Serve as one of the NYARC Directors to continue our legacy of innovative collaboration
Work with the Education team to develop meaningful tools that connect to audiences from diverse communities
Identify and pursue funding opportunities and lead fundraising efforts with Development staff
Help develop our Digital Archives and a more general digital-forward archival strategy
Write and circulate a collection development plan
Coordinate and facilitate all Libraries and Archives events
Develop and monitor budgets
Represent the Museum at professional conferences and symposia
Requirements
Qualifications:
A successful candidate will meet many of these requirements, and have the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job.
Master’s degree in library and/or information science from an ALA-accredited institution
Five to eight years of experience in a museum, academic, or art library, with two to three in a management position
Skills in all areas of library and archives operations, including space planning
Experience with strategic planning and assessment as well as grant writing
Computer skills including Innovative (Sierra), Ex Libris (Alma and Primo), and OCLC Connexion, and familiarity with related library systems and software
Knowledge of and demonstrated experience with innovative best practices related to library technology and digital projects
Strong, user-centered service and reference philosophy, and a demonstrated ability to foster community collaboration
Commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Investment in professional development and scholarship, and an interest in contributing to the broader professional community
Understanding of copyright law, fair use, and ethical use of information
Collegial, team-focused management orientation
Start date: Immediately
Department: Libraries and Archives
Reports to: Director of Curatorial Affairs
Position type: Full-time
Union status: Non-union
FLSA status: Exempt
Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
How to Apply
If you have questions about our online application system, please get in touch with us at job.application.questions@brooklynmuseum.org.
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Posted on June 1