Job Details
SUMMARY:
The Book Arts Program Director works in partnership with faculty and library colleagues to incorporate creative expressions of research and to expand modes of book arts research through design thinking, reference, instruction, and outreach services to the campus community, with responsibility for associated curricular and research support for Book Arts study. Works in partnership with faculty and staff as an intellectual partner on book arts project envisioning and implementation across diverse…
interdisciplinary audiences. Oversees the creation and promotion of studio projects to campus and community members. Assists in stewarding the development of the Book Arts Collection and related materials to support research and instruction needs of students, faculty, independent researchers, and community members.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Research and Instruction:
- Providing collaborative support for faculty wishing to incorporate book arts content, methods, tools, and technologies into their teaching methodology to facilitate book arts project envisioning and definition, and advise about project scope, requirements, specifications, and/or design.
- Creates instructional resources, tutorials, provide instruction, and offer research and consultation appointments to students, faculty, and other members of the campus and community as required, using pedagogical best practices and current instructional technologies.
- Promotes and provides individual book arts scholarship research consultations
- Assists with collection development for Book Arts technical resources, book arts collection materials, and artists books.
- Collaborates with colleagues in the library (and elsewhere) to coordinate services and programming utilizing the Book Arts Studio.
- Develops Book Arts Studio curriculum, workshops, and programs as a university-wide and community resource.
- Conducts environmental scans of University of Richmond classes to identify current and emerging scholarly projects, areas of inquiry, and pedagogical trends. Aligns library resources as appropriate to support these departments.
- Develops and provides book arts, history of the book, and letterpress printing information sessions, classroom presentations, training sessions and online services to faculty, students, and community groups; instructs faculty and students on book arts practices, including bookbinding, printing, and studio tool usage.
- Assesses student learning outcomes in Book Arts Studio programming, adjusting instruction as necessary.
- Assists with public service and outreach efforts of the libraries, including exhibits, tours, presentations, and other projects as requested.
Book Arts Studio Management:
- Provides leadership for the Book Arts Studio and oversees all studio activities including planning and programming, supervision of Book Arts Studio Manager, and coordinating equipment maintenance
- Manages the Book Arts Studio budget, ensuring effective execution, reporting, and planning for the studio's annual operating budget, including use of restricted and unrestricted funds
- Identifies Book Arts Studio vendors and coordinates supply ordering process.
- Collaborates with Head of Book Arts, Archives, and Rare Books on donor relations, including acceptance of donated items, transport to the studio, and studio implementation.
- Researches new equipment and materials, and trains staff and students on new equipment when the program adds these to the studio. Prototypes demonstration projects and/or implements tools for use by others.
- Collaborates with the Book Arts Studio Manager to oversee programming, equipment maintenance, open hours, and training/supervision of student employees
Professional Development:
- Participates in professional development and research/creative activities. Serves on Library and/or University committees. Keeps abreast of the current literature on emerging technologies as they relate to book arts production methods, library service, reference service, collection development, outreach and instruction service, and other related areas.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Thorough knowledge of and demonstrated skills in at least one of the following: hand bookbinding, letterpress printing, artist's books, and/or the history of the book.
- Demonstrated knowledge of or experience with emerging trends in bookmaking, letterpress, and book arts.
- Significant experience teaching and instruction, particularly at the undergraduate level.
- Energetic teaching and presentation skill, as well as a dedication to student and faculty engagement.
- Demonstrated interest in professional development that will enhance the candidate's value to the Libraries, the University, the profession, and the scholarly community.
- A basic knowledge of library organization, principles, and procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, about complex, technical processes to non-technical personnel.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment where consultation, flexibility, collaboration and cooperation are essential.
- Ability to work and learn independently and to initiate necessary work procedures according to guidelines.
- Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work under time constraints and to meet regularly recurring deadlines on multiple, concurrent projects.
- Evidence of strong analytical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and results-oriented approaches to complex problems.
- Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to work collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students on a daily basis.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- MFA degree required, with an emphasis/certificate in book arts, bookbinding, and/or letterpress printing.
- At least 5 years professional experience in printing, binding, and the book arts.
- At least 3 years of instructional experience, preferably within an academic environment.
- At least 2 years of professional experience in management of a studio, bindery, print shop, fine arts, museum, or academic environment.
WORK SCHEDULE:
- Full-time; Exempt
- Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM
SALARY STRUCTURE:
Pay Grade 7 ($58,011 to $76,877 annually)
Organization
Working at University of Richmond
Founded in 1830, the University of Richmond is one of America's premier private universities. The University blends the intimacy of a small college with exceptional academic, research, and cultural opportunities usually found only at large institutions. A nationally ranked liberal arts university, Richmond offers a unique combination of undergraduate and graduate programs through its schools of arts and sciences, business, leadership studies, law, and continuing studies. The 350-acre suburban campus, including a 10-acre lake, is consistently cited by The Princeton Review as one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation.
With approximately 3,000 undergraduate students, Richmond offers 55 majors, 42 minors, and 12 concentrations at the bachelor's level. Graduate students can choose from six master's degrees programs, an MBA program, a juris doctorate, and six dual-degree programs in law. Continuing studies options include programs at the associate, bachelor, and master levels, in addition to numerous non-credit offerings.
Richmond faculty members are outstanding leaders in their fields. Of the 312 full-time faculty at the University, 98 percent hold doctorate or terminal degrees. Richmond has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, with zero classes taught by teaching assistants. Our faculty members are in the classrooms and the labs, working closely with students to maximize their educational experiences.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Richmond one of the best liberal arts universities in the nation and in the top 35 for undergraduate research. BusinessWeek ranked The Robins School of Business in the top 20 nationally and fourth for academic quality, as well as among the top 15 part-time MBA programs. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine named Richmond in the top 25 for best value among private colleges and universities
As locals like to say, Richmond is "easy to love" because of its rich history, stunning architecture, natural beauty and quality of life. It's been named one of the top cities in which to live and work by numerous national sources, including Forbes magazine. As the capital of Virginia, Richmond is home to the state legislature, a growing number of Fortune 500 companies and industries ranging from finance to agriculture. In fact, Forbes also recently ranked Richmond as the sixth best city to get a job in the U.S. Nearly one million people live in the Greater Richmond region and enjoy an array of cultural opportunities including 35 museums; numerous theatre companies; a symphony, a ballet and an opera; a thriving public forum; three professional, minor-league sports teams; a coliseum for major concerts and sporting events; and much more. Located just 100 miles south of Washington, D.C., Richmond is only 90 minutes from Virginia's beaches and 90 minutes from the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains.
UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE