Harvard Divinity School Librarian

Job Summary:

Harvard Divinity School (HDS) and Harvard Library seek a collaborative, inspiring leader to direct the Divinity School Library. Working directly with the Harvard Divinity School and with colleagues across Harvard Library, the Harvard Divinity School Librarian provides leadership in the ongoing evolution of unparallelled scholarly resources services supporting the study of religion at Harvard. The library staff cultivates a welcoming, user-oriented environment for teaching, learning, and collaboration among students, scholars, and librarians.

Reporting to the Dean of the Divinity School and working closely with the Vice President for the Harvard Library and University Librarian or delegates, the Librarian is a member of the school’s senior management team and the Harvard Library leadership team. The Librarian provides leadership and vision for the collection, as well as the operations and programs that support a diverse array of collection development, research support, teaching and learning, digital scholarship, and community activities centered on the library’s expertise in the study of religion.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Oversee the management of the collections to ensure the selection and maintenance of well-balanced, innovative collections to support the teaching and research programs at Harvard.
• Advise and work closely with the Dean and Administrative Dean of the Divinity School on library matters.
• Prepare and recommend annual budget; monitor budget expenditures; assist with grant preparation and writing.
• Develop strong partnerships and collaborations across Harvard Library and with other University schools and academic programs to meet the teaching and research needs of faculty, scholars, and students.
• Through robust assessment and user engagement, develop effective strategies, programs, and library services to meet ever-changing user needs.
• Oversee the ongoing preservation and access of HDS’ unique collections, in collaboration with Harvard Library colleagues.
• Promote continuous learning and improvement through staff recruitment, retention, professional development, and mentoring. Supervise HDS library staff. Partner with and support the on-site Harvard Library services team, ensuring alignment with library standards and provide on-the-ground guidance as needed.
• Maintain strong organizational health and effectiveness at the HDS Library through planning and assessment.
• Participate in library fund raising, working with the HDS development and communications offices; build strong partnerships with donors. Establish effective relationships and communications with supporters and collections contributors.
• Contribute to HDS leadership by active participation in the administrative council and other senior management committees and ensure strong alignment with School and University priorities.
• Chair the HDS Library Committee to strengthen support for faculty initiatives in teaching, learning and research.
• Demonstrate professional leadership and commitment and conduct outreach and advocacy in appropriate regional, national, and international professional organizations and engage in collaborations with external groups such as the libraries of the Boston Theological Institute and the Atla.
• In partnership with HDS Facilities and Operations manage the HDS Library facilities.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

ALA-accredited MLS degree or equivalent professional experience required. At least 8 years’ experience in a library management role.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced theological degree strongly preferred.
• Successful managerial experience in a graduate theological or university library.
• Thorough understanding of technology in library settings; Record of leadership in integrating information technologies with traditional library resources and services.
• Demonstrated record of collaboration leadership and management style and at intra- and interinstitutional levels.
• Demonstrated leadership and expertise leading a variety of collection management approaches.
• Demonstrated knowledge of archives and special collections.
• Successful administrative experience, including responsibility for budgeting and human resource management; commitment to staff mentorship and development essential.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, students, and staff in a diverse community.
• Ability to provide creative leadership within a collegial administrative environment.
• Knowledge of higher education institutions and ability to respond to faculty and student expectations. Understanding of evolving issues in higher education and scholarly communication.
• Thorough understanding of theological literature, both historical and current, and experience with collection management.
• Understanding of conservation and preservation of library materials.
• Experience in developing external funding sources to enhance library collections and services preferred.
• Ability to effectively manage through change essential.