"Head of Research and Instruction, Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center"

Head of Research and Instruction, Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center

Posted: 08-Jan-26

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Categories: Academic/Faculty

Salary Details: 75,000-85,000

Internal Number: 175804

Required:

• MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or an equivalent combination of relevant library experience and an advanced degree.
• Minimum of five years of successful experience providing research and instruction services for primary source materials in a special collections or a research library; other relevant library instructional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of current trends and methodologies in scholarship and teaching as they relate to the use of libraries and special collections sources.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work well with colleagues, donors, faculty, students and other Library users individually and in groups.
• Strong commitment to quality user-oriented reader services and understanding of research and teaching needs of special collections users.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, subject research skills, interpersonal and organizational skills, energy, and creativity.

Preferred:

• An advanced subject degree in a humanities or social science discipline
• Experience in using Atlas System’s Aeon circulation and workflow staff client.
• Knowledge of the application of technology to research, teaching, and special collections operations.

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and reference contact information online through the University of Chicago's Academic Recruiting website: https://apply.interfolio.com/179656. Review of applications will begin after February 7, 2026. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Salary and Benefits:

$75,000 - $85,000. The position is Benefits-eligible and also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Questions:

Contact the University Library Human Resources department at libraryhr@uchicago.edu.

The Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center is the principal repository for the rare books, manuscripts, and archives of the University of Chicago Library. The resources of Special Collections are made available to a broad community of scholars, students, and independent researchers as part of the University of Chicago’s mission to support research and teaching. Programs and initiatives of Special Collections include on-site reading room consultation of materials, classroom instruction drawing on the collections, a regular series of exhibitions and web exhibits, digital collections, and academic and public events. The Special Collections Research Center forms part of the Library’s newly created Distinctive Collections Division.

Reporting to the Director of Special Collections, the Head of Research and Instruction is responsible for providing leadership for all Special Collections public services, research and instructional programs, and managing the Special Collections Reader Services Unit. In conjunction with the Director of Special Collections, promotes Special Collections as a center for enriching research, teaching, and learning at the University of Chicago. Ensures high-quality and innovative research and instruction; efficient reading room circulation, on-demand scanning and inter-library loan services; and creative outreach programs. Participates in Library-wide research, instruction, and outreach.

Responsibilities:

• Comprehends current and emerging research trends, the structure of scholarly literature, and patterns of scholarly communication in areas of research and instruction supported by Special Collections.
• Communicates with faculty, colleagues, and students in order to be responsive to their needs and remains aware of changes and developments in disciplines and programs.
• With other Special Collections and Library staff, collaborates with faculty and Library colleagues in integrating Special Collections holdings into teaching and instruction. Develops and implements programs and services to increase research and teaching use of Special Collections.
• Provides oversight and management of the Special Collections public services spaces, implementation of policies for research use and services, and effective and secure circulation of Special Collections materials.
• Provides leadership for the Reader Services Unit in Special Collections (4 FTE full-time staff, 2 FTE student staff). Directly supervises the Reader Services Manager and Public Services Supervisor, including hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluation.
• Manages and responds to on-site and remote research inquiries along with Special Collections staff. Provides expertise in general and advanced research questions related to Special Collections. Promotes collaborative approaches among Special Collections staff for providing on-site and remote reader services.
• Creates and maintains specialized research tools and learning aids (e.g., LibGuides, bibliographies, etc.) to enhance knowledge of and access to Special Collections resources.
• Serves on Special Collections and Library-wide committees and task forces.
• Participates in local, regional, and national professional and scholarly organizations.