"Librarian, Rare Books (Assistant or Associate)"

Librarian, Rare Books (Assistant or Associate)

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Libraries

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req24875

Department: Special Collections

Location: Main Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona Libraries seeks an innovative, collaborative, and user-centered Rare Books librarian to join the Curatorial Unit within Special Collections.

The Rare Books Librarian will play a key role in advancing Special Collections' book collection development program. This position encompasses responsibilities in collection development, instruction, reference, exhibitions, and events.
The Rare Books Librarian will manage and coordinate all aspects of Special Collections' book acquisitions, including activities related to cataloging, space management, preservation, and ongoing collection maintenance. In collaboration with the Public Services Unit Lead, this position will also contribute to the planning and execution of Special Collections exhibitions and events, as well as assist with tours and outreach initiatives.

The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the University Libraries and with other units within Special Collections to support the University's teaching, learning, and research mission.

Established in 1958, Special Collections collects rare and unique photos, documents, books, film, video and audio recordings, and other primary source materials. Special Collections is a repository and cultural heritage institution that is part of Arizona's land-grant university. We steward materials to mirror who is here, amplify voices, expand our historical record, and create opportunities for new research. Learn more about What We Collect here.

This is a continuing-eligible or continuing status track, academic professional position. Incumbents are members of the general faculty and are entitled to all accompanying rights and privileges granted by the Arizona Board of Regents and the University of Arizona. Retention and promotion are earned through achievement of a record of excellence in position effectiveness, scholarship, and service.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please visit talent.arizona.edu.

Duties & Responsibilities

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Acquire, appraise, and preserve collections of primary and significant research value, especially rare books.
• In partnership with the Unit Lead, manage and coordinate all aspects of Special Collections' book acquisitions.
• Identify and engage with existing and prospective book vendors and donors as well as other curatorial area donors as appropriate.
• In collaboration with Preservation Technician and the Collections Management Archivist, recommend, develop, and prioritize treatment, preservation and housing solutions, with a focus on book collections.
• Participate in, consult on, and evaluate potential donations and purchases with other members of the curatorial unit.
• Liaise with Collections Services Department to provide guidance on original cataloging and to work on book acquisition and receiving workflows. In collaboration with other members of Special Collections, participates in activities and issues related to space, preservation, and collections maintenance.
• Coordinate and document the workflows around the acquisition of purchased and donated purchased book and manuscript collections and donated book collections.
• Contribute to Special Collections' rare books education, course-related instruction and other specialized educational sessions to students, the community and other primary customers. Develop and prepare appropriate instructional and educational aids.
• Contribute to Reading Room staffing and respond to reference inquiries on-site and offsite through telephone, mail, and e-mail.
• Curate and prepare exhibits of Special Collections materials and assist in related events such as lectures and receptions.
• Collaborate with the Public Services Unit Lead and the Marketing and Communications Department to promote the use of rare books collections through presentations, social media content, and other channels as appropriate.
• Participate in library-wide activities such as project teams and other groups as needed to complete goals of the department and the Libraries.
• Collaborates with other library departments, including Collections Services, Research Engagement, Access and Information Services, and Student Learning and Engagement to support the teaching, learning, and research mission of the University.
• The UA Libraries support the UA's strategic initiatives designed to create a welcoming environment for all faculty, staff, and students. The candidate is expected to support related strategic efforts in Special Collections and the Libraries.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with descriptive standards and cataloging practices for rare material.
• Facility in engaging intersectional perspectives in rare book acquisition, exhibition, and programing.
• Enthusiasm for collaborative approaches to departmental activities and initiatives.
• Knowledge of accepted preservation methods for archival, photographic, and paper materials.
• Knowledge of book cultures and markets.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of a variety of perspectives.
• Positive attitude and strong demonstration of UA Libraries' Values.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Formal coursework or training/professional development in rare books.
• Evidence of the ability to achieve continuing status (equivalent to tenure), including contributing to the information/library profession and to fulfilling the responsibilities of a library faculty member through service and scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of experience related to reference work, instruction and / or public services in a special collections' environment.
• Reading proficiency in Latin or Romance language.
• Experience with primary source literacy, object-based pedagogical strategy, and/or active learning techniques using primary sources and/or special collections, particularly with rare books.
• Experience documenting and implementing procedures and policies.
• Experience with exhibition and rare book curation.
• Demonstrated experience supervising students.

Rank: To be Determined

Tenure Information: Continuing Track (C/CE)

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Libraries

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $63,000 - $76,000

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates: Armando Cruz | armandocruz@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

This posting will remain open until filled. To ensure your application is considered, please submit your application materials by 11:59 p.m. on the first review date of February 9, 2026.