"SCRC Reference & Access Services Librarian"

SCRC Reference & Access Services Librarian

Job #: 042380

Location: Syracuse, NY

Pay Range: $65,400 - $73,000

Hours:
Standard University business hours (37.5 hours per week)
8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type: Full Time

Job Description:

The Syracuse University Libraries invites applications for the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) Reference and Access Services Librarian. Reporting to the SCRC Director, this position manages a fast paced, high profile, team-oriented academic special collections reference/access services unit committed to providing high quality customer service. The Librarian is crucial to providing SU faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the local and global research communities with general and specialized reference and access to the Universitys extensive cultural heritage materials, including rare books, personal papers, monographs, manuscripts, artwork, photographs, artifacts, time-based media, and born-digital formats through our on-campus reading room and our reference and access services operation.

The Librarian is responsible for ensuring all reference and access services offered by SCRC are evaluated, designed, and reviewed regularly for equitable, inclusive, and accessible access to the collections and will lead training and provide oversight and quality control for reference practices across the Center. This position supervises the SCRC Access Services Supervisor and participates in educational programming such as pop-up exhibitions, events and the SCRC blog.

Application Review Timeline:
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. However, priority consideration will be given to those received by December 15, 2025, as application review will begin on that date.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Accredited MLS with special collections/archives focus or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
• 3+ years of increasingly responsible professional experience in special collections/archives setting. Special collections public services experience preferred.
• Demonstrated record of providing advanced reference and research services for students, faculty, staff, and local/global research communities.
• Experience with hands-on research within rare book, archival collections, knowledge of primary source research methodologies.
• Comprehensive understanding of reference tools, search interfaces, reference interview techniques.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to providing high quality service in a collaborative, team environment to a diverse and inclusive campus and researcher community.
• Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills, flexibility and adaptability and a willingness to embrace and drive change.
• Familiarity with emerging strategies and digital technologies management of and providing access to special collection material.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with Atlas Systems Aeon or similar collections tracking software.
• Familiarity with using LibAnswers, LibInsight and LibGuides.
• Knowledge of current US Copyright laws and intellectual property rights for cultural heritage materials/ADA accessibility standards for libraries.
• Familiarity with conservation, preservation, collection management and security practices relating to special collections

Librarian Rank and Compensation

This position will be appointed at the Senior Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian without Permanent (ranking) Status ranks based on the successful candidates qualifications. See the detailed rank criteria requirements here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S9fdYc2-Ko1WZ2FxGeINFajbtato5DtBvKPRaGuzfyA/edit?usp=sharing.

Final salary will be commensurate with experience and assigned rank.

Senior Assistant Librarian - Candidates may be appointed to this rank if they have successful professional experience. It has a maximum of three terms before they are expected to apply for promotion to the next rank (Associate Librarian). Requirements for this rank include:

• MLS or equivalent degree
• Successful professional library experience
• Demonstrated competence in position responsibilities
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Evidence of professional growth and initiative

Associate Librarian without Permanent (Ranking) Status - Candidates may be appointed to this rank if they have substantial professional achievement and commitment. Librarians hired at the Associate rank will be required to apply for permanent (ranking) status, which signifies sustained achievement and contributions to Syracuse University Libraries. Requirements for this rank include:

• MLS or equivalent degree
• Show excellent/outstanding performance in previous library roles
• Demonstrate significant contributions to library operations
• Provide evidence of professional commitment (such as committee work, conference attendance, publications, or professional development activities)

Skills and Knowledge:

The successful candidate will have best combination of:

• Strong understanding of the role of primary source materials in research, teaching, learning
• Commitment to support and contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment
• Passion for learning and working collaboratively with students, faculty, researchers
• Strong critical thinking skills in understanding, analyzing, and solving problems related to library service and operations
• Strong discernment and judgement in managing unit and services.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and supervise full-time staff and students
• Ability to model the safe and secure handling of special collections materials
• Strong written, verbal, and persuasive communication skills
• Strong time/organizational management skills and attention to detail.
• Leadership ability and commitment to continuous learning
• Creativity, flexibility, ability to adapt to change
• Must be reliable, self-motivated, proactive, engaged, responsive member of team

Responsibilities:

Reference and Outreach (45%)

• Provide a full range of rare book, multidisciplinary, archival and in-depth reference services including in person and virtual research consultations, academic and scholarly reference, general reference and special projects.
• Model best practices for reference and customer service.
• Participate in the Reading Room reference desk rotation.
• Serve as the Centers liaison to other Libraries reference and access service areas.
• Provide basic instruction on SCRC collections and services and manage/update reference resources and tools as needed.
• Participate in SCRC programming schedule including pop up exhibitions, events, and blog.

Management (30%)

• Manage day-to-day reference and access services operations for SCRC (Special Collections, University Archives, and Belfer Audio Archive) that serve campus and the local and global research communities, including the management of the reference queue.
• Directly supervise the SCRC Access Services Supervisor and 1-2 students.
• Plan and implement ongoing reference and collections access training of staff and student assistants.
• Develop, update, and implement policies and procedures governing collections access and reference services to reflect emerging standards and ensure the Centers commitment to preserving a wide variety of histories, building reciprocal relationships, and ensuring equitable access.
• Serve as a member of the SCRC Managers Team. Lead the Alexander N. Charters Adult Education Grants-in-Aid program team.

Patron Digitization; Publication Permissions (5%)

• Oversee workflows for internal and external requests for digitization of SCRC collection material working with other units in the Libraries as needed.
• Ensure digitization requests are compliant with preservation guidelines, donor restrictions, and US and New York State Copyright laws.
• Manage SCRC publication permissions requests.

Project Management; Data Assessment (5%)

• Lead, coordinate, and assess complex projects as assigned, including collecting data and metrics on the usage of special collections, assessment, and procedural workflows.

Service (5%)

• Engage in activities that contribute to the advancement of the Libraries, the university, and the library profession including, for example, actively participating on a team, committee, or special project; chairing or organizing a workshop, conference, or other professional event; teaching (excluding library instruction sessions or other teaching activities that are explicit job duties); professional consulting; conference discussant, publishing; conducting research that results in a publication or conference presentation.

Professional Development (5%)

• Maintain awareness of professional developments, issues, and practices through research and activities that increase ones knowledge and abilities, and that positively impact ones performance and service contributions. Examples of activities include participation in a workshop, webinar or conference that result in the acquisition of new knowledge or skills; completion of a credit course pertaining to the employees position; completion of an internship or other practical training.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

To apply, visit https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/111481