Position Announcement

Associate Dean, Special Collections and Director, Cushing Memorial Library & Archives

 

Texas A&M University Libraries seeks a forward-thinking, collaborative, and energetic leader with a keen understanding of the role of research libraries in the digital age and how that role can be enhanced through the rich resources and unique services of special collections and archives. As a member of the University Libraries Executive Team, the successful candidate will collaborate with other library units to create and communicate a vision, set priorities, develop strategies, manage budgets, and implement policies and procedures to ensure the vitality of the Libraries’ extensive special collections.  The successful candidate will manage an effective and integrated program of archives and records management. The individual will also encourage interaction with faculty and students and engage with donors for ongoing support of the collections.

 

The special collections housed in the historic Cushing Memorial Library comprise over 22,000 linear feet of manuscript and archival material, approximately 200,000 printed volumes, over 250,000 photographs, 4,000 rare maps, and hundreds of artworks, including significant paintings and historical artifacts. Collections and projects cover a wide range of interests that include early modern English literature, Cervantes collection, Colonial Mexican materials, Texas and borderlands, science fiction and fantasy (including a special donor relationship with George R. R. Martin), book and printing history, gender and ethnic studies, militaria, and University Archives.   

 

While it can vary depending on the budget climate, a combination of dedicated endowments and  allocations from the Libraries’ central budget has in recent years provided approximately $500,000 of support for new acquisitions annually. Cushing Library staff currently includes a total of 18 FTE: twelve library/archivist faculty members, six staff, and support for interns and students assistants.  The future of the collections are enhanced by a recently expanded University Libraries Preservation team and newly constructed, state-of-the-art conservation lab.  Cataloging operations and administrative support for facilities, business operations, and employee resources are provided from Libraries’ dedicated units in a centralized model.

 

This is a senior leadership position with faculty status.  It is an open track search where the successful candidate will have a sufficient and established record in the appropriate areas to warrant appointment at associate professor or professor.  To be considered for a tenured title of Associate Professor or Professor, candidates must have a strong, ongoing body of scholarship evidenced by publications in high quality, peer reviewed journals or other significant venues, and an engaged record of service at a national level. The successful tenure track candidate must be willing to go through a complete review process for tenure on arrival, including letters from external reviewers and a faculty vote.  To be considered for a non-tenured, Academic Professional Track title of Executive Associate Professor or Executive Professor candidates must have a robust, active record of professional service at multiple levels with demonstrated national impact.

 

Required Qualifications:

• American Library Association (ALA)-accredited Master’s degree (or international equivalent) or current/sustained certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA)

• Minimum of seven years in academic research library, special collections, archives, or historical research center environments

• Minimum of five years of management and supervisory experience in progressively responsible positions

• Demonstrated innovative leadership in organizing resources (human, technical and financial) to create an efficient, flexible and nimble organization

• Experience being part of a collaborative team and engaging with general academic libraries

• Demonstrated understanding of emerging technologies especially as they present opportunities for broadening access and preservation of materials

• Experience in engaging with donors and friends groups

• Demonstrated commitment to high standards in and enhancement of customer services through assessment

• Evidence of commitment to diversity; ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse population

• Evidence of exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

 

Desired Qualifications:

 

• National or international reputation in librarianship and/or archival studies

• Record of achievement sufficient for appointment as a Professor with tenure or Executive Professor

• Experience in supervisory roles for tenure track and/or faculty status professionals

• Experience in an academic research library environment

• Familiarity with a large public academic environment that balances state and institutional structures, rules, and procedural compliance

• Certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists

• Additional Master’s degree or PhD in relevant subject discipline

• Familiarity with preservation strategies and programs

• Record of external grant activity

ENVIRONMENT:

The University:

 

Founded in 1876 as a land-grant institution, Texas A&M University is the sixth largest university in the nation. The signature Aggie Spirit captures and embodies the university’s traditions and core values: Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service.  The university has an enrollment of more than 63,000 students and 2,800 instructional faculty. Based on Vision 2020, the institution’s goal is to become a premier, tier-one Research University and to be ranked among the top 10 public universities nationwide by 2020.

 

The Libraries:

In an effort to provide relevant customer service in an ever-changing environment, the Texas A&M University Libraries is developing a core culture representing flexibility, innovation and risk-taking.  In addition, the Libraries recognizes the value in creating a culture that draws from the richness and strength reflected in the diversity of our state and nation and has created an actionable Diversity Plan.

The Libraries currently rank 8th in materials expenditures ($23.6 million) and 4th in ongoing expenditures ($16.6 million) among all ARL libraries. Additionally, the Libraries typically rank near the top 10 for starting librarian salaries among ARL U.S. Public Academic Libraries. Currently the staffing includes 268 individuals which includes 90 librarians holding faculty status.

 

The Community:

 

Texas A&M is located in Bryan-College Station, a friendly community where the ubiquitous “howdy” greets friends and newcomers alike. The community boasts excellent medical facilities, live entertainment and the arts, fine-to-casual dining, outdoor recreation, a local airport, and a low cost of living, as well as easy proximity to Austin and Houston. Additionally, Texas residents enjoy the benefit of having no state or local income tax.

 

Salary/Benefits/Rank: Faculty rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience; minimum starting salary will be $97,000 Excellent benefits include health plan and paid life insurance; several retirement plans including TIAA; paid holidays and vacation; no state or local income tax. Funding is available for professional travel and development activities.

 

Applications: Applications received by March 11, 2019 will be given first consideration.  The letter of application should address the responsibilities, qualifications, and experiences listed for the position. Please submit application letter, vita, and the names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references.  References will not be contacted without contacting the candidate first and verifying permission.  Send nominations and applications via email to LibrarianJob@library.tamu.edu or mailed to Pixey Mosley, Associate Dean for Administrative & Faculty Services, Texas A&M University Libraries, 5000 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-5000.

 

For more information about the library, see http://library.tamu.edu, about the university, http://www.tamu.edu, and about the communities, http://www.visitaggieland.com.