Posted to IASSIST on: 2011-06-17
Employer: MIT Libraries
Employer URL: http://libraries.mit.edu/
Description
The MIT Libraries seek an innovative, technologically-savvy professional to serve on the Libraries’ senior leadership team with responsibility for ensuring long-term access for all information assets under the Libraries’ purview. As Head of the Curation and Preservation Services department, the successful candidate will join colleagues in the Information Resources Directorate in managing the life cycle of information resources and contributing to the Libraries’ mission of “… developing innovative services, strategies, and systems that promote discovery, preserve knowledge, and improve worldwide scholarly communication.” Reporting to the Associate Director for Information Resources, this position is responsible for the coordination of both digital and physical preservation services including the Wunsch Conservation Laboratory; promotion of an integrated approach to sustained access to all current and future content under the stewardship of the Libraries; implementation of a robust digital preservation program; and provision of expert advice on curation activities across content types and disciplines. The Department Head will collaborate with library staff working across the organization who have complementary roles in such areas as archives, curation, digitization services, metadata services, research data management, repository services, software development, systems infrastructure, and video services. The Information Resources Directorate is comprised of departments whose work focuses on the spectrum of activities, that support and sustain a wide range of content, from acquisition to long-term access: Acquisitions, Metadata, and Enterprise Systems; Collections Strategy and Management; Curation and Preservation Services; Information Delivery and Library Access; and Institute Archives and Special Collections. Through a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, the MIT Libraries are redefining the role of the 21st century library – preserving and making collections more accessible than ever before, and shaping the future of scholarly research. Libraries’ staff, at all levels, contribute to this spirit of innovation and to the mission of promoting learning, discovery and the advancement of knowledge at MIT and beyond. “Reinventing the Research Library: The MIT Libraries in the 21st Century” is a short video that looks at how the MIT Libraries are expanding beyond their traditional role to shape the research library of the 21st century –creating innovative services, reaching out to students and faculty, and leading efforts to increase global access to MIT’s scholarly work. RESPONSIBILITIES: The Head, Curation and Preservation Services will provide operational and strategic leadership for the Department including management of human, financial, and other resources. S/he will develop policies and a program framework that align the MIT Libraries with prevailing and emergent standards and practices in curation and preservation; will work across the organization to foster a shared understanding of conservation, curation, and preservation activities for content in all formats; and, will lead and collaborate on research projects that further the practical solutions to emerging preservation challenges. The Head will oversee the integration and coordination of the work of the Preservation Librarian and the Thomas F. Peterson (1957) Conservator who together provide a comprehensive conservation program for paper-based collections, digital reformatting and preservation services, disaster preparedness and emergency response, and education and outreach services. S/he will seek opportunities both within the Institute and with external partners to define preservation requirements for new or emerging content types and is expected to actively participate in the curation and preservation community including in the development of standards and best practices.
Required: Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program, or a master’s degree in a relevant field combined with directly applicable experience in curation or preservation services. Five to seven years relevant experience with digital preservation or curation services and minimum three years of relevant supervisory experience. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and current trends in digital preservation and evidence of successful implementation. Demonstrated knowledge of information technology and its application to curation and preservation programs and services, including repository systems. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a matrix environment with proven success in collaboration and strategic partnering. Proven effectiveness in program and project management in a library or research environment. Evidence of excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills. Commitment to diversity and inclusion both in supporting a diverse workforce and serving the needs of a diverse population.
Preferred: Experience with writing proposals for external funding, and administration of externally-funded projects through grants or philanthropy. Experience with donor relations. Knowledge of conservation standards and practice. A record of sustained professional contribution in the field.
Archived on: 2011-07-15