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Position Opening, Director, Rice University



The Fondren Library, Rice University, seeks an experienced, energetic and
innovative Director of Special Collections to administer rare and special
book collections, manuscript collections, and the Rice University
archives.

The Director is responsible for planning and managing projects which will
link traditional manuscript, archives and book processing and service
activities with digital initiatives, including the conversion of finding
aids to electronic media. This position also explores new methods of
research support and outreach using special collections materials and
incorporation of Special Collections into mainstream user service and
instruction. The position reports to the Director of Fondren Library.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with the
retiring Director during a period of transition.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Special Collections is responsible for
the planning, organizing, and ongoing support of the work of Special
Collections, and for long-term planning and strategic development of the
department in support of the fundamental goals of the Fondren Library.

This position actively promotes use of the collections by fostering
positive donor relationships, encouraging user education, performing
community outreach, and utilizing the capabilities of digital technologies
for access and preservation of the collections.

The Director manages budgeted and specially-allocated funds for the
purchase of special collections material, and recommends budget
expenditures in all areas reporting to the position, including salary,
equipment and travel expenditures, and project-related budgets.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED:
*       Extensive experience with and knowledge of the arrangement and
description of special collections materials, standards of bibliographic
control and preservation, and archival principles and practices.
*       Knowledge of and experience with using digital technologies in
special collections.
*       Evidence of strong commitment to public service and the ability to
work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and other constituencies
in a rapidly changing environment.
*       Proven ability to creatively address ambiguities in contemporary
library services, with the ability to project longer-term strategies.
*       ALA-accredited Masters Degree in Library and Information Studies,
Master of Archives Degree, or other appropriate advanced degree.
*       Proven ability to solve problems; excellent analytical skills.
*       Leadership skills and an ability to reach consensus with diverse
constituencies.
*       Strong commitment to the development of research collections.
*       Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

PREFERRED:

*       Second advanced subject degree.
*       Experience planning new or renovated library facilities, including
the shifting of special materials.

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT:

Salary/benefits: Salary range $58,000 minimum, with hiring salary based on
experience and education; no state or local income tax; career advancement
program; 21 benefit days; 8 study days; TIAA/CREF; flexible benefits
plans, including health and life insurance; and tuition waiver.

Environment: Rice University is a private, independent university located
on a tree-shaded 300-acre campus a few miles from downtown Houston, near
major museums, theatres and the Texas Medical Center.

Fondren Library, an ARL library of over 2 million volumes located in the
heart of the campus, will soon enter into a major $130 million building
project.

The Woodson Research Center, Fondren's department of special collections,
contains 30,000 rare and special books; 400 manuscript collections (3225
linear feet), and university archival material (over 1715 cubic feet).

Houston is a vibrant, multicultural city, with world-class visual and
performing arts ranging from the traditional to the avant-garde. The
fourth largest city in the country, Houston enjoys a moderate cost of
living and easy proximity to the Gulf Coast. For more information, see
http://riceinfo.rice.edu/Houston/index.html.

To Apply:

Applications received by July 30, 2001 will receive first consideration.

To apply, send letter of application, resume, and the names, titles,
addresses, and telephone numbers and/or e-mail addresses of three
references to:

Melinda Reagor Flannery, Assistant University Librarian
Fondren Library MS-44
Rice University
P. O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892

Inquiries: (713) 348-3773 or e-mail reagor@rice.edu.

Rice University is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.
______________________________________________
Kerry Keck - Asst. University Librarian, Collections
Fondren Library - MS44           Phone:  713-348-2926
Rice University                  Fax:    713-348-5258
6100 S. Main                     Email:  keckker@rice.edu
Houston, TX  77005-1892          http://sparta.rice.edu/~keckker

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