Inside Higher Ed
DIRECTOR, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES, University Libraries
Inside Higher Ed, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Overview
DIRECTOR, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES, University Libraries — Boston University Libraries seeks a strategic and operational leader to guide the library's archival, rare book, and art holdings. The director will lead planning, implementation, operations, and assessment of collections to support research, engagement, instruction, and outreach. The role includes improving repository operations, managing discovery and stewardship of the university\'s holdings, and contributing to professional practice in special collections and archives.
Responsibilities
Recruit, mentor, and support a team of librarians, archivists, graduate interns, and student employees responsible for University Archives, research services, processing, collection management, exhibitions, and engagement.
Lead engagement programs including research services, reading room, reference services, research fellowships, instruction, outreach, exhibitions, and public programs; align engagement strategies with campus and external partners in line with library and university priorities.
Advance collecting and stewardship, shaping a collecting profile that supports the university\'s research and teaching priorities; oversee acquisitions policies and priorities to align with institutional priorities and capacity.
Oversee preservation and collection stewardship of the repository (university archives, rare books, manuscripts, and art collections); lead long-range planning and systems oversight for sustainable preservation, discovery, digitization, and digital readiness.
Manage resources by contributing to fundraising efforts, grant writing, and budget management to support programmatic and collection-wide stewardship.
Participate in library and university-wide activities and committees; collaborate with departments and programs; contribute to the profession through service, research, publishing, and/or teaching.
Qualifications
Master\'s degree in library or archival studies.
8+ years of relevant experience.
Firm working knowledge of archival management and research support operations across print and digital formats, including care of rare materials.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Commitment to inclusive and accessible service practices.
For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. The libraries will begin review of candidate applications on October 20, 2025. This position will remain open until filled.
Working at Boston University Libraries Boston University Libraries are a learning organization that supports librarians, archivists, and information specialists seeking and sharing knowledge and practices that advance collections services and professional development. BU Libraries foster collaboration, distinctive collections, and services that empower users to thrive in a changing information environment.
Located in Boston, BU Libraries participate in national networks and consortia, including BLC, ARL, NERL, HathiTrust, ArchivesSpace, CNI, and JSTOR Seeklight. The university is an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Posted by Boston University Libraries. Salary: Grade 51; Full-Time/Regular. Location: Boston, MA.
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Responsibilities
Recruit, mentor, and support a team of librarians, archivists, graduate interns, and student employees responsible for University Archives, research services, processing, collection management, exhibitions, and engagement.
Lead engagement programs including research services, reading room, reference services, research fellowships, instruction, outreach, exhibitions, and public programs; align engagement strategies with campus and external partners in line with library and university priorities.
Advance collecting and stewardship, shaping a collecting profile that supports the university\'s research and teaching priorities; oversee acquisitions policies and priorities to align with institutional priorities and capacity.
Oversee preservation and collection stewardship of the repository (university archives, rare books, manuscripts, and art collections); lead long-range planning and systems oversight for sustainable preservation, discovery, digitization, and digital readiness.
Manage resources by contributing to fundraising efforts, grant writing, and budget management to support programmatic and collection-wide stewardship.
Participate in library and university-wide activities and committees; collaborate with departments and programs; contribute to the profession through service, research, publishing, and/or teaching.
Qualifications
Master\'s degree in library or archival studies.
8+ years of relevant experience.
Firm working knowledge of archival management and research support operations across print and digital formats, including care of rare materials.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Commitment to inclusive and accessible service practices.
For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. The libraries will begin review of candidate applications on October 20, 2025. This position will remain open until filled.
Working at Boston University Libraries Boston University Libraries are a learning organization that supports librarians, archivists, and information specialists seeking and sharing knowledge and practices that advance collections services and professional development. BU Libraries foster collaboration, distinctive collections, and services that empower users to thrive in a changing information environment.
Located in Boston, BU Libraries participate in national networks and consortia, including BLC, ARL, NERL, HathiTrust, ArchivesSpace, CNI, and JSTOR Seeklight. The university is an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Posted by Boston University Libraries. Salary: Grade 51; Full-Time/Regular. Location: Boston, MA.
#J-18808-Ljbffr