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Head of LaBudde Special Collections (LSC)
The University of Missouri‑Kansas City Libraries are seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Head of LaBudde Special Collections (LSC). Applications received by Sunday, July 6, 2025, will be given priority consideration.
The position is a 12‑month, non‑tenure track, ranked benefit‑eligible faculty librarian appointment. The Head provides direction, administration, operations, and long‑term planning for the Kenneth J. LaBudde Department of Special Collections. Key duties include guiding print‑based archival processing, collections management, and facilitating access to archival and rare book collections through arrangement, description, bibliographic access, preservation, storage, and security. The role oversees departmental workflows, collaborates with other SCA division leaders to set priorities and policies, monitors trends in rare book and archives management, and recommends adoption of new technologies and methods for access, organization, and preservation.
Primary duties and responsibilities
Provides leadership and oversight of LaBudde Special Collections, a department consisting of two academic appointments and a team of student employees.
Establishes departmental goals that align with the Special Collections & Archives Division, Library, and University goals and objectives.
Assists in implementing strategies for preserving the department’s physical and born‑digital collections.
Partners with Special Collections & Archives Division and Library‑wide departments to ensure consistency and continuity of service where appropriate.
Works with UMKC Libraries administration and divisional colleagues to pursue external grant funding or other fundraising opportunities.
Evaluates and implements technological solutions and strategies for improving work processes and facilitating access to collection materials.
Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends impacting the SCA Division and collaborates with partners in the Libraries and elsewhere to support the exploration and implementation of new tools, services, and approaches.
Provides library instruction to support the UMKC curriculum, ensuring that students develop adequate library and information skills using manuscript‑collection resources and all available tools.
Provides in‑person, telephone, and electronic reference services and research consultations for users of LaBudde Special Collections and its associated collections.
Serves as a member of the SCA Collections Team to identify and prioritize holdings for digitization; works closely with the Digital Projects department on planning for digitization, digital collection, and digital exhibit projects.
Works closely with the Cataloging & Resource Management department to ensure timely intellectual and bibliographic access to collection materials in coordination with the SCA Collections Team.
Provides leadership in print‑based archival processing services for the Special Collections & Archives Division.
In coordination with the Processing Associate and divisional colleagues, accedes and processes incoming archival and manuscript collections consisting of material in a variety of formats in accordance with professional standards and departmental priorities.
Primarily responsible for integrity, safety, and security of archival processing and storage spaces, including the Automated Storage and Retrieval System. Also responsible for processing and storage facilities’ security policies and procedures.
In the absence of the Head of University Archives, is responsible for managing the safety and security of facilities, personnel, archival and rare materials, and visitors in the public reading room.
Eligibility and qualifications
An American Library Association accredited master’s degree OR a graduate degree in an appropriate field combined with libraries and/or archives administration education and experience.
Experience in an archives and/or special collections setting with demonstrated knowledge of core functions and services, including archival processing practices and management systems and awareness of national issues and trends.
Supervisory experience or experience leading a team.
Evidence of the ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with campus and external communities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑based, service‑oriented environment.
Potential to meet promotion requirements in a non‑tenure track appointment, evidenced through service, research, leadership, innovation, and/or professional development.
Salary and benefits Salary will be commensurate with rank and qualifications. The anticipated hiring range is $57,500–$90,000. Minimum salaries for ranks are: Librarian I $50,000, Librarian II $55,000, Librarian III $62,500, Librarian IV $72,500. UMKC offers an excellent retirement/benefits package and full benefits that start day one, including generous paid time off, paid winter break, and continuing education benefits. (See Promotion and Appointments Criteria for rank specifications.)
Application instructions Submit a single PDF or Microsoft Word document containing the following:
A personal letter of interest up to 2 pages addressing each minimum requirement.
Curriculum vitae (CV – as many pages as needed).
Current contact information for 3 references.
Upload this combined document when prompted to provide a resume attachment. Limit the document name to 50 characters and the maximum file size to 11 MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %).
You may address your cover letter to Lynn Gullickson Spencer and Nara Newcomer, Search Committee Chairs.
For all inquiries, please contact 816‑235‑1531 or libraryadmin@umkc.edu and provide the title of the position. For ADA accommodations, call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816‑235‑6910.
Community information Kansas City offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city’s rich history and modern‑day innovative thinking combine to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods offering something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping, to champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. One of Kansas City’s biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world‑famous barbecue.
UMKC’s campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after‑work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Hospital.
UMKC is proud to be “Kansas City’s university,” and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816‑235‑6910.
How to apply https://library.umkc.edu/jobs/head-lsc/
Contact For any questions, email libraryadmin@umkc.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The position is a 12‑month, non‑tenure track, ranked benefit‑eligible faculty librarian appointment. The Head provides direction, administration, operations, and long‑term planning for the Kenneth J. LaBudde Department of Special Collections. Key duties include guiding print‑based archival processing, collections management, and facilitating access to archival and rare book collections through arrangement, description, bibliographic access, preservation, storage, and security. The role oversees departmental workflows, collaborates with other SCA division leaders to set priorities and policies, monitors trends in rare book and archives management, and recommends adoption of new technologies and methods for access, organization, and preservation.
Primary duties and responsibilities
Provides leadership and oversight of LaBudde Special Collections, a department consisting of two academic appointments and a team of student employees.
Establishes departmental goals that align with the Special Collections & Archives Division, Library, and University goals and objectives.
Assists in implementing strategies for preserving the department’s physical and born‑digital collections.
Partners with Special Collections & Archives Division and Library‑wide departments to ensure consistency and continuity of service where appropriate.
Works with UMKC Libraries administration and divisional colleagues to pursue external grant funding or other fundraising opportunities.
Evaluates and implements technological solutions and strategies for improving work processes and facilitating access to collection materials.
Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends impacting the SCA Division and collaborates with partners in the Libraries and elsewhere to support the exploration and implementation of new tools, services, and approaches.
Provides library instruction to support the UMKC curriculum, ensuring that students develop adequate library and information skills using manuscript‑collection resources and all available tools.
Provides in‑person, telephone, and electronic reference services and research consultations for users of LaBudde Special Collections and its associated collections.
Serves as a member of the SCA Collections Team to identify and prioritize holdings for digitization; works closely with the Digital Projects department on planning for digitization, digital collection, and digital exhibit projects.
Works closely with the Cataloging & Resource Management department to ensure timely intellectual and bibliographic access to collection materials in coordination with the SCA Collections Team.
Provides leadership in print‑based archival processing services for the Special Collections & Archives Division.
In coordination with the Processing Associate and divisional colleagues, accedes and processes incoming archival and manuscript collections consisting of material in a variety of formats in accordance with professional standards and departmental priorities.
Primarily responsible for integrity, safety, and security of archival processing and storage spaces, including the Automated Storage and Retrieval System. Also responsible for processing and storage facilities’ security policies and procedures.
In the absence of the Head of University Archives, is responsible for managing the safety and security of facilities, personnel, archival and rare materials, and visitors in the public reading room.
Eligibility and qualifications
An American Library Association accredited master’s degree OR a graduate degree in an appropriate field combined with libraries and/or archives administration education and experience.
Experience in an archives and/or special collections setting with demonstrated knowledge of core functions and services, including archival processing practices and management systems and awareness of national issues and trends.
Supervisory experience or experience leading a team.
Evidence of the ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with campus and external communities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑based, service‑oriented environment.
Potential to meet promotion requirements in a non‑tenure track appointment, evidenced through service, research, leadership, innovation, and/or professional development.
Salary and benefits Salary will be commensurate with rank and qualifications. The anticipated hiring range is $57,500–$90,000. Minimum salaries for ranks are: Librarian I $50,000, Librarian II $55,000, Librarian III $62,500, Librarian IV $72,500. UMKC offers an excellent retirement/benefits package and full benefits that start day one, including generous paid time off, paid winter break, and continuing education benefits. (See Promotion and Appointments Criteria for rank specifications.)
Application instructions Submit a single PDF or Microsoft Word document containing the following:
A personal letter of interest up to 2 pages addressing each minimum requirement.
Curriculum vitae (CV – as many pages as needed).
Current contact information for 3 references.
Upload this combined document when prompted to provide a resume attachment. Limit the document name to 50 characters and the maximum file size to 11 MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %).
You may address your cover letter to Lynn Gullickson Spencer and Nara Newcomer, Search Committee Chairs.
For all inquiries, please contact 816‑235‑1531 or libraryadmin@umkc.edu and provide the title of the position. For ADA accommodations, call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816‑235‑6910.
Community information Kansas City offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city’s rich history and modern‑day innovative thinking combine to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods offering something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping, to champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. One of Kansas City’s biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world‑famous barbecue.
UMKC’s campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after‑work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Hospital.
UMKC is proud to be “Kansas City’s university,” and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816‑235‑6910.
How to apply https://library.umkc.edu/jobs/head-lsc/
Contact For any questions, email libraryadmin@umkc.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr