Distinctive Collections Specialist

Plans, manages and coordinates operations and activities of library exhibits, instruction and outreach. Performs cataloging, metadata and conservation for high-value rare books and one-of-a-kind archival materials to ensure accessibility and maintain condition.

• Develops, implements and enforces procedures and priorities for conservation and preservation of rare and unique materials, most of significant research and monetary value.
• Documents location of materials on campus and on loan to libraries and museums outside the University for cataloging, exhibits, class visits, digitization, and conservation.
• Ensures access to library resources. Performs advanced cataloging for the Universities distinctive collections, including records, archival collections, special collections and rare books in various languages.
• Verifies and edits records in the library services platform in compliance with established cataloging rules and standards. Performs subject analysis and provides expertise on structure and content of materials aligned with international standards for information description.
• Manages and updates electronic finding aids for archival collections and collaborates with metadata specialists on digital collections and projects for institutional catalog and national and international repositories.
• Collaborates with librarians and staff to establish cataloging and conservation priorities. Manages workflows for rare books, artifacts, and archival materials in the collections center.
• Develops and maintains documents on departmental procedures and guidelines in cataloging and conservation.
• Assists patrons with resources and services offered at the collections center, including accessing collections, interpreting collections, and providing secure access to resources. Retrieves materials from high-density storage with order picker.
• Participates in library committees and teams. Serves as a resource for conservation and preservation for University libraries.
• Hires, trains, evaluates and supervises staff and student employees.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

• One year's relevant experience.
• Experience working in an academic or special library or book conservation.
• Supervisory or lead experience.
• Experience with bibliographic search techniques.
• Proficiency with office software, including word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to complex bibliographic software and research skills to interpret individual rare items for researchers.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

• Valid Michigan Driver’s license. License to operate order picker lift truck required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or ability to obtain license within probationary period.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is performed with exposure to any number of elements which may occasionally require some precautions such as safety glasses, protective clothing, ear protection, etc.

Revised: 2023-11-21