Public Services Coordinator, Library Special Collections - School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Under the general supervision of the Head of Library Special Collections + Digital Services—and in close collaboration with the Special Collections Manager—supports all areas of the front-line functions of the Flaxman Library’s Special Collections. Participates in and helps supervise the day-to-day operations in the Library’s Special Collections Reading Room, including all interactions with students, faculty, staff, researchers, and other visitors to the collections.  Collaborates with the Library Special Collections + Digital Services team on aspects of collections management.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates the day-to-day operations in the Library’s Special
• Collections Reading Room, including all interactions with students, faculty, staff, researchers, and other visitors to the collections, including scheduling.
• Assists Library Special Collections users in person, over the phone, by mail, e-mail, or through other means of communication. Assists as needed with basic reference services and visitor assistance, demonstrating engagement with and commitment to the educational mission of the School.
• Works closely with other members of the Library’s Special Collections team to deliver instructional programs and resources related to the artists’ book collection and archives.
• Collaborates with colleagues in the Library + Special Collections to coordinate the exhibit schedule for the Library, including working with members of the SAIC community and outside curators on exhibit preparation, planning, and promotion, and assisting with installation and deinstallation.
• Responsible for the hiring, recruiting, training, scheduling, and supervision of the team of student assistants who work in the Special Collections Reading Room.
• Assists in managing the care of irreplaceable collections and materials, in a high-use educational environment; identifies conservation concerns and performs basic preservation practices.
• Assists in the organization, cataloging, processing, and management of physical collections in a wide variety of formats, including works of art, archives, and audio-visual media.
• Assists with workshops, symposia, and other activities taking place in or sponsored by Library Special Collections.
• Collaborates with Library Special Collections + Digital Services to review and update special collections policies and services.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Requirements:

• Commitment to the educational mission of the School and demonstrated knowledge of the principles of accessibility, diversity, and inclusion; the ability to work well with diverse populations; and demonstrated level of cultural competence.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• One or more years of relevant work experience in a library, archive, museum, gallery, or other collection-based setting.
• A very strong commitment to excellence in public service and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and culturally diverse environment.
• Knowledge of contemporary art practices based in artists’ books, archives, exhibitions, and/or publishing.
• Understanding of basic principles of preservation and handling for works of art and archival materials.
• Understanding of basic cataloging and metadata standards.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency using standard office software, web services, and networked environments
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues, staff, faculty, and students fostering a collegial work environment that encourages innovation, curiosity, and inclusivity.
• Some nights and/or weekends may be required.
• Degree or background in the visual arts or design.
• Supervisory and training experience.
• Experience with library systems and software such as Islandora, Alma,  others.

SALARY: $41,000

BENEFITS: We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits
package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

CLOSING STATEMENT: The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.

UNION INFO: This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

PLEASE APPLY HERE: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/ART1010AICH/JobBoard/6f5b8ce8-fa09-4038-9ae8-05bd49daeaff/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=d6fa1ed7-2134-4316-9b41-8530f4cb60cd