France-Merrick Director of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library

Summary

The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) seeks a dynamic, imaginative person to oversee the institution’s H. Furlong Baldwin Library, which houses a unique and nationally significant collection of manuscripts, rare books, photographic and print holdings, and a range of audio and digital collections. The France-Merrick Director of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library will articulate a clear vision for the library, advocate for its advancement, participate in larger, statewide efforts, and guide the daily functions of the library.

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced team player who has overseen diverse collections, is knowledgeable about digital asset management, and who enjoys interfacing with the public and a variety of stakeholders, from scholars and community members to donors and trustees. The France-Merrick Director of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library will be a member of MCHC’s senior staff and will interact with all departments to create relevant, innovative programming and library initiatives. They will be flexible and enthusiastic and enjoy tackling a diverse range of responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have experience in the collection management of archival materials, including digital preservation and preventive conservation.

This position reports to the Chief Curatorial and Creative Officer and will oversee a department composed of 5 staff members and various interns and fellows. The France-Merrick Director of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library will work closely with departments across MCHC, including Imaging Services, Education, and the Museum, among others.

Responsibilities

STAFF/PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Supervises, mentors, and supports the development of all Library staff, including, Special Collections Archivists, Senior Reference Librarian, Library Associate, and Digital Collections and Metadata Manager
• Recommends new priorities to fulfill the Library’s goals and works with the staff responsible for seeing them through to completion

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING/REPORTING

• Builds and maintains relationships locally and nationally to further the institution’s leadership role
• Represents the Library through internal and external channels, including reporting on Library activities at board meetings and presenting about collections, projects, or other initiatives during public programs
• Coordinates and presides over, with the Chair of the Library Committee, quarterly Library Committee meetings. Recruits and recommends potential Library Committee members

COLLABORATION ACROSS DEPARTMENTS

• Work with the Education staff to facilitate digital and on-site programs that utilize library collections
• Collaborates closely with the Advancement Department to steward gifts, including grants, fellowships, and internships made in support of the Library
• Collaborates closely with the Advancement Department to initiate, complete, submit, and provide required reporting for various grant funding applications
• With the Director of Communications, collaborates on the website and digital collections portal and guides the content of social media and blog posts that relate to the Library and promote Library-related activities

COLLECTION MAINTENANCE

• Facilitates collection loans of Library materials
• Manages major projects for the Library, such as space planning, facilities improvements for Library collection spaces, and acquisition of equipment.
• Prioritizes conservation needs in the Library collections and coordinates broader conservation projects
• Oversees the conditions and organization of Library storage areas, as well as strategizes about effective collection moves when necessary
• Formulates the Library’s acquisitions strategy and makes modifications when warranted
• Researches Library collection priorities and advocates for resource allotment.

TECHNICAL

• Works closely with Digital Collections and Metadata Manager and other experts to strategically advance the Library through the ongoing adoption of current digital practices in providing open access, collaboration, and preservation
• Provides management of special collections, including tools for collections management such as ArchivesSpace and ResourceSpace (DAMS)
• Works closely with Imaging Services to troubleshoot website and issues regarding reproduction and usage of Library materials

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

• Advocates that the Library maintains the highest level of legal, ethical, and safety standards
• Oversees the development of policies and procedures for collection access, and oversees adherence
• Oversees security in the Library

RESEARCH

• Oversees and manages Library fellowship programs, including the selection process and fellowship experience

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of professional experience with increasing responsibility for managing a library or a special collections department
• Demonstrated experience in applying efficient processing techniques in accessing, appraising, arranging, describing, and preserving archival collections of varying size and complexity
• Experience supervising staff, interns, and volunteers, including providing feedback and evaluating outcomes
• Demonstrated experience applying archival standards and vocabularies, including EAD, DACS, and LCSH/LCNAF
• Knowledge of current issues and trends regarding digital archives, digitization, and digital scholarship
• Understanding and ability to stay abreast of privacy, confidentiality, copyright, and use policies associated with archives and special collection materials
• Evidence of professional engagement at local, state, or national levels.
• Experience with library preservation/conservation techniques and digitization, digital preservation practices and standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Experience interfacing with the public
• Ability to lift, shift, and shelve boxes weighing up to 25 lbs.

About the Position

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits with occasional evening and weekend hours, including one Saturday a month. The salary range is $60,000 - 70,000 annually. The final salary will be determined based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume with contacts of three professional supervisory references to [email protected] by October 30, 2022. Subject line: Library Director. Incomplete applications may not be considered. No phone calls, please.

About MCHC

The Maryland Center for History and Culture is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to educate people of all ages about the American experience through the rich history of Maryland using their collections and to preserve important objects and archival materials from prehistoric Maryland to the present day. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.

The Maryland Center for History and Culture collects, preserves, and interprets the history, art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories through the lens of Maryland, MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community. Learn more at mdhistory.org.