Librarian, Rare Books; Assistant or Associate

Librarian, Rare Books (Assistant or Associate) Overview

The University of Arizona Libraries seeks an innovative, collaborative, and user-centered Rare Books librarian to join the Curatorial Unit within Special Collections. The Rare Books Librarian will play a key role in advancing Special Collections' book collection development program. This position encompasses responsibilities in collection development, instruction, reference, exhibitions, and events. The Rare Books Librarian will manage and coordinate all aspects of Special Collections' book acquisitions, including cataloging, space management, preservation, and ongoing collection maintenance.

In collaboration with the Public Services Unit Lead, this position will also contribute to the planning and execution of Special Collections exhibitions and events, and assist with tours and outreach initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the University Libraries, and support the University's teaching, learning, and research mission. Established in 1958, Special Collections collects rare and unique photos, documents, books, film, video and audio recordings, and other primary source materials.

Special Collections is a repository and cultural heritage institution that is part of Arizona's land-grant university, stewarding materials to mirror who is here, amplify voices, expand our historical record, and create opportunities for new research. This is a continuing‑eligible or continuing status track academic professional position. Incumbents are members of the general faculty and entitled to all rights and privileges granted by the Arizona Board of Regents and the University of Arizona.

Retention and promotion are earned through achievement of excellence in position effectiveness, scholarship, and service.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more. The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work‑life programs.

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please visit talent.arizona.edu.

• Acquire, appraise, and preserve collections of primary and significant research value, especially rare books.
• In partnership with the Unit Lead, manage and coordinate all aspects of Special Collections' book acquisitions.
• Identify and engage with existing and prospective book vendors and donors as well as other curatorial area donors as appropriate.
• In collaboration with Preservation Technician and the Collections Management Archivist, recommend, develop, and prioritize treatment, preservation, and housing solutions, with a focus on book collections.
• Participate in, consult on, and evaluate potential donations and purchases with other members of the curatorial unit.
• Liaise with Collections Services Department to provide guidance on original cataloging and to work on book acquisition and receiving workflows, and collaborate with other Special Collections members on space, preservation, and collections maintenance issues.
• Coordinate and document the workflows around the acquisition of purchased and donated book and manuscript collections.
• Contribute to Special Collections' rare books education, course‑related instruction, and other specialized educational sessions to students, the community, and other primary customers. Develop and prepare appropriate instructional and educational aids.
• Contribute to Reading Room staffing and respond to reference inquiries on‑site and offsite through telephone, mail, and e‑mail.
• Curate and prepare exhibits of Special Collections materials and assist in related events such as lectures and receptions.
• Collaborate with the Public Services Unit Lead and the Marketing and Communications Department to promote the use of rare books collections through presentations, social media content, and other channels…