VISUAL ARTS LIBRARIAN, University Libraries

The Boston University Libraries seek a Visual Arts Librarian who will be responsible for collection development, library instruction, and research support for departments and programs related to the visual arts, art history, and architecture, including the School of Visual Arts in the College of Fine Arts, the History of Art & Architecture and Classical Studies in the College of Arts & Sciences, as well as other departments and programs associated and identified with visual arts, art history, and architecture.

The Visual Arts Librarian will work with the Head of Research Services for Collection Development and other library stakeholders to identify and acquire materials in support of art, art history, and architecture research needs, including books, journals, and other materials formats. The Visual Arts Librarian will work with the Head, Research Services for Instruction and Consultation, to develop instructional resources, including workshops and other library-led instruction, to support the divisional goals of Research & Learning and the research and curricular needs of supported departments and programs.

This position serves as the principal liaison and key contact for art, art history, and architecture research requests, and the incumbent engages in departmental and programmatic outreach, including activities such as orientation/new student events, invited talks, and publication-related events. As a member of the subject specialist and liaison team within the Research & Learning division, the Visual Arts Librarian is part of a dynamic team of librarians providing research support to the Boston University community through inter-connected efforts around collection development and instruction and consultation. The Visual Arts Librarian is expected to serve as a library representative on appropriate university-wide committees and to serve on internal committees as needed and requested. The Visual Arts Librarian will report to the Head, Research Services for Instruction and Consultation. Responsibilities include:

+ Craft and implement strategies for collection development activities in support of subject and programmatic areas. Under the guidance of the Head of Research Services for Collection Development, engage in acquisitions to support programmatic objectives and ensure coverage of interdisciplinary and emerging need areas. Seek opportunities for engagement with the supported research communities to learn about research needs and identify opportunities for new or expanded collections. Support comprehensive collection coverage through regular review of new materials and engagement with major publishers and vendors in the supported disciplines.

+ Develop and design instructional materials and lessons to support divisional and library-wide goals. Under the guidance of the Head of Research Services for Instruction and Consultation, participate in the instructional and consultation programs in the Research and Learning. Coordinate and collaborate with fellow subject specialists and liaisons in support of these programs and objectives. Provide support for on-demand instruction and course support as part of the Research and Learning division. Create self-service learning tools and resources (e.g., LibGuides, tutorials, demos) as appropriate to support goals and objectives.

+ Engage in outreach to assigned subject and programmatic areas and departments. Participate in working groups, committees, and other service opportunities as a representative of library research services, especially as a representative of liaison librarians. Offer specialized services for the specific needs of a subject or programmatic community as appropriate. Collaborate on intramural events with departments or programs.

+ Collaborate in the broader professional academic library community. Pursue professional development and skills training in response to emerging and ongoing needs from the university community. Actively participate in relevant professional communities, including subject and functionally focused organizations.

+ Participate in the general reference program through activities such as email reference, chat reference, and consultation requests.

Required Skills

+ Masters degree in library and information science or related field.

+ Demonstrable knowledge of the tools and techniques of library research.

+ Collection development experience.

+ Outstanding communication skills and a demonstrated ability to effectively teach and present.

+ Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community.

+ 1-3 years relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Bachelors or advanced degree in a field related to visual arts.

+ Documented professional engagement.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. This position will remain open until filled.

Working at Boston University Libraries

Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections and services, and their own professional development and growth. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment.

Recognizing the central role the library system plays in its robust research and learning agendas, Boston University has made the BU Libraries a focal point of its BU2030 Strategic Plan, investing in core services, innovative programs, and plans for significant renovations of its central branch.

The BU Libraries are at the heart of BUs vibrant academic experience, serving as a community connector, provider of vital research and instructional services for faculty and students, and the access point to a wealth of timely scholarly resources.

Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium, the Association of Research Libraries, and the Coalition for Networked Information, and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities. Through the Libraries, BU also is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Eastern Academic Scholars Trust (EAST), the OCLC Research Library Partnership, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), and the Higher Education Leadership Initiative for Open Scholarship (HELIOS).

Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.

This is an L888 represented position graded as follows:

Librarian I - $61,482-76,636

Librarian II - $65,487-98,393

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Required Experience