Description
About MHS:
One of the leading historical societies in the country, the Missouri Historical Society is in the midst of a transformative decade. We believe public history has the power to build stronger communities, and creating incredible experiences for our visitors is central to that work. With the help of every member of the MHS team, we're committed to expanding our efforts to share more history with more people than we ever have before.
Founded in 1866, the Missouri Historical Society operates three locations - the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, and the Library and Research Center. Together our locations serve as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues to inspire and engage audiences in the St. Louis region and beyond. We do that by telling local stories that focus on the history of this region and its people. This approach has led to some of the most consistently successful years in MHS's history.
Position Summary:
The Head Librarian is responsible for day-to-day operation of a historical research library, as well as all aspects of the administration of the institution's collections of printed and published material. Supervises and evaluates staff, volunteers and interns. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader dedicated to promoting and furthering the mission and vision of the Missouri Historical Society.
Essential Functions:
- Collection: Serves as curator of printed materials, including maps; oversees selection and deselection; works with donors of library materials and book funds
- Administrative / Managerial: Responsible for goal setting, progress monitoring, personnel evaluation, report writing, and managing the department budget; Oversees procedures relevant to library operations and recommends policy changes for adoption; Applies for and administers grants
- Technical: Leads digitization and automation efforts for the library, keeping up with trends in the field and making recommendations for the future; Understanding of library cataloging and digitization metadata standards
- Content development: Promotes MHS collections through participation in media appearances, public programs, conferences, and publishing across various channels
- Internal: Represents the library or assigns delegates for MHS committees, charged with the oversight of collections care and access; Designates departmental liaisons for MHS-wide committees, projects and exhibits as needed; Participates in donor cultivation activities to support the institution's development goals
- External: Represents the department at meetings of local and national historical, library and technological organizations; Fosters community partnerships and works with community stakeholders as appropriate
- Public service and outreach: Participates in public service rotation at the reference desk, including some Saturdays; Leads tours and gives talks for internal and public audiences; Oversees public service delivered by the department across various channels (in person, email, phone, virtual, onsite and offsite, and digital platforms)
- All other duties as assigned
Skills:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to handle large, heavy, and fragile materials; ability to reach shelves; ability to traverse grate floor, operate elevators, and utilize stairs
- Familiarity with the history of Missouri and the region desirable
- Familiarity with open source library software used in a consortia setting preferred
Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.
Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.
Requirements
Qualifications:
- MLS in Library Science from an accredited ALA school; undergraduate study in history or relevant field preferred
- Five years of professional experience in a historical research library, special library, special collections department of a university or public library, reference department of a university library or equivalent
- Previous supervisory experience required
- Reliable transportation required
