West Virginia University seeks an innovative and strategic leader for its special collections division (the West Virginia and Regional History Center – WVRHC), the William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences, and the Art in the Libraries program. This successful candidate will be the first Associate Dean to hold this position. The WVRHC comprises several collections and activities.

This position will be responsible for and oversee:

  • West Virginia & Regional History Center that acquires, provides access to, and preserves information resources in all formats which elucidate the history and culture of West Virginia and the central Appalachian region. As the Special Collections division of the WVU Libraries, the WVRHC also preserves selected information resources beyond the state and regional scope which contribute to the teaching, research, and service mission of West Virginia University.
  • The new William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences, which highlights the university and state’s development and contributions to healthcare.
  • Art in the Libraries program which develops exhibits and related programming in the Downtown Library, Evansdale Library, and Health Sciences Library highlighting the creative endeavors and scholarship of WVU faculty, staff, and students, reaching across the University, the region, and the broader academic community.
  • A digital preservation program that digitizes and makes accessible files of historical and cultural materials and born-digital collections from the WVRHC.
  • Public services that serve our campus, regional, and national researchers along with a growing and strengthening teaching program.
  • Broaden representation and belonging through materials and outreach strategies.
  • Endowments valuing over $7 million.

The Associate Dean reports to the Dean of Libraries and serves on the senior leadership team, actively contributing to library-wide planning, policy making, and goal setting.

About the collections:

  • Archives and Manuscripts, containing more than 4,000 collections consuming nearly 20,000 linear feet of shelf space. In addition to unmatched holdings regarding West Virginia’s founding and political development, the collection preserves outstanding primary information resources regarding virtually all aspects of the state’s economic, cultural, and social history from early settlement to the present.
  • The University Archives, including permanent records such as administrative files, publications, photographs, audiovisual material, faculty papers, and memorabilia that document all aspects of campus life and the operations of WVU (West Virginia University), dating from the founding of the University in 1867 through the present day.
  • The Rare Books Collection contains old and rare books from 1370 to the present. Notable collections include an exceptional Shakespeare Collection including 5 folios, an extensive Mark Twain collection, and a particular strength in early modern, publishers’ bindings, and natural history/botany.
  • The Appalachian collection includes over 12,000 published titles about the Mountain South Appalachian region as well as the Appalachian Bibliography, a web resource covering topics from archeology to anthropology, folklore, gender studies, stereotype, and politics and government, among others. The Appalachian Bibliography is recognized throughout the region.
  • Modern Congressional and Political Papers which preserves the papers of members of Congress, political parties, and state and local political actors in the 20th and 21st centuries. The papers document federal, state, and local government activities.
  • West Virginia and Regional History Center research-oriented book collection.
  • Expansive newspaper collection documenting West Virginia historically to the present day. Over 100 historic West Virginia newspapers have been digitized and are available on the Library of Congress’ page, Chronicling America.

Qualifications:

  • ALA-accredited MLS, MIS, or equivalent degree.
  • Minimum of seven years of academic library experience with progressively responsible administrative/leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated understanding of best practices for special collections.
  • Demonstrated ability to cast vision and set priorities for library, archival, and museum collections.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and innovate for the development of new ideas and initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to advocate and serve as a voice for Special Collections, the museum, and Art in the Libraries at the library administrative level and on campus.
  • Knowledge of, or an interest in learning, the history and culture of West Virginia and the Appalachian region.
  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate communication and build relationships between a variety of stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to participate in grant writing, grants management, donor relations, and fundraising.
  • Record of contributing to the profession via experience, research, presentations, publications, and/or service sufficient for appointment as an Associate University Librarian or University Librarian.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • An additional master’s degree or PhD in a relevant subject discipline.

Salary: $140,000 – $155,000

Applications received by August 1, 2022 are given full consideration in the initial screening. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Application should include Letter of Interest, CV, and References.
Start Date: ASAP but negotiable

For more information and to apply, visit https://wvu.taleo.net/careersection/faculty/jobdetail.ftl?job=20018&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York