The Head of the Theodore M. Finney Music Library is a faculty librarian in the University Library System (ULS) reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Research and Learning. The position serves as the head of the Music Library, with responsibility for the library’s operations, services, collections, and staff. It also maintains a close relationship with ULS Archives & Special Collections as well as other humanities and arts focused programs at Pitt by participating in the acquisition, processing, and promotion of unique and distinctive music-related collections and music-related artistic traditions.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain ULS collections in music to support the research, curricular, and instructional needs of the University’s programs. This involves selection of materials through purchase, gift or exchange, and decision making on retention/disposition of materials. Music collections include print, electronic, and multimedia materials.
  • Maintain a liaison relationship with faculty members and students in the Department of Music. Stay current with user needs and keep the services and collections of the Music Library responsive to emerging and changing use requirements. Promote awareness and use of Music Library resources.
  • Maintain active knowledge of academic and research programs which pertain to collection and service development responsibilities, as well as other humanities and arts focused programs.
  • Provide research support for a broad range of music studies, including non-western music, global popular music, historical musicology, and ethnomusicology/cultural musicology.
  • Provide consultation and instruction for students, faculty, and researchers using the Music Library and its resources.
  • Provide operational leadership for the Music Library and its staff, including supervision of staff reports (1 librarian, 1 staff), identification and response to facility issues, and decisions about usability and provision of services within the library.
  • Participate in the acquisition, processing, and promotion of archival and special collection materials by creating finding aids, identifying new acquisitions, and providing research support for these distinctive collections.
  • Work with colleagues in ULS Archives & Special Collections to provide class instruction and engagement with unique music resources and to design physical and digital exhibits.
  • Partner with the Head of the ULS Center for American Music to curate the ULS American Music at Pitt digital collection.

Librarians at the University of Pittsburgh are members of the faculty and are expected to demonstrate continuous professional development in addition to performing their specific responsibilities. This expectation includes such activities as participating in and contributing to departmental, library and campus-wide committees or working groups as well as the profession at a regional, national, and/or international level, maintaining a broad awareness of current and emerging issues that affect their particular areas of expertise, participating in relevant publishing and presentation opportunities, and pursuing knowledge of professional trends and developments that can be applied to evolving research, services and collections. Approximately 10% of the librarian’s time should be directed toward such activities and will be included as part of the annual evaluation.

Specifically, the incumbent in this position is expected to:

  • Keep abreast of and contribute as appropriate to current developments in the profession, especially as they relate to music research and instruction.
  • Contribute to the profession through publications, presentations, teaching, and other professional activities to promote the expertise of the ULS’s music collections and services.
  • Seek out appropriate roles in professional associations, research and/or publication on the regional, national, and international level.
  • Participate actively in ULS and campus-wide working groups and committees, as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or higher in library or information science or another relevant discipline.
  • At least three years of professional experience in a relevant setting. Experience may be in a library, or another setting related to research or instruction involving music collections.
  • Highly effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • A record of professional engagement and contribution.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in music or a music-related field.
  • Evidence of strong commitment to user-centered library service and the ability to work flexibly and creatively in a changing and fast-paced environment with a culturally diverse population.
  • Proven track record of cultural competence, understanding, and working with diverse racial, ethnic, religious, academic, socioeconomic, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity communities.
  • Engagement with a well-established network of music library professionals within higher education and libraries.
  • Knowledge and/or experience working with unique and distinctive materials.

The University of Pittsburgh 
Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh (http://www.pitt.edu) is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Today, Pitt is an internationally recognized center of learning and research, strong in the arts and sciences. Pitt serves approximately 33,000 students, including more than 9,200 graduate students, in the sixteen schools at the Pittsburgh campus and the four regional campuses. Pitt is ranked No. 23 on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 list of Top Public Schools in the nation and in 2021, the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings was again named the Pittsburgh campus as the No. 1 public university in the Northeastern United States. The U.S. Department of the State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has named Pitt a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for U.S. Students for the 2022-23 academic year. All six of Pitt’s global and area studies centers have been chosen to receive both National Resource Center grants and Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships by the federal government and as a proven economic engine, Pitt contributes $5.2 billion to communities throughout Pennsylvania.

The City of Pittsburgh 
The city of Pittsburgh is in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the United States, Pittsburgh is recognized for its natural beauty and unique blend of cultural, education, and technological resources. Additional information on the city of Pittsburgh can be found at: https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/ 

Salary:  The rank is open, and the salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, with a starting salary of $65,000. Comprehensive benefits package includes health and wellness plans, retirement savings plans, one-month (20 working days) vacation per year, and tuition assistance.

The successful candidate will meet the criteria for appointment at the rank of Librarian I, II, or III and will be hired on an initial 3-year renewable contract. For further information, please see:  ULS Guidelines for Faculty Librarians.

Please apply through the University of Pittsburgh’s Talent Center, requisition number 23007558. In addition to creating a Talent Center account, please upload/attach a cover letter, CV, and three professional references with contact information. Any questions regarding the application process should be directed to Sharon McMasters (sam989@pitt.edu).

Visa sponsorship is not offered with this position.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; primary consideration will be given to those received by October 23, 2023.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.