Special Collections Librarian

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Position Title:

Special Collections Librarian

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Librarian II - Research, Learning and User Support

Job Duties:

The Golda Meir Library seeks an energetic and dedicated professional to serve as Special Collections Librarian in the Archives and Special Collections Department. Reporting to the Head of Archives and Special Collections, the Special Collections Librarian is responsible for developing the rare books and special printed materials to support the research needs of UWM faculty and students; delivering high-impact instruction to undergraduate and graduate students in all modalities; facilitating use of research materials in Archives and Special Collections by students, faculty, staff, and the general public; and promoting the collections through public programming and outreach.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Develops, curates, and manages rare book and special printed materials collections.
• Designs, develops, delivers, and assesses instruction in a variety of formats to faculty, staff, students, and other patrons
• Cultivates and maintains productive relationships with donors, collectors, vendors, and professional colleagues
• Serves as a liaison to academic disciplines and/or other campus units providing information on collections, instructional and research support, and library services
• Promotes collections and services to students, faculty, and the public through engaging physical and digital exhibits, presentations, and public programs
• Provides timely and accurate reference and research assistance as part of a team of professional staff and interns, including interacting with patrons.
• Participates in supervision and staffing of the reading room and service point.
• Participates in the training and supervision of interns and fieldworkers
• Designs and develops projects, programs, procedures, and services
• Resolves complex issues which may impact policies and procedures within the unit
• Collaborates with other library departments
• Serves on committees to advance librarianship at the campus, local, and state levels

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Serves as a resource to other librarians and staff outside of their unit on a regular basis

• Oversees day-to-day functions of one or more library operations or services

• Develops or coordinates specialized projects or programs

• Provides specialized services utilizing a high level of expertise on a broad range of disciplines or in a designated discipline area

• Designs, develops, delivers, and assesses instruction in a variety of formats to faculty, staff, students, and other patrons

• Obtains materials, resolves issues, and answers questions that are complex and highly specialized in nature

• Cultivates and maintains productive relationships with donors, collectors, vendors, and professional colleagues

• Develops, curates, and manages collections

• May direct the day-to-day activities of student workers

• Serves on committees to advance librarianship at the campus, local, and/or state and national levels

• Serves as a liaison to academic disciplines and/or other campus units providing information on collections, instructional and research support, and library services

• Initiates and solicits input to modify policies, procedures, and assessment tools to improve workflows and/or user experiences

Department:

The Department of Archives and Special Collections is part of the UWM Golda Meir Library.

The rare book and special printed materials collection supports instruction, research, and outreach at UWM and throughout Wisconsin in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Its collection strengths lie in the history of books and printing, book arts, art, art history, Indigenous writing and languages of North America, and LGBTQ+ studies. More information is available on the Archives and Special Collections website at https://uwm.edu/libraries/special/

Compensation:

Expected Salary is $52,000-$58,000. Final salary offer is contingent upon skills, knowledge, and abilities as demonstrated throughout the selection process.

Required Qualifications:

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution
• Evidence of formal coursework or training/professional development in rare books and special collections
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

We recognize that not all applicants will have all the preferred job qualifications and competencies. We encourage applicants to highlight those they do possess, as this is valuable information for the search committee.

• Minimum of one year of professional experience working in a special collections setting
• Evidence of coursework in literature or art history or art and design.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of best practices in library instruction
• Demonstrated experience with collection development and collection management, including the preservation of print materials
• Demonstrated experience with developing exhibits, public programs and other outreach activities
• Demonstrated experience supervising student employees

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative and changing working environment
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Initiative in developing and implementing ideas to serve users
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated commitment to user services

How to Apply:

Complete application materials must include:

1) a cover letter

2) a resume 

Applications should address educational and professional level work experience as it relates to all minimum and preferred qualifications. 

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Applicants must apply on-line on our job opportunities website by the application deadline of Sunday, November 1, 2026, and submit complete application materials. Applications may be disqualified if they are incomplete.

Contact Information:

Angela Broderick - HR Coordinator

Email: wickhama@uwm.edu (preferred contact method)

Phone: (414) 229-3379

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

About Us

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 187 top research universities recognized as “R1” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

At UWM, we are committed to creating positive employee experiences, so our team members are able to thrive and excel in their work. UWM offers a comprehensive benefits package and contributes toward the cost of several benefit plans. Employees with a qualifying position also receive an extensive leave package including vacation, sick leave (with no expiration), personal holiday, and paid legal holidays. Please visit this link to view summary benefits information (Compensation figures are for example purposes only).