Live Oak Public Libraries is hiring: Special Collections Library Manager in Sava

Job Details

Job Location: Carnegie Library - Savannah, GA

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Graduate Degree

Salary Range: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00

Job Shift: Any

Special Collections Library Manager

Department: Regional Services

Pay Grade: 115

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Summary

The Special Collections Library Manager is responsible for developing, promoting, planning, organizing, directing, and overseeing the Carnegie African American Resource Library and the Kay Kole Genealogy Room at the Bull Street Library. This role involves establishing collection profiles, selection guidelines, evaluating existing collections, and fostering relationships with vendors, organizations, communities, individuals, and colleagues to develop collections. The manager reports to the Deputy Library Director and supervises five employees, including two direct reports.

Success requires excellent relationship-building skills to ensure collections align with institutional priorities and impact the Savannah communities served. Responsibilities include selecting materials in all formats, engaging with donors, managing budgets, and promoting collections through collaboration with various departments. The role also involves administrative duties, policy development, training, and participation in system-wide committees.

Essential Job Functions

Collection Development and Stewardship

1. Develop collections in line with current strategies, selecting materials across formats.
2. Build and maintain relationships with donors and potential donors.
3. Manage acquisition processes, including negotiations and paperwork.
4. Oversee collection budgets and monitor expenditures.
5. Report on collection activities and contribute to library assessments.

Engagement and Outreach

1. Collaborate with departments to promote collections through events, exhibitions, digital projects, and publications.
2. Lead tours and show-and-tell sessions for groups and individuals.
3. Maintain updated information on African American collections for websites and digital projects.
4. Develop and lead programming that highlights the collections.

Reference and Instruction

1. Coordinate with Public Services and Community Engagement to plan and assess instruction sessions.
2. Schedule staff and serve at public service desks.
3. Train staff on collection use and archival documents.
4. Provide reference assistance as needed.

Managerial Responsibilities

1. Supervise five staff members, including conducting performance evaluations.
2. Mentor and coach staff to develop their skills and knowledge.

Fundraising Duties

1. Work with development teams to cultivate donor relationships and secure funding.
2. Support grant writing efforts related to African American collections.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science.
• Minimum of four years’ experience.
• Ability to build relationships with donors and institutions.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with computers, library software, and digital tools.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of special collections and archival principles.
• Participation in professional associations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in African American history and culture.
• Experience with African American archival collections.
• Leadership in library or cultural organizations.

Licenses and Certifications

• Georgia State Certification of Librarian or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Physical and Other Requirements

Ability to work nights, weekends, and perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds, operating equipment, and moving objects. Must be able to stand, walk, reach, bend, and have visual and auditory acuity. Reasonable accommodations can be made for disabilities.

Work Environment

Office/library environment with potential temperature fluctuations and noise. 40-hour workweek, with occasional after-hours and holiday work. This is a salaried exempt position.

Live Oak Public Libraries reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The policy is equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees.