Inside Higher Ed is hiring: Head of Ringling Art Library Services in Tallahassee

Head of Ringling Art Library Services

Location: Sarasota, FL

Position Type: Full-Time, Regular

Responsibilities

• Manages, coordinates, and directs The Ringling Art Library programs and operations. Leads in the conception and implementation of plans to expand the role of the library’s services and collection in a user-focused environment that combines resources in both traditional and digital formats.
• Supervises library staff, interns, and volunteers. Establishes performance goals and duties, conducts annual evaluations, assesses training needs and makes recommendations for further staff development and hiring.
• Develops annual budget for library operations and monitors budget spending.
• Oversees the Library’s Collections Development and the Collections Development Plan; ensuring the collection remains current and comprehensive.
• Supervises all acquisitions by purchase and gift/exchange to ensure the comprehensiveness of the library collection, including the receiving, processing, and payment of materials.
• Responsible for the rare book collection and, in consultation with the Museum Conservator, oversees the conservation and repair of the library’s rare book collection.
• Performs research on all aspects of the Ringling legacy and collections as well as other topics pertaining to the visual arts and cultural history.
• Coordinates, leads and participates in innovative library public programming, including but not limited to Literati Book Club.
• Provides reference services and research support to assist staff, faculty and the public in research, curriculum development, and exhibitions and programming.
• Assists with reference, circulation, public services and promotes the use of current and emerging technologies.
• Works with the Advancement Team to identify, cultivate, and steward strong relationships with donors and constituents, such as Friends of the Library.
• Collaborates with faculty & staff at Florida State University (FSU) Libraries as needed to support library services at The Ringling.
• Contribute to the library profession through research and publication. Represents The Ringling by attendance and participation in professional associations, seminars, and conferences.
• Serves on museum committees and special projects as appointed by the Executive Director including institution-wide, cross departmental projects that provided administrative, management and programmatic support to Ringling initiatives such as the Disaster Preparedness Team and Ringling Publication Committee.
• Performs other duties as assigned which support Library activities and museum operations.

Qualifications

• A master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS/MSI) from an ALA-accredited program or advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
• Three years’ experience in libraries or similar setting related to academic research and learning.
• Three years of management experience (staff, programs, and budgets).
• Experience with technological systems related to library management; reference/research services; and various literacy instructions.
• Commitment to public service and user-centered library practices with excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Ability to lift boxes of books and supplies up to 25 lbs., transport books, and reach overhead to shelve books.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years’ experience in libraries or similar setting related to academic research and learning.
• Experience with special collections materials; developing and managing arts collections, including digital resources.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative library programs and services.
• Knowledge of art history, criticism, and research methodologies; training or degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of one or more languages other than English relevant to art historical research (e.g. Italian, French, German, Japanese).
• Awareness of emerging trends in academic libraries and higher education.

Application Requirements

• A position relevant cover letter
• Detailed CV/Resume
• Three confidential letters of reference submitted on your behalf.

Contact Information

Ringling Human Resources: 941‑358‑2773 or employment@ringling.org

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.