[Web4lib] Director of the Rare Book, Manuscript and Special Collections Library, Duke University Libraries

[William Sexton]

Duke University Libraries is seeking a Director of the Rare Book, Manuscript and Special Collections Library.

Developing an understanding of human experience and culture requires access to historical documentation in many forms and subject areas. The Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library (RBMSCL), part of Duke University Libraries, preserves this documentation and promotes its use. The library's collections range from ancient papyri to the records of modern advertising. They number approximately 300,000 printed volumes and more than 20,000,000 items in manuscript and archival collections. They support research in a wide variety of disciplines and programs, including African-American studies, anthropology, classics, economics, history, literature, political science, religion, sociology, and women's studies.  RBMSCL has a staff of 31 librarians, archivists, and paraprofessionals, plus interns and student assistants, organized into four departments and several specialized research centers.

The Director of the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the special collections operations, services, and resources of the Duke University Libraries.  Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Collections and User Services, the Director seeks to enhance and promote the unique research opportunities that RBMSCL offers to Duke faculty, students, and staff and to scholars and other researchers worldwide.

To learn more about this opportunity, please visit   http://library.duke.edu/jobs/directorofrbmscl.html

Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research, medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters. Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to do business.