Job Description

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian, the Associate Director of Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) provides leadership, vision, planning, and management for the Special Collections and University Archives of the Colgate University Libraries. Specific duties include the development, preservation, organization, promotion and digitization of the collections, with particular focus on management of the University Archives; active outreach and instruction that reinforces the significance of primary source materials as curricular resources; providing research and teaching access to the collections; and planning and implementing digital content creation in the librarys digital collection platforms. In addition, the Associate Director will supervise a team currently consisting of two library faculty members, two staff members, and several student workers responsible for delivering high-impact research and learning services to Colgate University and the broader research community. Serving as the University's Archivist, the Associate Director will work directly with University departments, University organizations, students, faculty members, alumni and community members to preserve and make accessible the history of Colgate University.

The Associate Director of SCUA should possess a creative and collaborative approach to the implementation of strategic changes in the department; ensure responsive, high quality operations; and develop innovative programs and technological solutions to meet collections management and patron research needs. They also should take an active role in convening meetings for the department and any associated committees, task forces, and working groups, as appropriate. As a member of the leadership team, the Associate Director of SCUA supports the University Librarian in vetting new ideas, initiatives, and strategic plans.

All library faculty at Colgate are expected to engage in University service and sustain an active record of professional service and scholarship in the field of Library and Information Science.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage operations, allocated budget, and supervise personnel in the department.



• Ensure proper storage, treatment, and preservation of the University Libraries collections in all formats and oversee the general functioning of the library's Conservation Lab.



• Actively contribute to the development, organization, description, classification, and deaccessioning of the collections in accordance with established and evolving standards.



• Actively engage in creating and sustaining pedagogical collaborations with faculty members.



• Conduct research consultations with Colgate students, faculty, staff, and outside scholars.



• Work with the University Librarian, Associate University Librarian, Collection Strategist and other University offices on donor relations.



• Develop and administer records management policies and procedures to facilitate effective and efficient handling of all University records in all formats.



• Consult University offices and organizations on the disposition of records.



• Lead the departments collection development activities by identifying and acquiring records of long-term historical, evidential, legal, fiscal, and administrative value to the University. In addition, develop collections to reflect the Universitys curricular and research needs, with an understanding of the value of diverse voices in a range of formats.



• Actively engage in University and library committees, task forces, and working groups.



• Collaborate and communicate with members of the outreach and engagement team to create new modalities of instruction, outreach opportunities to students and faculty, and innovative approaches to course and subject guides.



• Perform other duties as assigned by the University Librarian.

The minimum starting salary is $81,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin on September 25, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

Colgate is a vibrant liberal arts University of 3,200 students situated in central New York state. Colgate faculty are committed to excellence in both teaching and scholarship. Further information about the University Libraries can be found here. Applicants with dual-career considerations can find postings of other employment opportunities at Colgate and at other institutions of higher education in upstate New York at this website .

Campus Crime Reporting and Statistics

The Department of Campus Safety at Colgate University will provide upon request a copy of Colgates Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page here . Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu .

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• An MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution, or a terminal degree in a related field



• At least five years of experience working in an academic archive or special collections department



• At least three years of administrative experience with direct supervision of full-time personnel



• Teaching experience, especially experience utilizing primary sources and/or artifacts for teaching and learning



• Knowledge and understanding of trends and best practices in the field of archival management

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work with archival collection management software and standards (i.e., Archive-It, ArchivesSpace, EAD, Dublin Core, Omeka)



• Knowledge of project management software (i.e., Asana)



• Experience in the curation of digital archival materials



• Deep and broad understanding of core concepts related to diversity and inclusion, with an awareness of current DEI issues in archives special collections, museums, and related fields

Application Instructions

Applications for the position should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references should, submitted through

In your cover letter, please outline your scholarship and professional development plans and goals. Also tell us how you envision Colgate University Libraries supporting you and contributing to your success in accomplishing these goals. Colgate strives to be a community supportive of diverse perspectives and identities, as reflected in the Universitys Third Century Plan. In their cover letter, candidates must describe how their practice as a librarian might support the Universitys commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Policy Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Colgate University

Job Tags

Full time, Immediate start,

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