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The William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan is seeking a qualified Head of Reader Services to lead all of its work related to in-house research as well as responses to remote reference requests. The Head of Reader Services supervises all operations of the Clements Library reading room, including managing reading room staff, and also oversees responses to remote reference requests. This team serves as the primary point of contact with both visiting researchers and individuals with remote reference inquiries, and serves as the liaison between researchers and the library's curatorial team.
In addition, the Head of Reader Services acts as the primary point of contact for requests for publication permission and loans of Clements Library materials to exhibits, and serves as editor of the Clements Library's biannual magazine, The Quarto. The position reports to Paul Erickson, the Randolph G. Adams Director of the William L. Clements Library. An ideal candidate will possess a strong background in special collections library work as well as a strong orientation toward customer service. Management experience is required, as is a familiarity with (or interest in) pre-1900 U.S. history and culture.
- Responsible for the optimization of the research environment and patron experience
- Provides procedural direction and management of Reading Room services and staff
- Primary contact for in-house researchers and liaison between researchers and curatorial staff
- Coordinate reference services for remote researchers using information platforms
- Provides preliminary research, invoices, publication permissions, and reproduction and delivery of materials
