130 · SPEC Kit 296
Boston Public Library
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
KEEPER OF RARE BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS (P7)
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Assistant Director for Resources and Research Library Services, the
Keeper is responsible for the maintenance and development and servicing of the rare books and
manuscripts collections of the Boston Public Library for the general public and the scholarly
community. To that effect, he/she
1. Supervises the organization, access, servicing, and preservation of the collections in the Rare Books
and Manuscripts Department to facilitate their use.
2. Initiates and implements the acquisition of new materials to strengthen existing library resources in
the field of rare books and manuscripts.
3. Promotes understanding of the importance and relevance of rare books and manuscripts collections in
a public library setting.
4. Advises the library administration and other staff in the general field of rare books and manuscripts.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Administers the daily operations of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department.
2. Assumes responsibility for training of Rare Books and Manuscripts Department staff in the
specialized knowledge of the field.
3. Organizes the collections of the Department and plans and carries out the development of a variety of
bibliographic access applications, both print and electronic, to facilitate use of the collections.
4. Initiates and implements activities which enhance the appreciation and understanding of rare books
and manuscripts, both within and outside the Library, including coordination, planning, preparation
and mounting of exhibits, public programs, publications, lectures and other cooperative projects.
5. Creates opportunities to educate the public in the significance, importance and necessity of the rare
book and manuscript collections.
6. Assesses the needs and resources of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department and strengthens the
collections through purchases and gifts.
7. Develops and maintains professional relationships with individuals, groups and organizations in the
field of rare books and manuscripts both within and outside the library community to further the
objectives of the Library and to maximize use and appreciation of library resources.
8. Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a master’s degree in library and
information science from an ALA accredited library school. Subject knowledge and professional
experience in rare books and manuscripts and allied fields and demonstrated abilities in scholarly research
and effective communication. Advanced degree in related field desirable.
Fifteen years of experience in the field of rare books and manuscripts in positions of increasing
responsibility and trust.
Boston Public Library
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
KEEPER OF RARE BOOKS AND MANUSCRIPTS (P7)
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Assistant Director for Resources and Research Library Services, the
Keeper is responsible for the maintenance and development and servicing of the rare books and
manuscripts collections of the Boston Public Library for the general public and the scholarly
community. To that effect, he/she
1. Supervises the organization, access, servicing, and preservation of the collections in the Rare Books
and Manuscripts Department to facilitate their use.
2. Initiates and implements the acquisition of new materials to strengthen existing library resources in
the field of rare books and manuscripts.
3. Promotes understanding of the importance and relevance of rare books and manuscripts collections in
a public library setting.
4. Advises the library administration and other staff in the general field of rare books and manuscripts.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Administers the daily operations of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department.
2. Assumes responsibility for training of Rare Books and Manuscripts Department staff in the
specialized knowledge of the field.
3. Organizes the collections of the Department and plans and carries out the development of a variety of
bibliographic access applications, both print and electronic, to facilitate use of the collections.
4. Initiates and implements activities which enhance the appreciation and understanding of rare books
and manuscripts, both within and outside the Library, including coordination, planning, preparation
and mounting of exhibits, public programs, publications, lectures and other cooperative projects.
5. Creates opportunities to educate the public in the significance, importance and necessity of the rare
book and manuscript collections.
6. Assesses the needs and resources of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Department and strengthens the
collections through purchases and gifts.
7. Develops and maintains professional relationships with individuals, groups and organizations in the
field of rare books and manuscripts both within and outside the library community to further the
objectives of the Library and to maximize use and appreciation of library resources.
8. Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a master’s degree in library and
information science from an ALA accredited library school. Subject knowledge and professional
experience in rare books and manuscripts and allied fields and demonstrated abilities in scholarly research
and effective communication. Advanced degree in related field desirable.
Fifteen years of experience in the field of rare books and manuscripts in positions of increasing
responsibility and trust.
