SPEC Kit 296: Public Services in Special Collections (November 2006)
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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.
SPEC Kit 296: Public Services in Special Collections (November 2006)
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128 · SPEC Kit 296 University of Washington USER QUERY STATISTICS FORM March 18-24, 2006 UNIT/SERVICE POINT____________________________________________ DATE______________ Instructions: During the survey period, for all reference/information questions received: a. Place a hash mark by the appropriate code for the type of question: use the code that indicates the most advanced level of assistance given for each question. Mark in the appropriate column for how the question was received. b. If referred to another unit, librarian or somewhere else just put a hash mark in the Referred column. c. Service points should use a separate sheet for each day individuals at their desks can use one sheet for the week Codes: (see Instructions, Definitions and Examples sheet) D- Directional/Logistical (Hours, restrooms, library locations, library procedures, copy machines, offices etc.) T–Tool/Source based (Use or demonstration of a library tool or reference resource but not formulation of a search strategy) R -Research Based (Individualized strategy requiring selection of relevant resources or instruction in use) C-Consultation (In-depth work with the patron usually occurring away from a service point) TIME In-Person Phone Email/Web Chat Referred 7:30-10 D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C-- 10-12 D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C- D-- T-- R-- C- 12-2 D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C- D-- T-- R-- C- 2-4 D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C- D-- T-- R-- C- 4-6 D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C- D-- T-- R-- C- 6-8 D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C-- 8-12 D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C-- D-- T-- R-- C--