Public Services in Special Collections, SPEC Kit 296 (November 2006)

Turcotte, Florence; Nemmers, John

Public Services in Special Collections · 137
Duke University
QUALIFICATIONS:
Position requires an ALA-accredited MLS or advanced degree in humanities or social sciences.
Also required are familiarity with standard reference tools for special collections materials and
reading knowledge of at least one language other than English (Latin, French, or German
preferred) demonstrated commitment to reference work and skills in using electronic
information sources. Must be flexible, possess excellent oral and written communication skills,
and work well in a multi-tasking environment with other librarians. Desirable: reference service
experience in special collections and experience in doing primary source research and writing.
Research Services Librarian Date
Director of Research Services Date
12/04

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136 · SPEC Kit 296
Duke University
Duke University Libraries
Position Description
POSITION: Research Services Librarian
LIBRARY: Research Services Department
Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library (RBMSCL)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: As a member of the Research Services staff, the Research
Services Librarian provides reference services for RBMSCL materials that come in a variety of
languages and formats, ranging from ancient papyrus to modern advertising and video tapes.
Responsibilities also include oversight of the department’s responses to remote users, including
Interlibrary Loan, and support for the department’s web pages. Particular strengths of the
library’s collections include the history and culture of the American South, Great Britain and the
British Empire, Wesleyana and British Methodism, American literature, materials supporting
women’s studies and African American studies, the history of economic thought, and modern
advertising.
DUTIES:
• Provides reference service in the reading room. Conducts reference interviews appropriate
for researchers in primary source materials. Interprets the library's finding aids and holdings
for researchers and assisting them in identifying materials related to their topics.
• Answers reference inquiries received from remote users (e-mail, telephone, FAX, mail),
providing limited research services and prompt replies. Trains the Reference Intern in
procedures for answering queries from remote users and monitors incoming queries to the
Department to see that users receive timely responses.
• Receives requests from Interlibrary Loan for RBMSCL materials and makes decisions about
appropriate duplication methods.
• Monitors and evaluates Research Services Department pages, public and staff-only, on the
RBMSCL web site. Contributes to content of web pages.
• Performs searches using computer-based sources and appropriate searching skills teaching
such skills to researchers.
• Provides circulation services as needed and helps monitor security in the research room.
• Assists researchers with research room equipment such as copiers, video players, and
microform readers.
• Assists in conceptualizing and mounting exhibits related to the library’s holdings. Helps
publicize, organize, and create publications and events related to exhibits.
• Participates actively in departmental planning meetings to set goals and priorities, develop
policies, and maximize services to users.
• Acquires a general knowledge of RBMSCL manuscript, rare book, and other holdings and
keeps current with new acquisitions.
• Updates skills and knowledge by attending workshops, conferences, or other appropriate
learning opportunities.

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SPEC Kit 296: Public Services in Special Collections (November 2006) resources

138 · SPEC Kit 296
University of Florida
University of Florida Libraries – Position Description
SUMMARY OF POSITION ROLE/RESPONSIBILITIES: The Coordinator of Public and
Support Services, Special Collections provides overall supervision of the functional
operation of Special Collections (Department of Special and Area Studies Collections)
The incumbent is responsible for coordinating public and support services manages and
evaluates technical services, including the technical work of serials control and binding
preparation organizes and manages shelf maintenance, retrieval of materials and
stacks maintenance (on-site and off-site) and coordinates the public services work of
staffing the reference desk and referring reference queries to appropriate staff as
needed.
Schedules, supervises and evaluates the staff and student assistants assigned to
operations. Works with Chair, Special and Area Studies Collections and the
department’s curatorial staff to organize and coordinate resources and formulate
objectives and strategies to ensure effective user-centered services.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB AND THE PERCENTAGE OF TIME SPENT
ON EACH FUNCTION
1) Manages and evaluates all daily technical and public services work of Special
Collections works with Chair and curatorial staff to develop procedures and policies.
50%
2) Manages the unit’s electronic support in coordination with University of Florida
Libraries Systems Department.
20%
3) Coordinates work schedules and participates in daily assignments, such as regular
reference desk duties. Develops and supervises training programs to ensure staff
competency in technical and public services assignments.
15%
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB AND THE PERCENTAGE OF TIME SPENT
ON EACH FUNCTION
1) Keeps abreast of current public services and library science topics. Participates in
related professional development programs, as necessary.
5%
2) Participates in bibliographic instruction program and orientation to Special Collections.
5%
3) Related duties as assigned.
5%

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SPEC Kit 296: Public Services in Special Collections (November 2006) resources