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Associate Dean for Special Collections & University Archives

University of North Carolina Charlotte
United States, North Carolina, Charlotte
Nov 08, 2024
Associate Dean for Special Collections & University Archives
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Salary range for this position: $100,000
The following Application Materials must be attached to your electronic submission:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume/CV
  • Names (including titles and company/institutions), addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 professional references.
  • At least two of these references must be supervisors
The Search Committee will not contact references before verifying permission with the candidate.
The review of applications will begin January 13th, 2025. Anticipated start date is May 2025.
Please see this guide for information about accessibility at UNCC and Atkins Library:
https://guides.library.uncc.edu/AccessibilityforJobCandidatesandVisitorsAtkins
For additional information about The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, please see the following informational resources:
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte website: http://www.charlotte.edu
  • Atkins Library website: http://library.charlotte.edu
  • Benefits information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits
  • Full accessibility information: http://library.charlotte.edu/visit-study/accessibility
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and an ADVANCE Institution that strives to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte maintains an Affirmative Action Plan prepared in accordance with Executive Order 11246 and the Consent Decree.
The candidate chosen for this position will be required to provide an official transcript of their highest earned degree and submit to a criminal background check.
Position Information
General Information


Position Number 008730
Working Title Associate Dean for Special Collections & University Archives
Classification Title Librarian
College Library (Adm)
Department Special Collections & University Archives
Position Designation Faculty
Employment Type Permanent - Full-time
Months per year 12
Primary Purpose of Department
The mission of the Department of Special Collections & University Archives is to preserve the rich history and culture of the Charlotte region and share it with the UNC Charlotte campus, the surrounding community, and scholars worldwide. Through collecting, preserving, curating, creating, and disseminating university archives and records, manuscripts, government documents, photographs, oral history recordings, rare books, and other materials on topics ranging from civil rights to motor sports, the Department supports the Library and University mission of inspiring innovation, supporting research, and cultivating scholarship by connecting people, ideas, and resources.
Vacancy Open to All Candidates
Description of Work

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte recognizes the differentiation of mission, goals, and objectives inherent in the diversity of disciplines represented by its colleges and departments. Thus, the job responsibilities and essential functions for library faculty should be interpreted in the context of the Library's strategic plan.

Library faculty engage in service to the University, community, and profession. We create physical and digital environments that encourage learning and innovation, build and preserve collections, support research, and advance scholarship. We provide access to and promote the discovery of information. We help our communities become proficient information users and lifelong learners. Library faculty serve current and future UNC Charlotte students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Greater Charlotte and global community by sustaining the intellectual and creative life, and facilitating lifelong learning, discovery, and engagement.

Library faculty are expected to collaborate within the Library and beyond in the performance of professional duties that may include, but are not limited to: selecting, organizing, preserving, and facilitating access to materials; supporting teaching, learning, and research; providing outreach to the campus and community; and developing and maintaining digital and technological innovations.

Library faculty participate in scholarly research, creative endeavors, and professional activities to serve the Library, the University, and the information professions. Library faculty are strongly encouraged to pursue external funding for library-related initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Associate Dean for Special Collections & University Archives is a 12-month,administrative position in the Atkins Library that is responsible for the development, delivery, and management of the Library's special collections and university archives and related services to students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, and community members. In addition to collecting, processing, preserving, and providing access to rare books, manuscripts, university archives, and oral history interviews, the Unit includes the Library's federal, state, and local government publications programs, an instruction program, a digital production program, a community engagement program, librarywide leadership for metadata and digital preservation, and campus wide support for records management. This position reports to the Dean and works closely with the Library's leadership team to lead, inspire, and create an innovative, user-focused library for current and future UNC Charlotte constituents. It supports the Library's mission to advance teaching, learning, research, innovation, academic success, and collaboration for UNC Charlotte and the greater Charlotte community by connecting people with expertise, information, services, technologies, spaces, and experiences.
Primary responsibilities:

  • Develops and articulates a clear and compelling strategic vision of the societal role and future potential for Special Collections & University Archives.
  • Leads a unit of 8 FTE faculty, 6.75 FTE permanent staff, and .75 FTE temporary staff plus student employees and interns.
  • Leads and coordinates reference services for Special Collections and University Archives, delivered in person, by phone, and by email.
  • Works closely with the Building Operations team to meet the operational, security, and facilities management needs of Special Collections & University Archives.
  • Collaborates with others on the development of policies, procedures, and plans for Special Collections & University Archives and the Library as a whole.
  • Cultivates collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, and other partners both on- and off- campus.
  • Promotes awareness of Special Collections & University Archives' services to the campus, local communities, and broader research communities.
  • Works with the Dean of the Library, the Associate Dean of Planning, Innovation, and Engagement, the Chair of the Library Board of Advisors, and appropriate individuals in the campus Office of Advancement on stewardship of current and potential financial donors, with an emphasis on major donors.
  • Seeks funding opportunities by researching and writing grant and other funding proposals. Manages grant-funded projects.
  • Leads the development and maintenance of the Special Collections & University Archives website, including creating, coordinating, and editing timely and fresh content.
  • Leads assessment of Special Collections & University Archives functions and activities in collaboration with the Assessment Team and the Assessment Committee.
  • Conducts space-planning activities as needed.
  • Represents the Library and the Special Collections and University Archives unit on appropriate library and campus committees.
  • Participates in library and university faculty governance.
  • Fulfills library faculty obligations relating to job performance, service, and research, and participates in appropriate regional and/or national professional associations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience/Education

The minimum academic credential required for applicants for faculty positions in Atkins Library is completion of a master's degree in the field of library and information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association by time of application.

Graduation with master's degree in a specialized area directly relevant to the position description may be an acceptable substitute in certain situations if approved by the Dean. A second masters in another discipline or an earned doctorate is highly desirable.

Preferred Education, Skills and Experience

  • At least 8 years of experience working in academic libraries.
  • Ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision for the 21st century role of Special Collections & University Archives in the lives of faculty, students, and external communities of all kinds.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical context in which library materials, records, manuscripts, and oral histories are acquired and made available for use, including fair use and other intellectual property considerations, privacy laws, and open records laws.
  • Supervisory experience and a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate library faculty and staff.
  • Experience providing or coordinating reference services in a special collections or archives setting.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and sound judgment.
  • Ability to resolve conflict, manage change, and work effectively in an organization in which change is both necessary and constant.
  • Ability to work enthusiastically, constructively, and collaboratively with others as well as independently.
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and to encourage an environment of mutual respect.
  • Demonstrated commitment to providing positive, responsive, and exceptional service.
  • Experience in developing library policies and providing leadership and direction towards achieving strategic goals.
  • Successful record of grant writing and administration.
  • Familiarity with fundraising and other forms of external support.
  • Record of scholarship and service to the library and/or archives profession.

Necessary Licenses/Certifications
N/A
Special Notes to Applicants
Salary range for this position: $100,000
The following Application Materials must be attached to your electronic submission:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume/CV
  • Names (including titles and company/institutions), addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 professional references.
  • At least two of these references must be supervisors


The Search Committee will not contact references before verifying permission with the candidate.
The review of applications will begin January 13th, 2025. Anticipated start date is May 2025.
Please see this guide for information about accessibility at UNCC and Atkins Library:
https://guides.library.uncc.edu/AccessibilityforJobCandidatesandVisitorsAtkins
For additional information about The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, please see the following informational resources:

  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte website: http://www.charlotte.edu
  • Atkins Library website: http://library.charlotte.edu
  • Benefits information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits
  • Full accessibility information: http://library.charlotte.edu/visit-study/accessibility

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and an ADVANCE Institution that strives to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte maintains an Affirmative Action Plan prepared in accordance with Executive Order 11246 and the Consent Decree.
The candidate chosen for this position will be required to provide an official transcript of their highest earned degree and submit to a criminal background check.
Job Open Date 11/07/2024
Job Close Date 01/12/2025
Open Until Filled No
Date Review of Applications will Begin 01/13/2025
Proposed Hire Date 05/01/2025
If time-limited, please indicate appointment end date
Contact Information

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).




  1. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

    • UNC Charlotte Website
    • HERC Job Board
    • Inside Higher Education
    • Circa (formerly known as Local JobNetwork)
    • Another Website
    • Agency Referral
    • Advertisement/Publication
    • Personal Referral
    • Other



  2. Where did you learn about this posting?

    (Open Ended Question)




Applicant Documents
Required Documents

  1. Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
  2. Resume / Curriculum Vitae


Optional Documents

Applied = 0

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