Recruiting for Rare Collections Librarian,
State Library of Pennsylvania

As the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) continues to rebuild its staff following some key staff retirements, I’m pleased to share a special and unique invitation to join the State Library of Pennsylvania as our next Rare Collections Librarian.

Opportunities in this field are often sparse.  That’s why I am especially excited to have this opening occur during a time of growth and change at the State Library of Pennsylvania.

In the age of digitization, improved preservation techniques, and wider access to rare materials, I believe that the State Library is poised to re-energize its commitment to the development, interpretation, and showcasing of our rare collections.

With the arrival of Sarah Greene as our new State Library Director, OCL is ready to identify its next Rare Collections Librarian.  If you are that person, I hope you will consider joining us in this journey.

As this is a key professional position within OCL, we are moving quickly to identify potential candidates.  The closing date for applications is just a few weeks away: Monday, July 1, 2019.  Given the short application timeframe for this civil service position, attached you’ll find a copy of the updated position description for your expeditious review and consideration. Please note that you will need to provide a copy of your college transcripts.

Currently, the position requires PA residency.  There are a variety of ways in which one can qualify.  Learn more at the Commonwealth’s Employment – Additional Info website.

Position Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the Rare Collections Librarian are to:

• Develop, manage, and promote the State Library’s rare, genealogy, and Pennsylvania local history collections which include traditional, digital, and emerging formats;
• Support State Library patrons in the use of the library’s collections; and
• Manage the State Library’s state-of-the-art rare collections reading room and vaults.

The successful candidate will be highly engaged in Pennsylvania’s history, committed to inclusivity in the archival and historical record, and adept at using modern technologies and methods to promote the collection.  In short, we want our rare library materials to be used; and the person who has this position will be instrumental in making that happen.

Required Credentials

The position’s requirements include:

• ALA-accredited MLS;
• Two years of experience in professional library work with primary emphasis in the area of rare collections.

Currently, the position also requires PA residency.  There are a variety of ways in which one can qualify.  Learn more at the Commonwealth’s Employment – Additional Info website.

Salary

$49,076 – $74,641 plus benefits, based on experience, knowledge, and skills.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Job Opportunities website and search for “Rare Books Librarian.”  After clicking on the job title link, you’ll find application instructions.  Please note that the instructions refer to an examination.  The exam consists of fifteen brief questions that relate to your qualifications for the position.  You will also need to provide a copy of your college transcripts.

Deadline

As this is a key, specialized position within OCL, we are doing our best to move expeditiously to identify potential candidates for this civil service, professional position.  The position posting will expire in just a few weeks on July 1, 2019.

Background

The State Library of Pennsylvania traces its historic roots to 1745 when the House of Representatives of the Province of Pennsylvania requested that its clerk, Benjamin Franklin, order a set of the English Statutes and maps for reference use.  It has grown to one of the largest collections of materials about Pennsylvania and serves the information and research needs of all branches of state government.  Its state-of-the-art Rare Collections Library includes the Provincial Assembly Collection, an historic collection of rare colonial imprints and the largest collection of Pennsylvania newspapers in the world.

The State Library currently employs 12 full-time professional librarians, 2 program-related staff, and 3 clerks.  A major renovation and restoration of the building which houses the State Library and its collections is expected to begin in late 2019.

Glenn

Glenn R. Miller | Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries
Pennsylvania Department of Education | Office of Commonwealth Libraries
Forum Building, Rm. 200
607 South Drive | Harrisburg, PA  17120-0600
Phone:  717-783-2646  | www.statelibrary.pa.gov

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This communication is issued on the Deputy Secretary’s behalf by Jonelle Darr (jodarr@pa.gov; 717-783-5725