POSITION AVAILABLE HEAD LIBRARIAN OF THE BLEGEN LIBRARY
The American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Head Librarian of the Carl W. Blegen Library. The American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA) is one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions dedicated to the advanced study of all aspects of Greek culture, from antiquity to the present day. Founded in 1881, the ASCSA provides graduate students and scholars from some 180 affiliated North American colleges and universities a base for research and study in Greece. The ASCSA operates two major research libraries in Athens (The Blegen Library and the Gennadius Library), supports archaeological research and excavations in the ancient agora of Athens, in Corinth, and elsewhere in Greece, and disseminates information about its research through an active publications program.
The ASCSA is a primary resource for American and international graduate students and scholars in Hellenic studies, from antiquity to the present day. The Blegen Library is a non-circulating library dedicated to the entire field of classical antiquity, with special emphasis on the language, literature, art, history and archaeology of Greece, with 90,000 volumes, ca. 700 print periodical subscriptions, and ca. 200 electronic subscriptions. The Gennadius Library, with 113,000 volumes and extensive archives, is devoted to post-classical Hellenic civilization. Although both libraries serve primarily a constituency of North American students and scholars, there is a large group of international library users, including many Greek scholars.
Key responsibilities of the Head Librarian of the Blegen Library are as follows:
-Provides leadership for the Blegen Library. Position reports to the Director of the School in Athens;
- Manages the transition from a distributed model of information management to an integrated technical services unit serving both the Blegen and Gennadius Libraries;
-In collaboration with the Managing Committee, Trustees, and staff of the School monitors change, thinks strategically, and sets future directions for the Library, blending an appreciation of print materials and the traditions of the School with the electronic needs of a modern library;
-Provides leadership for creating and implementing an integrated collections development plan including digital materials, working in collaboration with the Director of the Gennadius Library, the Archivist, academic staff and committees of the School;
-Manages the library facility of approximately 1,735 sq. feet of stacks and office spaces and 2,800 m. of shelf space; manages the Library's operating budget of approximately $315,000 for FY2008 (exclusive of salaries); and supervises a library staff of four full time employees, two part time, and occasional volunteers;
-Oversees the collections of the library, including the acquisition, cataloging and indexing of print and electronic materials and the maintenance and preservation of library resources in both print and electronic formats;
-Provides guidance and instruction for students, faculty, and visiting scholars in the use of print and electronic materials in ancient Mediterranean philological, literary, historical, archaeological, and art historical research;
-Works with colleagues at related research libraries in Greece and abroad to develop and promote collaborative efforts. Works especially closely with the library of the British School at Athens in an electronic union catalogue and other shared initiatives;
-Advocates for the Library and assists in on-going fundraising efforts for Library, including the occasional writing of grant proposals;
-Oversees the Library's web presence and takes a leadership role in the continuing development of a centralized digital repository for ASCSA's electronic information resources.
Position requirements:
-ALA-accredited MLS or its equivalent;
-Strong, demonstrated managerial skills, with substantial experience in a library environment, including significant managerial experience;
-As a minimum, BA in classics or classical archaeology or related field; MA or PhD preferred. Expertise in one of the disciplines of the Blegen's collection (classics, prehistoric and/or classical archaeology, ancient history, history of ancient art); knowledge of relevant languages;
-Demonstrated skills and experience in relevant information technology, including its use and management, and possessing a comprehensive understanding of the technology-driven information environment, including institutional repository development;
-Understanding of unique needs of a graduate research library and familiarity with current issues in academic librarianship;
-Knowledge of best practices and current trends in managing academic libraries and serving library constituencies;
-Excellent communication, computer, organizational, and interpersonal skills;
-Specific experience working with Ex Libris' ALEPH highly desirable.
Salary commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package. Successful candidate will be expected to live and work in Athens, Greece.
Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Send a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference to Professor Susan Rotroff, Chair, Committee on Personnel, American School of Classical Studies at Athens, 6 - 8 Charlton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540-5232 or email application to
ascsa@ascsa.org. Website:
http://www.ascsa.edu.gr. ASCSA is an EO/AA employer.
