The incumbent reports to the Head of the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library (MSPAL) and manages a combination of duties and expectations. The incumbent serves as liaison to the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies and assists the liaison to the School of Music, with responsibilities in: Collections and Content; Reference and Research Consulting; Teaching, Learning and Literacies; Outreach and Engagement; and Scholarly Communications and Research Data Services. The incumbent supervises 2 FTE circulation and reserves staff members. Additionally, the incumbent will develop programs, events, services, and spaces benefitting performing arts disciplines to expand the UMD Libraries’ Research Commons concept to MSPAL [http://www.lib.umd.edu/rc]. Programming may focus on issues relevant to the arts community in the following categories: Information literacy, scholarly communication, digital humanities, copyright, digital reformatting, performance documentation, arts-based production technology, etc.
Housed within the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library works closely with the School of Music; the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies; and The Clarice’s Artist Partner Program to further the arts at the University of Maryland. The Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library contains two special collections units (Special Collections in Performing Arts and the International Piano Archives at Maryland) which work together with the MSPAL Head and Performing Arts Librarian to provide a unique environment for research and exploration.
Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES)
- Advanced subject knowledge of theatre, dance, or performance studies literature, research methods, performance practices, and reference sources
- Knowledge of standard and emerging library technologies, for example Libguides, institutional repositories discovery tools, OPACs, and integrated library systems
- Understanding of current and emerging trends in the assigned subject areas; knowledge of electronic resources and information technologies
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to function independently and in groups, build and maintain relationships with partners and library staff; ability to provide exceptional service to a diverse clientele
- Evidence of ability to meet promotion and permanent status requirements of the University of Maryland College Park Libraries
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
EDUCATION
- A Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution of higher education at time of employment. Subject background in theatre, dance, or performance studies demonstrated through academic degrees, course work, publications, or substantive experience
EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrated experience or aptitude for working effectively and creatively with faculty and students
- Demonstrated experience or aptitude for reference, collection development, and library instruction in the performing arts
Preferences:
QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES)
- Knowledge of trends and techniques, and methods in digital humanities (e.g., Omeka, linked data, TEI, MEI, crowd-sourced transcription/annotation)
- Basic knowledge of archival research techniques
- Familiarity with technologies used in the performing arts (e.g., software such as QLab, Isadora, VectorWorks, Finale, Pro Tools as well as hardware such as audio and video recorders, scene shop and costuming tools, etc.)
- Rudimentary knowledge of music, including ability to read standard music notation
EDUCATION
- Additional degree in theatre, dance, performance studies, or a related field is strongly preferred.
EXPERIENCE
- A minimum of 2 years of professional level library work in public services in an academic library setting
- Evidence of scholarly output
- Two or more years supervisory experience