JOB TITLE: RARE BOOKS LIBRARIAN

JOB CODE: 25090

DEFINITION: This is advanced and highly specialized professional library work in overseeing rare books and other special collections in the State Library of Pennsylvania.

An employee in this job oversees the acquisition, conservation, and restoration of rare books and special collections in the State Library of Pennsylvania. Work involves overseeing inventory, authenticating and restoring materials, formulating special collections policies, creating programs and exhibits, negotiating gift agreements, evaluating contracts, and providing reference and consultative services to outside researchers. Work includes overseeing a self-contained physical location within the State Library with its own heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), storage spaces, exhibit space, point of service area, and security. Work may include supervising lower-level library staff. Work is performed under the general direction of a professional or administrative supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and evaluation of results for compliance with departmental policies and procedures.

     DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the Librarian job series by the responsibility for acquiring, cataloging, restoring, and maintaining rare books and special collections in the State Library of Pennsylvania.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Oversees the rare book and special collections within the State Library, including monetarily and historically valuable rare materials.

• Acquires rare books and items for special collections by purchasing them from the antiquarian book trade through dealers and by arranging for gifts from donors.

• Performs specialized cataloging of rare collections materials by cataloging materials with details that reflect the unique aspects of individual items, such as provenance and physical characteristics like bindings, typography, paper, and format.

• Manages an acquisition purchase fund and makes strategic purchases to enhance the collections.

• Preserves materials by ensuring optimal storage conditions through light heat, and humidity control, developing housing and stabilization strategies, and determining conservation needs.

• Examines and reviews materials in the rare books collection to acknowledge rarity and authenticity by selecting collections materials from the State Library deserving assignment and preservation as rare book material.

• Conducts inventories and assessments on collection conditions and their strengths and weaknesses.

• Works with contractors to ensure the maintenance of the facilities, schedules periodic preventative maintenance, and works to resolve unexpected repairs on the HVAC preservation system.

• Ensures that rare book and special collections are maintained and secured through safe handling and secure biometric access.

• Supervises and participates in the restoration of materials in the rare book collection, including binding and cover repairs, paper repairs, and pest related damage.

• Consults with scholars and researchers on the scope, use, and content of rare book materials.

• Corresponds with book dealers, collectors, librarians, scholars, and educators on technical matters related to antiquated books and materials.

• Develops guides, lists, research data, and bibliographical aids related to the rare book and special collections.

• Initiates, supervises, and carries out projects to identify, utilize, and promote collections by conducting training seminars, creating programs and exhibits, and giving demonstration lectures on the use of rare books.

• Plans and formulates preservation policies and patron services related to rare book handling.

• Evaluates contracts for HVAC and fire suppression system maintenance.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of library science.

• Knowledge of the sources and procedures used in reference and bibliographic research.

• Knowledge of the antiquarian book trade, the current values and works of rare books on the market, and the history of printing.

• Knowledge of research, conservation, and restoration techniques and procedures associated with rare books.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to determine the rarity and value of books and materials.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years of professional library experience in the acquisition and maintenance of rare books or special collections, and a master's degree in library sciences, library technology, or a closely related field;

or

• Three years of professional library experience in the acquisition and maintenance of rare books or special collections;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.