The Eric Weinmann Librarian

The Folger Shakespeare Library
Washington, DC

The Eric Weinmann Librarian

The mission of the Folger Shakespeare Library is to preserve and enhance its collections; to render the collections, in appropriate formats, accessible to scholars; and to advance understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's writings and of the culture of early modern Europe more generally through various programs designed for all students and for the general public.

The Folger Shakespeare Library is a world-class center for scholarship, learning, culture, and the arts. It is home to the world’s largest Shakespeare collection and a primary repository for rare materials from the early modern period (1500–1750). The Folger is an internationally recognized research library offering advanced scholarly programs in the humanities; an innovator in the preservation of rare materials; a national leader in how Shakespeare is taught in grades K–12; and an award-winning producer of cultural and arts programs – theater, music, poetry, exhibits, lectures, and family programs. 


At the heart of the institution, the Library proper holds a collection of some 260,000 books, 60,000 manuscripts, 50,000 works of art on paper, as well as paintings, film, promptbooks, costumes, and other theatrical realia. Our collections support advanced scholarly research in British studies from 1500 to 1720; European studies from 1450 to 1700; and the full history of Shakespeare studies from the original quartos to the present. These materials extend well beyond Shakespeare to include a wide range of disciplines – history and politics, theology and exploration, law and the arts. New acquisitions of rare and modern materials are made regularly through purchases and gifts. The Library uses the Voyager integrated library system and the Luna Insight digital image database. The Folger Shakespeare Library is an active participant in IRLA (Independent Research Libraries Association), and the FAHN group (made up of the Folger, American Antiquarian, Huntington, Morgan and Newberry libraries). Library resources and services are central to the institution's active scholarly, educational, and performative programming, reaching from elementary school through post-doctoral and out to the general public.

A gift to the American people from industrialist Henry Clay Folger, the Folger Shakespeare Library – located one block east of the U.S. Capitol – opened in 1932. Learn more at www.folger.edu

 

Responsibilities:

The Eric Weinmann Librarian has administrative oversight of and responsibility for preserving and enhancing the collections and for making them accessible to scholars in appropriate formats. The Librarian provides leadership for the largest division of the Folger Shakespeare Library, with a team of about fifty full time equivalents, including security staff. The Librarian consults routinely and works collaboratively with the Director and with all who report directly to him/her who include: Heads of Collection Information Services; Conservation; Photography and Digital Imaging; Reader Services, and Reference; the Curators of Books, Manuscripts, and Art and Special Collections; the Exhibitions Manager; and the Chief of Security.

 

The Librarian manages an annual divisional operating budget of approximately $3 million, of which approximately $900,000 is allocated to collection growth and development.  The Librarian sets policies and establishes plans for short and long-term operations.  The Librarian oversees and participates in recruiting, hiring and performance evaluation, and fosters professional development of librarians and staff; engages actively in grant-writing and project administration across the Division; helps identify and introduce new technologies appropriate to the needs of the Library; negotiates with information providers to develop the broadest terms of access in serving the Folger Shakespeare Library's diverse user communities; is active in donor stewardship and development and in library public relations; and oversees the Security staff responsible for the safety of individuals and collections housed in a historic landmark building in the high-security area of Capitol Hill.

 

The Librarian serves as one of six senior directors of the institution who report to the Director. Five other senior directors head the Divisions of Research; Public Programs; Education; Development; and Administrative Services. The Librarian also serves as staff liaison to the Collections Committee of the Folger Board of Governors.

Required qualifications:

 

· MLS from an ALA accredited program (or professionally recognized international equivalent). Graduate degree required in a field relevant to the focus of the Folger;

· At least ten years of increasing administrative and supervisory responsibility in academic librarianship, preferably in a research environment;

· Knowledge and experience in managing and planning for conservation and special collections;

· Experience in managing technological change and a demonstrated understanding of the issues surrounding digitization and the development and maintenance of digital collections;

· Experience in developing strategic plans, determining resource allocation priorities, and successful fundraising and donor stewardship;

 

· An understanding of the contemporary issues facing small and independent research institutions;

· Exemplary leadership abilities, a record of accomplishment in fostering cross-departmental collaboration, and a demonstrated ability to motivate, mentor and develop staff to work successfully in a collegial environment;

 

· Superior communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills;

· A record of participation and accomplishment in the discipline of academic librarianship.

Working Conditions and Benefits:

Regular working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45am - 4:45pm.  The Librarian must also be willing to participate in library activities outside regular business hours as required, and to engage in occasional travel. The Folger offers a competitive benefits package, including: 10 paid holidays, generous annual leave; outstanding health and dental plans; and TIAA-CREF retirement plans. Salary commensurate with experience.  EOE.

Application Process:

Send cover letter, vita, and professional writing sample with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references to Gail Kern Paster, Director, as referenced below or to jobs@folger.edu Applications received by May 15, 2008 will be assured of first consideration.

Gail Kern Paster

Director

Folger Shakespeare Library

201 East Capitol Street, SE

Washington, DC  20003

Tel:  202-544-4600

Fax: 202-675-0330