The Mary R. Schiff Library is an art research library with a non-circulating collection of over 100,000 items, including books, periodicals, digital resources, artist files and auction catalogues. Its holdings reflect the Cincinnati Art Museum’s collections, which span 6,000 years of artistic creativity from cultures across the globe. Areas of strength in the library collections include decorative arts, fashion, photography, and Cincinnati artists. The library dates to the founding of the museum in 1881, and today it fulfills its dual mandate to support the research and education programs of the museum and be a welcoming public resource.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Head Librarian provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Mary R. Schiff Library. This role manages collections, staff, spaces, and research resources; oversees collection development, research services, and digital initiatives; and advances access to art historical resources for museum staff, scholars, and the public.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Director of Academic Partnerships & Research, duties include, but are not limited to:
Leadership & Strategic Direction
- Develop and implement a long-term vision for the museum library in alignment with institutional priorities articulated by the museum’s 2026-2029 strategic plan
- Evaluate policies, procedures, and performance standards to guide operations and support innovation in library practice
Library Operations & Administration
- Oversee core library functions, including reference, circulation, interlibrary loan, acquisitions, cataloging, and preservation
- Ensure effective access to physical and digital collections for internal and external users
- Manage department budgets.
- Evaluate and implement and maintain systems for library management, metadata, and digital asset organization
- Liaise with University of Cincinnati Libraries, OhioLINK, and other electronic resource partners and providers
- Work closely and collaboratively with museum archivists, registrars, curators and educators
Collection Development & Stewardship
- Lead collection development in collaboration with Curatorial, Learning & Interpretation, and other stakeholders
- Oversee acquisition, cataloging, and stewardship of books, journals, ephemera, and digital and electronic resources
- Ensure adherence to professional standards for cataloging, metadata, and archival description
- Partner with Archives and Conservation to guide preservation and storage for rare and special collections
Research, References & Scholarly Support
- Provide advanced research support for curators, educators, and visiting and corresponding researchers
- Support museum exhibition, publication, and research initiatives through expert reference services
- Develop research tools such as finding aids, bibliographies, and subject guides
- Ensure a high standard of user-centered service and engagement with diverse audiences
Digital Strategy & Innovation
- Partner with Registration, Archives, and IT on metadata strategy, digital infrastructure, and resource discoverability
- Lead digitization programs and digital access initiatives to expand the reach of collections
- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, including digital scholarship tools, linked data, and artificial intelligence
- Ensure long-term digital preservation and sustainable data management practices
External Relations, Institutional Collaboration & Public Engagement
- Collaborate across museum teams on exhibitions and programming
- With the Director of Academic Partnerships & Research, build partnerships with academic institutions, libraries, and arts organizations
- Represent the museum in professional associations, conferences, and scholarly forums
- Support fundraising efforts, including grant writing and donor engagement for library initiatives
Staff Leadership & Development
- Collaborate with, manage, and mentor two direct reports, and any applicable volunteers, interns, and fellows
- Work with direct reports to support professional development, personal growth and institutional success through a framework of goal setting and feedback
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program. Advanced degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field preferred.
- Five to seven (5-7) years of progressively responsible experience in a research library, museum library, or special collections environment. Experience working with archives, rare books, or special collections a plus.
- Demonstrated success in leadership, staff management, and strategic planning
- Knowledge of art history resources, visual culture, or related disciplines
- Experience in library systems, metadata standards, and digital information management
Preferred:
- Familiarity with digital humanities, linked data, or large-scale metadata initiatives
- Experience with grant writing, fundraising, and donor relations
- Experience with Ex Libris Alma/Primo Library Services Platform
- Active participation in professional organizations (e.g. ARLIS/NA, ALA, IFLA)
BENEFITS & COMP
- Annual salary: $60,000 - $70,000
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k retirement planning with company match.
- Robust paid time off (PTO) and 9 paid holidays
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Dependent care leave benefit
- Employee Assistance Program
- Family-level museum membership
- Discounts in museum gift shop and café
- Professional development opportunities
