Date Posted:
June 30, 2026
Hiring Institution:
Yale Divinity School
The Yale Divinity Library (YDL) seeks a service-focused and collaborative Special Collections Librarian. The position provides opportunities for growth and professional development in one of the country’s largest academic theological libraries, known especially for its collections related to the history of Christian missions. Reporting to the Director of the Divinity Library with a dotted line to the Associate Director, Archival Description, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, the incumbent will supervise the daily operations of the Special Collections unit at the Divinity Library.
The Special Collections Librarian is responsible for acquiring, processing, and describing archival collections in a variety of languages and formats. The Special Collections Librarian oversees reading room operations and the two staff members who handle day-to-day public services. This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 1 to Librarian 3. Librarian ranking information is available here.
- Examines files relating to the provenance of collections, reviews pertinent historical literature, and analyzes material to determine content and the appropriate level and type of arrangement and description, as well as develops plans for accomplishing the work, including estimates of necessary resources, for recently acquired and backlog collections.
- Accessions, arranges, and describes archival material in accordance with established standards and best practices, at an appropriate level of detail and effort, and in a timely manner.
- Screens for potentially sensitive material; removes extraneous material; recommends appropriate preservation and conservation procedures; and may coordinate reformatting of material for preservation and access.
- Creates, manipulates, and enhances descriptive, administrative, and technical metadata for collections, according to national and departmental standards, using a variety of applications including ArchivesSpace and library management systems.
- Facilitates student and researcher access to YDL special collections and oversees reading room policies and procedures, including materials movement and digitization.
- Supervises two archival assistants, student assistants, and interns who support reference and instruction, ensure security protocols, and contribute to collection maintenance.
- Coordinates policy updates with librarians in other Yale repositories.
- Works with faculty and instructors on presentations, assignments, and lesson plans to integrate Yale’s special collections materials into the curriculum.
- Identifies materials requiring conservation and preservation; makes recommendations for improving maintenance of the collections.
- Works independently with varied user groups in a complex organization, and functions collaboratively in a team environment.
- Assists in research services functions of the department through reference assistance, service in the reading room, and involvement in primary source instruction to the Yale community.
- Participates in the formulation and documentation of unit and departmental policies and procedures.
- Trains and supervises staff and student assistants.
- Makes recommendations on personnel selection and staffing requirements as well as equipment and supply needs.
- Participates in library-wide planning and committee work as appropriate.
- Contributes to the advancement of the archival profession and/or professional or scholarly knowledge relevant to the job.
- The incumbent serves as a member of the YDL’s management team and contributes to YUL’s and the Divinity Library’s long-range planning.
- Completes special projects as assigned. Contributes to YUL and University-wide initiatives and is active professionally.
- Demonstrated proficiency in archival appraisal, arrangement, and description practices and standards.
- Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems, and familiarity with tools that create EAD finding aids and platforms such as ArchivesSpace.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to readily adapt to change.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, creativity, and flexibility.
- Demonstrated ability to promote and engage in Yale Library’s staff values of access, diversity, and creativity.
- Ph.D. degree in theology, religious studies or related field.
- Reading proficiency in a non-English language.
- Assumes a variety of responsibilities related to Special Collections/Restricted materials in all formats, including appraisal, arrangement, and description, preservation, access, outreach, and security.
- Improves accessibility to archival collections by preparing and publishing EAD encoded finding aids. Creates collection level records and assists other staff in preparing such records for inclusion in the online library catalog.
- Collaborates as needed to deliver instructional sessions, reference support, and outreach to support the activation of YDL special collections by the Yale community and the broader public.
- Develop an engaging environment conducive to discovery and research.
- Collaborates with other YUL Librarians to manage current and future special collections digitization efforts.
- Serves on library committees, working groups, and task forces, and engages in professional development outside the library.
- Monitors developments and best practices elsewhere to help ensure the excellence of Yale’s collections and research support services.
- Assists, if necessary, with disaster recovery efforts.
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree, with formal training in archival theory and practice. In selected instances, a post-graduate degree in museum studies or a related discipline in the humanities or social sciences may be substituted for a master’s degree in library science.
- A minimum of two years-experience arranging and describing manuscript and/or archival collections.
- Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems.
- Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice, which may be substituted for formal training.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials.
- Demonstrated job or school experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections.
- Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability.
- Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion.
$68,000.00 - $145,250.00
To view the full job description and submit an application, visit the Yale Careers page.
DEIA Commitment in Recruitment: Yale University Library serves a diverse staff, campus, local, and global community and is deeply committed to advancing its goals for equity, inclusion, and accessibility. This commitment is reflected in our mission, strategic directions, staff values, initiatives, and scholarly activity. To support our goals for staff recruitment, retention, and development, Yale Library invites applications from candidates who have a proven commitment or demonstrated success with supporting diversity and inclusion through their work, service, research, and/or teaching.
