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Overview
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.
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.
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.
This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 1 to Librarian 3. Librarian ranking information is available at http://bit.ly/YULRanksPromotions.
Required Skills and Abilities
1. Demonstrated proficiency in archival appraisal, arrangement and description practices and standards.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems, and familiarity with tools that create EAD finding aids and platforms such as ArchivesSpace.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials.
4. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment.
5. 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.
Preferred Skills and Abilities
1. Ph.D. degree in theology, religious studies or related field. Reading proficiency in a non-English language.
Principal Responsibilities
1. Assumes a variety of responsibilities related to Special Collections/Restricted materials in all formats, including appraisal, arrangement and description, preservation, access, outreach, and security.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Develop an engaging environment conducive to discovery and research.
5. Collaborates with other YUL Librarians to manage current and future special collections digitization efforts.
6. 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.
7. Assists, if necessary, with disaster recovery efforts.
Required Education and Experience
1. 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.
2. A minimum of two years-experience arranging and describing manuscript and/or archival collections.
3. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice, which may be substituted for formal training.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials.
7. Demonstrated job or school experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections.
8. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability.
9. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion.
Job Posting Date
06/24/2026
Job Category
Professional
Bargaining Unit
NON
Compensation Grade
Library
Compensation Grade Profile
(LIB)
Salary Range
$68,000.00 - $145,250.00
Time Type
Full time
Duration Type
Staff
Work Model
On-site
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.
Health Requirements
Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.
Posting Disclaimer
Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.
The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.
Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).
Note
Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.
