(FT - 35 hr/wk)
We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Head of Special Collections to lead the stewardship, preservation, and public engagement of Providence Public Library's exceptional Special Collections. Reporting to the Deputy Library Director, this leadership role is responsible for shaping the vision and strategic direction of the department while ensuring the Library's rare books, archives, manuscripts, and other unique materials are thoughtfully preserved, responsibly curated, and made broadly accessible through an open-access public library philosophy. The ideal candidate is an accomplished library professional with expertise in special collections, archives, or rare books who is equally passionate about preservation, research services, exhibitions, digitization, community engagement, and organizational leadership. This is an exciting opportunity to build upon one of Rhode Island's premier special collections, lead a dedicated team, cultivate meaningful partnerships with researchers, donors, and cultural organizations, and help ensure these remarkable collections continue to inspire curiosity, scholarship, and lifelong learning for generations to come.
Key Purpose/Summary:
This position leads the Special Collections Department in its efforts to increase access to, preserve, and expand the visibility of the Library's unique collections through collection stewardship, preservation, curation, reference services, programming, exhibitions, digitization, and community outreach.
The Special Collections Department plays an important role in supporting the Library's mission to encourage lifelong learning, advancing and supporting research, and inspire curiosity. The strength of the Library's special collections makes it a unique resource within Rhode Island's public library landscape, and the Head of Special Collections ensures these collections are thoughtfully preserved, responsibly stewarded, and made broadly accessible through a proactive open-access public library philosophy.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Performs all types of professional and managerial work which are required to maintain and operate the Special Collections Department.
Performs all types of professional and managerial work required to maintain and operate the Special Collections Department.
Provides direct Special Collections reference service.
Provides curatorial oversight of Special Collections.
Oversees collection development.
Oversees public relations and outreach activities related to Special Collections.
Leads long-range planning for the department and develops and promotes new and existing services.
Develops departmental goals and objectives in collaboration with Library administration.
Reviews departmental effectiveness and recommends operational improvements.
Analyzes operational strengths, weaknesses, and emerging challenges and develops both immediate and long-term solutions.
Assists Administration in preparing departmental budgets.
Maintains records and prepares reports.
Coordinates the Board's Special Collections Committee.
Building and sustaining these unique collections as a cornerstone of the Library's role as a regional and national leader in library services by:
Oversees acquisitions, de-accessions, and collection development.
Reviews and revises Special Collections acquisition and deaccession policies.
Evaluates materials for acquisition.
Sets acquisition priorities.
Strengthens core collecting areas.
Identifies emerging collecting opportunities.
Builds relationships with booksellers, collectors, donors, and partner organizations.
Conducts complex bibliographical research.
Reviews Library collections to identify rare or significant materials appropriate for Special Collections.
Performs original and copy cataloging as needed.
Preservation, Conservation & Collections Care
Leads the preservation, stewardship, and long-term care of the Library's Special Collections.
Develops and implements preservation priorities, standards, and best practices for collection storage, handling, environmental monitoring, and access.
Provides expert guidance to Library staff regarding the preservation and conservation of library materials.
Collaborates with Facilities to monitor environmental conditions, security, storage, and preservation concerns within Special Collections spaces.
Serves as a member of the Library's Disaster Core Team and leads disaster preparedness planning, collections emergency response, and recovery training for Library staff
Oversees the Library's organizational archives, ensuring their long-term preservation, organization, and accessibility.
Provides expert guidance to Library staff regarding the conservation and preservation of library materials.
Digital Collections & Special Projects
Serve as co-director and project manager for Rhode Island's participation in the National Digital Newspaper Program.
Serve as a key member of the Digital Collections Committee.
Work closely with the digital collections team to support digitization initiatives and digital access.
Plans and implements exhibitions and programs.
Develops relationships with donors.
Collaborates with Advancement.
Attends professional meetings.
Makes connections that further Library goals.
Demonstrates an entrepreneurial approach to opportunities facing public libraries.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Considerable knowledge of preservation, preventive conservation, environmental monitoring, and stewardship of rare and archival materials.
Knowledge of disaster preparedness and emergency response planning for cultural heritage collections.
Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of rare books and the antiquarian book trade.
Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of Library Science.
Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and networking with colleagues, potential and active donors, the general public, vendors, and the media.
Good understanding of the demands and requirements of public services in public libraries.
Ability to use basic office software, databases, spreadsheets, digitization equipment; and an understanding of social media.
Ability to plan and organize, and to analyze complex problems and develop alternative solutions
Project management skills and experience.
Experience & Training
MLS from an ALA-accredited Library School with coursework or demonstrated experience in rare books, archives, or Special Collections required.
Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in Special Collections required.
Minimum of three years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
Previous experience serving on an organization's leadership team strongly preferred.
Experience managing grants, collaborative projects, and strategic initiatives preferred.
Google Workspace experience required.
Experience with Zoom, Google Meet, or similar web conferencing platforms required.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, provided such changes are consistent with applicable law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Job Posting Requirements
This position is: Exempt and is not part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc. Work from home opportunities to be evaluated after 6 months of employment.
Salary Range: $70,00-$90,000/year with up to 5% negotiation flexibility.
Reporting to: Deputy Library Director
The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a group health, dental, and vision plans with an HRA that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible. If you don’t need insurance, you can opt for a monthly stipend instead. The package also includes fully paid life insurance (up to $50,000) and long-term disability coverage, as well as a generous amount of paid time off, starting with 22 days (4 weeks and 2 days) annually. Additionally, the Library provides a retirement plan with both Traditional and Roth options, offering a 5.5% company match and 100% vesting from the moment you're hired.
COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED
Please submit a cover letter and resume by August 23, 2026
About the hiring process: Application will be open until the position is filled. The interview process includes: application submission review, recruiter phone screen (only if qualified after application review), 1-2 panel interviews (that may include a presentation or preparation) and reference checks (approximately a 2-5 week process).
Posting Date: July 24, 2026 – open until filled with preference to those who submit before the August 23 application deadline.
At Providence Public Library (PPL), we believe libraries are more than buildings—they are welcoming community spaces that inspire learning, creativity, and connection. Every member of our team plays an important role in helping Rhode Islanders engage, learn, and thrive.
When you join PPL, you'll become part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization that values innovation, equity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. We encourage new ideas, support professional growth, and strive to create an inclusive workplace where employees feel empowered to make a meaningful impact.
Flexible scheduling for many positions to support work-life balance, based on operational needs.
A unique workplace in our beautifully restored historic library located in the heart of downtown Providence.
Comprehensive benefits, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible
A 403(b) retirement plan with a 5.5% employer match and immediate vesting
Paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage
Generous paid time off and paid holidays
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Professional development and continuing education opportunities
Providence Public Library inspires Rhode Islanders to be lifelong learners by engaging their curiosity and offering access to extraordinary experiences, resources, and ideas.
Engage. Learn. Thrive.
Providence Public Library is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We embrace diversity in all its forms and believe that varied experiences and perspectives strengthen our organization and the communities we serve. We strive to create an accessible, equitable, and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute, and thrive.
Providence Public Library is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.
