The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution responsible for collecting,
examining, and teaching Georgia history. GHS houses the oldest and most distinguished collection of materials related
exclusively to Georgia history in the nation. To learn more, go to www.georgiahistory.com.
Position Summary: The role of the Special Collections Librarian is to manage and oversee a private library and to ensure
high-quality reference services for patrons. Incumbent is responsible for coordinating reference staffing, scheduling the
day-to-day operations of reference services, supervising in person and remote reference services, overseeing shelf reads
and other library projects, and performing copy cataloging and original cataloging of library and archival materials
according to accepted national standards. This position is on-site in Savannah, GA and works under the direction of the
Vice President of Education and Programs.
Responsibilities Include (incumbent may perform other duties as assigned):
Manage and Support Reference Staff (percentage of role - 25%):
With guidance from Human Resources and senior management, lead the onboarding, training, retention, motivation,
performance evaluation, and, when necessary, performance management of reference staff. Implement a structured
onboarding and training program to ensure all new library staff are effectively introduced to Georgia Historical Society
(GHS) policies, procedures, tools, and systems. This includes initial orientation, role-specific instruction, and ongoing
mentorship. Ensure all team members are well-versed in GHS’s policies and procedures, including but not limited to
reference services, digital asset management, and library projects—both new and ongoing. Monitor individual and team
performance to ensure productivity and accountability, aligning work with institutional goals and established processing
metrics. Work collaboratively with senior leadership and Human Resources to address staffing issues, provide
performance feedback, and guide professional growth. Create and maintain a continuous professional development
framework for all reference staff. This involves identifying and addressing skill gaps, offering regular internal training
sessions on library standards, and researching and encouraging participation in workshops, webinars, and conferences
relevant to their roles.
Service and System Lead (percentage of role – 25%):
Patron Services:
Lead the delivery of high-quality reference and information services to researchers, patrons, and internal staff. Oversee
the work of reference staff in response to incoming reference and image use requests in a variety of formats (email,
telephone, in-person, and mail) to ensure a timely turn-around response including ensuring the logging of incoming
requests, monitoring response times, ensuring payment for research and image requests are paid in full, etc. Ensure
consistency and excellence in public service by maintaining up-to-date procedures and service standards. Coordinate and
present special programs, instructional activities, and outreach efforts to broaden access to GHS resources statewide.
Manage donor and patron interactions related to research and collections access in collaboration with development staff
when appropriate.
Library Collection and Development:
Oversee the growth, organization, and preservation of GHS's library holdings, including rare books, microfilm, and
other library material with awareness, support, and guidance from senior management. Develop and monitor strategic
library goals and work plans that align with the institution’s mission. Supervise the application of best practices for
cataloging, display, and storage of materials. Maintain and analyze usage data and patron/collection statistics to guide
strategic planning and reporting. Oversee and/or performs copy cataloging and original cataloging of rare and non-rare
library and archival materials to facilitate their identification, access, and use. Promotes the use of consistent, authorized
headings in local and national files. Performs and oversees a variety of cataloging maintenance activities. Oversee
collections management tasks for book and serial collections including shelf reading, inventorying, and deaccessioning
projects. Supporting the Collections Registrar, implement deaccessioning activities as directed.
