Job Abstract

Yale University Library seeks an experienced manager to serve as the inaugural Head of Collections Control within the Acquisitions and Collections Control unit (ACCU) in Special Collections Technical Services (SCTS) at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Reporting to the Associate Director of Acquisitions and Collections Control, the Head of Collections Control supervises a team responsible for logistics related to the tracking, movement, and physical management of special collections materials.

The Head of Collections Control has oversight of processes and workflows for all special collections materials entering SCTS at the Beinecke Library’s adjunct facility at 344 Winchester. This includes ensuring proper inventory control and storage, tracking collection items throughout their lifecycle, and coordinating routine transfers of printed and archival collection materials to and from 344 Winchester, including transfers to other Beinecke locations, Yale special collections repositories, and the Library Shelving Facility (LSF). Collections Control staff are also responsible for archival supply ordering and management, as well as housing, source marking, and plating relevant items. The Collections Control team most closely collaborates with Library Collection Services and Preservation and Conservation Services to ensure effective collections care and transfer, but also works with departments across the Beinecke and Library, including Public Services and Operations.

The incumbent will collaborate cross-departmentally to establish policies and best practices for physical processing, on-site shelving, and management of routine and specialized vendor transfers. They will implement systems and tools for enhanced chain of custody tracking and space management for SCTS and collaborate with other units to ensure alignment on these strategies. The Head of Collections Control also oversees the creation and management of workflow documentation for their area.

The incumbent will directly supervise a team of six staff members, responsible for recruitment, onboarding, ongoing training, and staff development. They will actively foster a collaborative team environment and establish metrics to track progress, and report regularly on team activities. They will plan, prioritize, and direct work carried out by Collections Control staff to ensure alignment with departmental and special collections priorities and vision.

The ACCU comprises teams dedicated to acquisitions, accessioning, and collections control, managing materials acquired by the Beinecke across all formats. The work of the unit is highly interdependent, and ACCU staff collaborate with colleagues across Yale University Library along with external vendors. Together with the Associate Director, Head of Acquisitions, and Head of Archival Accessioning, the Head of Collections Control forms part of the unit’s leadership team assisting in the ongoing strategic planning and policy development within ACCU.

The Head of Collections Control actively contributes to the development and implementation of department-wide goals and initiatives. Also engages in cross-departmental activities and contributes to Yale University Library and university-wide initiatives.

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. Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse groups of people; to productively handle relationships and conflict. 1. Manages a team responsible for the day-to-day activities of the unit. Monitors progress of assignments and projects of varying complexity to enure milestones are met and communicated to all relevant stakeholders.2. Assesses and resolves or escalates problems arising within unit or impacting workflow.3. Recommends new and updated policies and procedures based on requirements, efficiencies and/or trends in support of unit.4. Assists in long-range planning for work unit needs.5. Participates in unit budget planning.6. Evaluates work requests to determine if they are appropriate to the unit or another area.7. Ensures that work flow is organized and staffed for quality efficient completion.8. Communicates deadlines and special circumstances to staff.9. Researches and adopts new technology products and services to increase efficiencies. Evaluates and implements these solutions as appropriate.10. Maintains equipment and supplies for unit.11. Completes evaluations of direct report employees.12. Collaborates with University personnel to define work assignments and requirements, communicate progress of work, and plan and coordinate projects.13. Interacts with external sources to coordinate work necessary to fulfill projects, keep abreast of new products and technologies, or arrange for subcontractors. 14. Supervises a staff of exempt and non-exempt employees.15. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum requirement of Bachelor’s Degree in related field and five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.