Interested candidates are encouraged to send a resume, along with a brief cover letter detailing their interest and qualifications for the position, to jobs@poetshouse.org. The selected candidate will be asked to supply references and to submit applicable documentation of their qualifying credentials. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Poets House is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourage those who are underrepresented in the literary and arts communities to apply. 

Details:

This is a full-time exempt position working on site at Poets House in Manhattan.

Salary Range is $80,000 to $90,000 per year, plus a competitive benefits package including health insurance, generous PTO, and a retirement match.

Poets House is seeking a dynamic and visionary Library Director to lead our library and archival initiatives. This position will play a crucial role in developing collection management policies for our extensive collection and spearheading efforts to digitize our special collections, including an extensive multi-media archive of past programs and poets reading their work. The Library Director will have a deep understanding of DEIAB principles and a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging within our library and archival practices.

Responsibilities:

Library Management:

• With Executive Director and lead staff, develop strategic vision and directions for managing the Library and Special Collections, including long-range planning, annual goal setting, policy and procedure development, and daily administration.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the library, including cataloging, acquisitions, collection development, and preservation.
• Lead responsibility for preservation/conservation, processing and cataloguing protocols, digitization projects, and accessibility of our collection.
• Collaborate with staff to assess and prioritize collection needs, identifying areas for expansion and improvement.
• Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in library management, archival standards, and digitization methodologies.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for library users, providing assistance, guidance, and research support.

Archival Digitization:

• Lead the digitization efforts for our special collections, including archival recordings, manuscripts, photographs, and other unique materials.
• Develop and implement workflows, standards, and quality control measures for the digitization process.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure the efficient and accurate digitization of materials.
• Create metadata (DACS and EAD) and facilitate the organization and accessibility of digital collections.
• Maintains awareness of professional developments, issues, and best practices in the field. Stay abreast of advancements in digital preservation and access technologies, exploring opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• In collaboration with staff and other library colleagues, explore, propose, and coordinate the implementation of new technologies that facilitate discovery, access, and use of the library, its archives and special collections holdings.

Outreach and Programming:

• Collaborate with the programming team to develop engaging and educational exhibitions, displays, and public programs related to our library and special collections.
• Foster partnerships with local educational institutions, cultural organizations, and the literary community to promote our library and engage diverse audiences.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by providing expertise and support in grant writing and donor cultivation related to library and archival initiatives.

Qualifications:

• An ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science. An advanced degree in a relevant discipline with relevant special collections or archival training will be considered.
• A minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible work experience in an institutional setting such as library special collections, archives, or similar cultural heritage institution.
• Experience with or knowledge of best practices in collections management; preservation/conservation; or rare materials cataloguing/archival processing, and security practices relating to special collections preferred.
• Familiarity with current digital preservation strategies and technologies.
• Proficiency in library cataloging systems, metadata standards, and archival management software, including knowledge of DACS, EAD. Experience using an archival management system such as Bibliovation, ArchivesSpace, or CONTENTdm preferred.
• Experience in developing and implementing retention policies and procedures for library collections.
• Three years of relevant and successful supervisory experience and creation of a supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with staff, donors, and external partners.
• Proven critical thinking skills in understanding, analyzing, and solving problems related to library service/operations.
• Familiarity with speaking to groups about archival and primary source materials.
• A commitment to DEIAB principles and a demonstrated ability to apply them in library and archival practices.
• Ability to be a proactive, engaged, and responsive team member.

About Poets House:

Poets House is a library and community space that invites poets and the public to step into the living tradition of poetry. We believe that poetry can promote a deeper conversation between individuals, communities, and cultures. Our independent, noncirculating library houses a remarkable collection of approximately 80,000 poetry books, journals, chapbooks and special collections that shed light on the development of contemporary poetry. We are committed to preserving and promoting this literary treasure for generations to come. We lead with our values, maintaining a work culture that promotes continuous learning and respect for differing styles and points of view. We actively structure our policies to both welcome and support working artists.

Two years ago Poets House experienced a catastrophic internal flood from faulty plumbing in our building. As we began repairs and opened walls, we uncovered serious engineering flaws in the building that have contributed to leaks small and large that Poets House has experienced over the years. To ensure a sustainable future, we worked with our architects and engineers to incorporate renovations and other improvements to the space that solve endemic problems, improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, protect the collections, increase earned income potential, and mitigate and prevent damage from future leaks. These improvements transform underutilized space into public space (Library Extension and Special Collections room); and significantly increase our public interface in key areas (the lobby) and adds desks for librarians. The Library Extension increases patron seating by 33% and adds 42% more shelf space for books, which will allow us to bring valuable donations out of long-term storage. Poets House reopened to full library services on January 30, 2024.

Apply online here

Submit specified application materials to jobs@poetshouse.org.