How to Be Special Collections Librarian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

With the rise of digital technologies, Special Collections Librarians are increasingly important for preserving and providing access to rare and unique materials. This critical role requires a vast knowledge of library science principles and a deep understanding of the physical and intellectual components of special collections. Special Collections Librarians are responsible for organizing, cataloging, and curating rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other artifacts in order to ensure their preservation and availability to researchers.

They must also be knowledgeable about copyright laws and the ethical considerations surrounding rare materials. In turn, the work of these librarians allows scholars, students, and other researchers to access resources that are not available anywhere else, and provides invaluable cultural and historical insight.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a special collections librarian, you must first earn a bachelor's degree. You may choose to major in library science, but it is not necessary. Other majors that could be beneficial include history, English, archival studies, or art history.
2. Obtain a Master's Degree. The next step in becoming a special collections librarian is to earn a master's degree in library science, archival studies, history, or another related field. This degree will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in a special collections library.
3. Gather Experience. Many special collections librarians gain experience by working in other libraries or archives before they are hired as special collections librarians. This experience can be helpful in understanding the needs of special collections libraries and how to best serve their patrons.
4. Earn Certification. In some states, special collections librarians are required to be certified by the American Library Association (ALA). Certification requires successful completion of the ALA's Core Competencies for Special Collections Librarianship exam.
5. Apply for Positions. Once you have obtained your education and experience, you can start applying for positions as a special collections librarian. Make sure to highlight your relevant education and experience on your application to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in this field.

To stay current and competent in the field of Special Collections Librarianship, it is important to stay abreast of current trends and technologies in the library sciences. This includes regularly attending conferences and workshops, reading scholarly journals, and networking with other librarians. Additionally, it is important to stay informed about new industry best practices, such as digitization and data management, as well as staying familiar with the latest advances in information technology. Doing so will enable Special Collection Librarians to remain up-to-date with new developments and be well-equipped to provide the best possible service to their patrons.

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Job Description

1. Research and develop special collections.
2. Acquire and catalog materials.
3. Create preservation plans and strategies.
4. Provide reference and user services.
5. Develop outreach programs.
6. Prepare and present exhibits.
7. Collaborate with faculty and students on research projects.
8. Develop and administer grant proposals.
9. Manage budget and staffing.
10. Develop fundraising strategies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of current library trends and standards
2. Understanding of archival and rare book care and preservation
3. Ability to create, maintain, and manage digital collections
4. Proficiency in cataloging systems such as MARC, Dublin Core, and RDA
5. Familiarity with digital asset management systems
6. Experience managing special collections for research use
7. Ability to develop and implement policies for collection use
8. Familiarity with records management principles
9. Knowledge of copyright laws and best practices for digitization
10. Expertise in researching, identifying, and appraising rare materials
11. Ability to interact with faculty and students from diverse backgrounds
12. Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Having excellent communication skills is an essential trait of successful Special Collections Librarians. Being able to effectively communicate with patrons, colleagues, and other stakeholders is key to providing excellent customer service and meeting the goals of any library. This involves both verbal and written communication, as well as active listening.

knowledge of library systems and technology is critical in order to stay up-to-date on best practices and to provide patrons with the resources they need. Furthermore, being organized and detail-oriented is a must for any librarian, as it will help in managing a wide variety of tasks and activities. Finally, Special Collections Librarians must possess a passion for research and an ability to identify and curate valuable resources in order to provide their patrons with the best library experience possible.

All of these skills are essential for any Special Collections Librarian to succeed and make a positive impact in their library.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working with special collections?
• How do you prioritize tasks when managing a special collections library?
• Describe a time when you identified and mitigated a risk to a special collection.
• How have you collaborated with other departments or organizations to develop programs or collections that promote special collections?
• What techniques do you use to engage patrons with special collections?
• How do you ensure the preservation and security of special collections?
• Describe a research project you completed using special collections materials.
• What strategies have you used to increase accessibility to special collections materials?
• How do you stay up-to-date on new technology and trends related to special collections?
• What is the most creative project you’ve undertaken with special collections materials?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Content Management System (CMS). A software application used to create and manage digital content, such as websites, documents, and images. (eg: WordPress)
2. Digital Asset Management System (DAMS). A software system used to store, organize, and manage digital media such as images, video, and audio files. (eg: Adobe Experience Manager)
3. Metadata Management Software. Software used to store and organize metadata associated with digital assets such as documents, images, and videos. (eg: Metadata Schema Manager)
4. Digital Preservation Software. Software used to store, organize, and preserve digital media for long-term use. (eg: Archivematica)
5. Library Management System (LMS). Software used to manage library resources such as books, periodicals, and other materials. (eg: Koha)
6. Cataloging Software. Software used to create and maintain bibliographic records and metadata for library resources. (eg: MARCEdit)
7. Reference Management Software. Software used to organize and cite research sources. (eg: Zotero)
8. Data Analysis Software. Software used to collect, process, and analyze data. (eg: SPSS)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Library Association (ALA)
2. Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
3. Special Libraries Association (SLA)
4. Society of American Archivists (SAA)
5. Music Library Association (MLA)
6. Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS)
7. Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
8. International Association of Music Libraries, Archives, and Documentation Centres (IAML)
9. Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS)
10. Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA)

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Common Important Terms

1. Archival Science. The study and practice of appraising, organizing, preserving and providing access to records and archives of historical value.
2. Preservation. The maintenance and care of archival materials to ensure their long-term survival.
3. Cataloging. The process of organizing and describing archival materials so that they can be found easily.
4. Digitization. The process of converting physical materials into digital formats.
5. Metadata. Structured data about a digital item that is used to describe, locate, and manage it.
6. Reference Services. The assistance provided by librarians to library users in locating and using information.
7. Special Collections. Rare and unique materials that require special handling and storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Special Collections Librarian?

The primary role of a Special Collections Librarian is to provide professional expertise in the administration, preservation, and use of rare books, manuscripts, and other special collections materials.

What qualifications are needed to become a Special Collections Librarian?

To become a Special Collections Librarian, one must typically have a Master's degree in Library Science with a specialization in archives and special collections. Knowledge of historical research methods, cataloging and metadata standards, and digital asset management are also important qualifications.

How many years of experience do Special Collections Librarians need?

The amount of experience required for Special Collections Librarians can vary depending on the institution. Generally, at least two years of experience in archives or special collections is necessary.

What types of activities do Special Collections Librarians typically perform?

Special Collections Librarians typically engage in activities such as organizing and cataloging materials, conducting reference services, creating digital content for online access, and providing instruction on the use of primary source materials.

What is the average salary for a Special Collections Librarian?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Special Collections Librarian is around $50,000 per year.

What are jobs related with Special Collections Librarian?

• Library Intern
• Library Marketing Manager
• Library Technician
• Document Delivery Coordinator
• Research and Instructional Design Specialist
• Copyright Analyst
• Library Consultant
• Database Librarian
• Acquisitions Librarian
• Archivist

Web Resources

• Eberly Family Special Collections Library - Penn State University … libraries.psu.edu
• Special Collections | UTA Libraries libraries.uta.edu
• Special Collections | USC Libraries libraries.usc.edu