University of South Carolina is hiring an Assistant Director of South Caroliniana Library. This role involves leading a team of curators to develop and manage a premier collection of manuscripts, photographs, maps, newspapers, and books related to southern history and culture, overseeing collection development, advising staff on reference and exhibitions, and engaging in faculty service and scholarship.
Highlights
Lead and supervise a curatorial team while managing archival collections focused on South Carolina history.
Develop and curate collections by seeking new archival and published materials according to established policies.
Manage donor relations and ensure timely handling of documentation.
Advise user services and outreach staff on reference queries, exhibitions, and LibGuides.
Collaborate with cataloging and processing staff to prioritize and organize collections.
Master's degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent education and experience required.
Minimum of three years management or supervisory experience.
Expertise in information organization standards, including cataloging and archival processing.
Preferred background in American history, especially South Carolina history, and experience with donor relations and innovative archival management.
Position is full-time, tenure-track, with salary commensurate with experience and offers standard state employee benefits through USC.
Assistant Director of South Caroliniana Library Full Description
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo | Posting Number | FAC00096PO25 Advertised Title | Assistant Director of South Caroliniana Library Campus | Columbia College/Division | University Libraries Department | LIBR South Caroliniana Library Advertised Salary Range | Commensurate with Experience Location of Vacancy | Part/Full Time | Full Time Hours per Week | 37.5 Position Category | Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Basis | 12 months Work County | Richland Tenure Information | Tenure-Track/Tenured Job Search Category | Faculty
About USC
About University of South Carolina | From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | University of South Carolina Libraries is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable special collections librarian and supervisor to develop and curate important collections related to South Carolina history and lead a strong team of collection curators.
The Assistant Director of South Caroliniana Library plays a vital role in the growth and development of one of the South’s leading repositories of manuscripts, photographs, maps, newspapers, oral histories, and books related to southern history and culture. The Assistant Director will lead an experienced curatorial team, seek out new archival collections and published materials in accordance with the collection development policy, liaise with donors and ensure they receive appropriate paperwork in a timely manner, advise user services staff and the instruction and outreach librarian regarding reference questions, exhibitions, and LibGuides as needed, and consult with Head of Processing and Published Materials cataloger to set priorities and advise on collection arrangement and description. As a member of the faculty, the Assistant Director will also engage in professional development, professional and university service, and scholarship.
Required Education and Experience | Required Education and Experience: A Master’s Degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution; a combination of another appropriate graduate degree, training, and experience will be given equal consideration. At least three years of experience in management/supervision Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies: Sound judgment and discretion in interpreting and applying policies and procedures Strong knowledge of information organization standards and practices, including current cataloging and archival processing standards. Ability to plan and organize work activities to prioritize task completion according to schedules and goals Effective and clear communication skills Strong interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications | Strong background in American history, and South Carolina history in particular Prior experience in donor relations and collection development. Prior demonstrated experience of innovative approaches to archival collection management.
Posting Detail Information
Desired Start Date | 10/01/2025 Job Open Date | 07/02/2025 Job Close Date | Open Until Filled | Yes Special Instructions to Applicant | Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/189753 EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
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Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
List of References and Contact Information
Optional Documents
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