Summary
I Tatti is seeking an experienced librarian to head its library collections. Under the supervision of the Director of the Harvard Center for Renaissance Studies, the Head of the Library will be responsible for the management and leadership of the Library and Archives. This individual will be responsible for establishing, interpreting, and implementing plans, policies and procedures within the library. This role involves setting strategic priorities for the library, formulating goals and objectives for the development of the collections, managing a staff of 8 FTE , planning operations, day-to-day decision making, and organizing library services and ongoing operations. In these various capacities the Head of the Library also interacts regularly with current and former I Tatti appointees, as well as with other library readers and scholars.
The Berenson Library holds rich collections of books and periodicals, archives, rare books, manuscripts and early music recordings offering comprehensive interdisciplinary resources for the study of late medieval through early modern Italy and the Mediterranean world with a global and modern historiographic perspective. Its rich and varied collections currently hold more than 200,000 books and periodicals in print, including 5,000 rare and early printed works,12,000 additional early works on microforms, 6,000 musical scores, nearly 3,000 sound recordings, and 23 archival collections. As one of the over seventy libraries and special collections that make up Harvard Library, the Biblioteca Berenson participates fully in Harvard’s Alma/Primo integrated library management system and discovery services and provides access for local users to Harvard’s vast range of online journals and other electronic resources. An invaluable point of reference for I Tatti’s scholarly community, (circa 70-75 appointees annually), the library also welcomes other Harvard affiliates, local researchers, and visiting scholars from around the world.
Must be EU national or holder of EU work permit.
Primary Duties:
- Supervises a staff of 8 FTE and undertakes the hiring of professional or support staff with the Director.
- Serves as the primary library representative with the administration. Communicates information in both directions.
- Prepares and manages the library’s annual operating budget.
- Is responsible for the development, management, and care of the library’s research collections, including books, periodicals, and archival and rare book collections. Identifies and selects materials and resources of potential interest to the library and the Harvard Center and approves all acquisition decisions. This activity also requires various forms of collection analysis and evaluation, including preservation and conservation.
- Supporting library projects, is the principal Cultivates and maintains excellent relations with all vendors, dealers, and library donors.
- Collaborates on Library-based projects related to digitization and cataloguing of materials with the Curator of the Fototeca and Head of IT Services.
- Collaborates with and facilitates projects developed by other members of staff (photo collection, art collection, publications department).
- Acts as the principal author on grant proposals author of the grant proposal.
This is a full-time position, with an Italian contract of indeterminate duration. Salary based on qualifications and experience.
Applicants should provide a cover letter, a resume, and the names and contact information of at least three referees. Applications will be accepted until the end of the day on 30 June, 2025 or until the position is filled.
Preferred education, experience, and skills:
Bibliographic knowledge of Latin preferred. Experience working with born digital material. Record of participation in relevant library, archival, and/or scholarly professional associations. Familiarity with best practices and ethical standards in Acquisitions, Conservation and Preservation, and Cataloging. Knowledge of copyright and confidentiality issues.
Skills and Knowledge (required):
Excellent writing and public speaking skills, as demonstrated through publications, blog posts, public programming, exhibitions, talks, and/or teaching. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Familiarity with standard office software applications, web editing, collaborative online editing, and social media. Ability to work independently, with I Tatti staff, researchers, and the public. Ability to work collaboratively. Proficiency in the use of integrated library systems. Familiarity with MARC records or bibliographic description in general required. Familiarity with art cataloging databases. Bibliographic knowledge of a modern European language preferably German, French preferred.
Education and Experience (required):
MLIS or equivalent experience. Graduate-level degree or PhD in a subject relevant to the I Tatti collections. Bi-lingual English and Italian. Minimum of 7 years of experience in a research library or special collections setting, preferably in a similar role. Demonstrated managerial experience. Administrative experience. Represents I Tatti and the Berenson Library on various committees, including the local consortium IRIS, various Harvard Library committees, and the Art Discovery Catalogue Steering committee. Maintains current awareness of book market trends, the management of acquisitions activities, and technical services.