SCRC Reference & Access Services Librarian

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job # 042380 Department Code 20640-5435 Department SU Libraries Job Title SCRC Reference & Access Services Librarian Location Syracuse, NY Campus Syracuse, NY Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range $65,400 - $73,000 Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level 00 FLSA Status Exempt Hours

Standard University business hours (37.5 hours per week)

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type Full-time Unionized Position Code Not Applicable Job Description

The Syracuse University Libraries invites applications for the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) Reference and Access Services Librarian. Reporting to the SCRC Director, this position manages a fast paced, high profile, team-oriented academic special collections reference/access services unit committed to providing high quality customer service. The Librarian is crucial to providing SU faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the local and global research communities with general and specialized reference and access to the University’s extensive cultural heritage materials, including rare books, personal papers, monographs, manuscripts, artwork, photographs, artifacts, time-based media, and born-digital formats through our on-campus reading room and our reference and access services operation.

The Librarian is responsible for ensuring all reference and access services offered by SCRC are evaluated, designed, and reviewed regularly for equitable, inclusive, and accessible access to the collections and will lead training and provide oversight and quality control for reference practices across the Center. This position supervises the SCRC Access Services Supervisor and participates in educational programming such as pop-up exhibitions, events and the SCRC blog.

Application Review Timeline:

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. However, priority consideration will be given to those received by December 15, 2025, as application review will begin on that date.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Accredited MLS with special collections/archives focus or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
• 3 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in special collections/archives setting. Special collections public services experience preferred.
• Demonstrated record of providing advanced reference and research services for students, faculty, staff, and local/global research communities.
• Experience with hands-on research within rare book, archival collections, knowledge of primary source research methodologies.
• Comprehensive understanding of reference tools, search interfaces, reference interview techniques.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to providing high quality service in a collaborative, team environment to a diverse and inclusive campus and researcher community.
• Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills, flexibility and adaptability and a willingness to embrace and drive change.
• Familiarity with emerging strategies and digital technologies management of and providing access to special collection material.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with Atlas System’s Aeon or similar collections tracking software.
• Familiarity with using LibAnswers, LibInsight and LibGuides.
• Knowledge of current US Copyright laws and intellectual property rights for cultural heritage materials/ADA accessibility standards for libraries.
• Familiarity with conservation, preservation, collection management and security practices relating to special collections
  
  

Librarian Rank And Compensation

This position will be appointed at the Senior Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian without Permanent (ranking) Status ranks based on the successful candidate’s qualifications. See the detailed rank criteria requirements here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S9fdYc2-Ko1WZ2FxGeINFajbtato5DtBvKPRaGuzfyA/edit?usp=sharing.

Final salary will be commensurate with experience and assigned rank.

Senior Assistant Librarian – Candidates May Be Appointed To This Rank If They Have Successful Professional Experience. It Has a Maximum Of Three Terms Before They Are Expected To Apply For Promotion To The Next Rank (Associate Librarian). Requirements For This Rank Include:

• MLS or equivalent degree
• Successful professional library experience
• Demonstrated competence in position responsibilities
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Evidence of professional growth and initiative
  
  

Associate Librarian Without Permanent (Ranking) Status – Candidates May Be Appointed To This Rank If They Have Substantial Professional Achievement And Commitment. Librarians Hired At The Associate Rank Will Be Required To Apply For Permanent (ranking) Status, Which Signifies Sustained Achievement And Contributions To Syracuse University Libraries. Requirements For This Rank Include:

• MLS or equivalent degree
• Show excellent/outstanding performance in previous library roles
• Demonstrate significant contributions to library operations
• Provide evidence of professional commitment (such as committee work, conference attendance, publications, or professional development activities)
  
  

Skills and Knowledge

The Successful Candidate Will Have Best Combination Of:

• Strong understanding of the role of primary source materials in research, teaching, learning
• Commitment to support and contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment
• Passion for learning and working collaboratively with students, faculty, researchers
• Strong critical thinking skills in understanding, analyzing, and solving problems related to library service and operations
• Strong discernment and judgement in managing unit and services.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and supervise full-time staff and students
• Ability to model the safe and secure handling of special collections materials
• Strong written, verbal, and persuasive communication skills
• Strong time/organizational management skills and attention to detail.
• Leadership ability and commitment to continuous learning
• Creativity, flexibility, ability to adapt to change
• Must be reliable, self-motivated, proactive, engaged, responsive member of team
  
  

Responsibilities

Reference and Outreach (45%)

• Provide a full range of rare book, multidisciplinary, archival and in-depth reference services including in person and virtual research consultations, academic and scholarly reference, general reference and special projects.
• Model best practices for reference and customer service.
• Participate in the Reading Room reference desk rotation.
• Serve as the Center’s liaison to other Libraries reference and access service areas.
• Provide basic instruction on SCRC collections and services and manage/update reference resources and tools as needed.
• Participate in SCRC programming schedule including pop up exhibitions, events, and blog.
  
  

Management (30%)

• Manage day-to-day reference and access services operations for SCRC (Special Collections, University Archives, and Belfer Audio Archive) that serve campus and the local and global research communities, including the management of the reference queue.
• Directly supervise the SCRC Access Services Supervisor and 1-2 students.
• Plan and implement ongoing reference and collections access training of staff and student assistants.
• Develop, update, and implement policies and procedures governing collections access and reference services to reflect emerging standards and ensure the Center’s commitment to preserving a wide variety of histories, building reciprocal relationships, and ensuring equitable access.
• Serve as a member of the SCRC Managers Team. Lead the Alexander N. Charters Adult Education Grants-in-Aid program team.
  
  

Patron Digitization; Publication Permissions (5%)

• Oversee workflows for internal and external requests for digitization of SCRC collection material working with other units in the Libraries as needed.
• Ensure digitization requests are compliant with preservation guidelines, donor restrictions, and US and New York State Copyright laws.
• Manage SCRC publication permissions requests.
  
  

Project Management; Data Assessment (5%)

• Lead, coordinate, and assess complex projects as assigned, including collecting data and metrics on the usage of special collections, assessment, and procedural workflows.
  
  

Service (5%)

• Engage in activities that contribute to the advancement of the Libraries, the university, and the library profession including, for example, actively participating on a team, committee, or special project; chairing or organizing a workshop, conference, or other professional event; teaching (excluding library instruction sessions or other teaching activities that are explicit job duties); professional consulting; conference discussant, publishing; conducting research that results in a publication or conference presentation.
  
  

Professional Development (5%)

• Maintain awareness of professional developments, issues, and practices through research and activities that increase one’s knowledge and abilities, and that positively impact one’s performance and service contributions. Examples of activities include participation in a workshop, webinar or conference that result in the acquisition of new knowledge or skills; completion of a credit course pertaining to the employee’s position; completion of an internship or other practical training.
  
  

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About The Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/111481 Job Posting Date 11/06/2025 Application Deadline Full Consideration By Job Category Staff Message to Applicants

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
  
  

Optional Documents

• Other Document
  
  

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you first find out about this position?
• sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
• Syracuse University HR Recruiter
• Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
• SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
• Women’s Opportunity Center
• Jubilee Homes
• Syracuse Northeast Community Center
• Interfaith Works
• JobPlus
• Syracuse.com
• Chronicle of Higher Education
• HigherEdJobs.com
• HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
• InsideHigherEd.com
• Indeed.com
• DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
• LinkedIn Job Posting
• Facebook
• Job Fair
• Search Firm
• Referred by an SU Employee
• Other
• If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position. (Open Ended Question)