Book Arts Program Director

SUMMARY:

The Book Arts Program Director works in partnership with faculty and library colleagues to incorporate creative expressions of research and to expand modes of book arts research through design thinking, reference, instruction, and outreach services to the campus community, with responsibility for associated curricular and research support for Book Arts study. Works in partnership with faculty and staff as an intellectual partner on book arts project envisioning and implementation across diverse interdisciplinary audiences. Oversees the creation and promotion of studio projects to campus and community members. Assists in stewarding the development of the Book Arts Collection and related materials to support research and instruction needs of students, faculty, independent researchers, and community members.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and Instruction:

• Providing collaborative support for faculty wishing to incorporate book arts content, methods, tools, and technologies into their teaching methodology to facilitate book arts project envisioning and definition, and advise about project scope, requirements, specifications, and/or design.

• Creates instructional resources, tutorials, provide instruction, and offer research and consultation appointments to students, faculty, and other members of the campus and community as required, using pedagogical best practices and current instructional technologies.

• Promotes and provides individual book arts scholarship research consultations

• Assists with collection development for Book Arts technical resources, book arts collection materials, and artists books.

• Collaborates with colleagues in the library (and elsewhere) to coordinate services and programming utilizing the Book Arts Studio.

• Develops Book Arts Studio curriculum, workshops, and programs as a university-wide and community resource.

• Conducts environmental scans of University of Richmond classes to identify current and emerging scholarly projects, areas of inquiry, and pedagogical trends. Aligns library resources as appropriate to support these departments.

• Develops and provides book arts, history of the book, and letterpress printing information sessions, classroom presentations, training sessions and online services to faculty, students, and community groups; instructs faculty and students on book arts practices, including bookbinding, printing, and studio tool usage.

• Assesses student learning outcomes in Book Arts Studio programming, adjusting instruction as necessary.

• Assists with public service and outreach efforts of the libraries, including exhibits, tours, presentations, and other projects as requested.

Book Arts Studio Management:

• Provides leadership for the Book Arts Studio and oversees all studio activities including planning and programming, supervision of Book Arts Studio Manager, and coordinating equipment maintenance

• Manages the Book Arts Studio budget, ensuring effective execution, reporting, and planning for the studio's annual operating budget, including use of restricted and unrestricted funds

• Identifies Book Arts Studio vendors and coordinates supply ordering process.

• Collaborates with Head of Book Arts, Archives, and Rare Books on donor relations, including acceptance of donated items, transport to the studio, and studio implementation.

• Researches new equipment and materials, and trains staff and students on new equipment when the program adds these to the studio. Prototypes demonstration projects and/or implements tools for use by others.

• Collaborates with the Book Arts Studio Manager to oversee programming, equipment maintenance, open hours, and training/supervision of student employees

Professional Development:

• Participates in professional development and research/creative activities. Serves on Library and/or University committees. Keeps abreast of the current literature on emerging technologies as they relate to book arts production methods, library service, reference service, collection development, outreach and instruction service, and other related areas.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Thorough knowledge of and demonstrated skills in at least one of the following: hand bookbinding, letterpress printing, artist's books, and/or the history of the book.

• Demonstrated knowledge of or experience with emerging trends in bookmaking, letterpress, and book arts.

• Significant experience teaching and instruction, particularly at the undergraduate level.

• Energetic teaching and presentation skill, as well as a dedication to student and faculty engagement.

• Demonstrated interest in professional development that will enhance the candidate's value to the Libraries, the University, the profession, and the scholarly community.

• A basic knowledge of library organization, principles, and procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, about complex, technical processes to non-technical personnel.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment where consultation, flexibility, collaboration and cooperation are essential.

• Ability to work and learn independently and to initiate necessary work procedures according to guidelines.

• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work under time constraints and to meet regularly recurring deadlines on multiple, concurrent projects.

• Evidence of strong analytical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and results-oriented approaches to complex problems.

• Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to work collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students on a daily basis.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• MFA degree required, with an emphasis/certificate in book arts, bookbinding, and/or letterpress printing.

• At least 5 years professional experience in printing, binding, and the book arts.

• At least 3 years of instructional experience, preferably within an academic environment.

• At least 2 years of professional experience in management of a studio, bindery, print shop, fine arts, museum, or academic environment.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Full-time; non-exempt

• Monday-Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM
  

SALARY STRUCTURE:

Pay Grade 7 ($58,011 to $76,877 annually)