Art & Architecture Librarian

The American Academy in Rome supports innovative artists, writers, and scholars living and working together in a dynamic international community.

The Arthur & Janet C. Ross Library of the American Academy in Rome is one of Rome’s premier research destinations for the Classical Studies and the History of Art and Architecture. The collections of 180,000 print volumes grow by about 2,500 volumes annually, through acquisitions, donations, and 600 active periodicals subscriptions. The library's collections are enriched by the Academy’s holdings of over 100,000 images at the Photographic Archive; 9,000 artefacts at the Norton-Van Buren Archaeological Study Collection; and the Institutional Archive, which together serve as unique resources for research, preservation, and discovery.

THE POSITION:
Reporting to the Drue Heinz Librarian of the Arthur & Janet C. Ross Library, the position holds primary responsibility for all functions associated with the acquisition of monographs, periodicals, continuations, and electronic resources in all fields pertaining to the History of Art & Architecture.

In a widely collaborative, user-centered library environment, the position contributes to the development of new and ongoing library services in support of research conducted at the American Academy in Rome. The position initiates and leads collaboration with library colleagues, the Academy’s staff, Fellows, Residents, and Visiting Artists and Scholars.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Selection responsibility for all formats in the History of Art & Architecture.


• General responsibility for services to readers, including admission of new readers, assignment of desks, orientation and reference services, in conjunction with the Drue Heinz Librarian.


• Professional cataloging expertise: MARC21, LCSH, LCC, AACR2, RDA, with an understanding of linked data and BIBFRAME:
  - Responsibility for the cataloging and classification of new books and periodicals in Art & Architecture, including original cataloging and revision of copy-cataloging.
  - Serve as a resource for MARC and RDA related cataloging questions.
  - Support of digitization initiatives, in particular by ensuring the accuracy and integrity of metadata.
  


• Assist the Drue Heinz Librarian with planning, policies and budgeting.


• Assist the Drue Heinz Librarian with the management of special projects, including grant-supported projects, Friends of the Library events, etc.


• Staff the library’s front desk, including occasional opening and closing of the library. 


• Coordination of interlibrary loan and document delivery requests, in conjunction with the Drue Heinz Librarian. 


• Committee service and assistance with Academy projects as required.
  
  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• MLS from an ALA accredited graduate program, or equivalent professional work experience.


• Advanced academic degree in a field pertaining to Art & Architecture.


• Reading and speaking knowledge of Italian.


• Reading knowledge of one or more Western European languages.


• Experience working in a college/university library setting preferred.


• Knowledge of trends in digital scholarship and scholarly communication.


• Evidence of effective application of technology in support of research and teaching.


• Knowledge of scholarly resources in the Humanities.


• Knowledge of Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern Italian studies preferred. 
  
  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to communicate well with Fellows, Residents, Artists, Faculty, Staff and library users at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.


• Evidence of creativity and imaginative approaches to work.


• Knowledge of current research practices and the application of technology to research and education in the Humanities.


• Ability to foster and participate in a team-based environment.


• Adaptability, flexibility to work in an environment of constant change.


• Excellent critical thinking and high-level interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).

The successful applicant will communicate information and ideas clearly both orally and in writing in a timely and concise manner; share ideas, goals, programs and expectations honestly; resolve conflicts constructively; value initiative, and be flexible and open to new ideas; engage others by recognizing the power of shared insight and creative thoughts.

The candidate is expected to achieve and maintain the level of technical and professional knowledge or skills that are required for the job; keep current with developments and trends in the profession; value teamwork, creativity and risk taking; and demonstrate that excellence comes from competence and dedication to hard work.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume together with a cover letter explaining your perceptions of the Academy, how you view the job of the Art & Architecture Librarian, why you are interested in the position, and why you feel particularly qualified to do the job. 

This is a full-time position with salary based on qualifications and experience. Applicants must possess the necessary qualifications to work and reside in the European Union.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Candidates to be invited for an interview will be notified that they are finalists in April 2025.