Head of the American Geographical Society Library

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Job Profile:

Job Duties:

Job Duties
The Golda Meir Library seeks an experienced and creative leader to serve as the head of the American Geographical Society Library (AGSL), one of the oldest, largest, and most distinguished geographical research libraries in North America. Reporting to the Director of Libraries, the head is responsible for developing the extraordinary collections of the AGSL, promoting their use by the UWM community and researchers worldwide, and leveraging digital technologies to develop new services and uses of the collections. The head will also expand awareness of the AGSL through instruction, presentations, and participating in national and international associations and conferences.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Teaches and lectures about the AGSL collections and other areas of expertise

• Collaborates with other library departments such Digital Collections & Initiatives, Archives and Special Collections, and Collection & Resource Management

• Designs, develops, and provides leadership on projects, programs, procedures, and services

• Resolves complex issues which may impact policies and procedures within the unit

• Contributes to and provides leadership in the field of cartographic and geospatial librarianship at the local, national, and international levels.

• Advances librarianship at the campus, national, and international levels through committee participation

• Oversees day-to-day management of unit operations, services, and space, including:

  • Collection development

  • Collection management, including gift and processing workflows, conservation and preservation

  • Reference services, research consultations, and course-related instruction

  • Outreach programs, such as lecture series, fellowships, and exhibits

• Collaborates with UWM Advancement on grant and gift proposals for acquiring, processing, digitizing, and preserving materials

• Manages the operating budget

Department:

The AGSL is part of the UWM Golda Meir Library. It is one of the premier collections of its kind in North America, supporting instruction, research, and outreach at UWM and around the world. The collection contains maps, atlases, books, periodicals, photos, and geospatial data supporting a wide range of disciplines. The collections are worldwide in coverage and date from the 15th century to the present. They have been used widely in exhibits, publications, documentaries, and digital collections. The AGSL offers scholarly programs for the campus and local community and welcomes visiting scholars from across 
the U.S. and the world. More information is available on the AGSL website at 
https://uwm.edu/libraries/agsl/.

Compensation:

Expected Salary is $65,000 to $85,000. Final salary offer is contingent upon skills, knowledge, and abilities as demonstrated throughout the selection process.

Required Qualifications:

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution
• Master’s degree or above in geography or other relevant field
• Three years of experience in a research library or equivalent institution
• Two years of direct supervisory experience of professional and/or para-professional staff

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of cartography, its history, and the history of geographical ideas
• Evidence of experience with rare materials librarianship, including conservation/preservation techniques
• Evidence of successful grant writing and fundraising expertise
• Demonstrated strong professional leadership and involvement
• Strong evidence in professional leadership of a team 
• Evidence of participation in professional and scholarly associations and conferences

Competencies

• Knowledge of digital technologies, such as GIS, and trends, such as treating digital collections as data sources
• Strong written and communication skills
• Initiative and resourcefulness in generating new ideas
• Outstanding interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to motivate, guide, and support team members to achieve high performance and maintain a positive work environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to discern multi-layered environments.
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative and consistently changing environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to user services.

Education:

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution
• Master’s degree or above in geography or other relevant field

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are required to apply online and provide the following at time of application:

• Cover Letter addressing each of the required and preferred qualifications

• Resume

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate’s application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified. 

Apply electronically by the application deadline date of  February 15, 2026. Questions about this position should be directed to Amy Rehfeldt [email protected].

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [email protected] or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.