John A. Lowe III '73 Special Collections Fellow

The John A. Lowe III '73 Special Collections Fellowship at Williams College is designed to promote diversity in the library profession by introducing recent Williams graduates from underrepresented groups to a career in Special Collections librarianship.

The Lowe Fellowship has an initial appointment of one year, renewable up to three years. During their time fellows are introduced to a wide variety of professional activities in archives and rare book libraries, to professional development opportunities, and (optionally) to developing a portfolio for application to a graduate program in Library Science or an allied profession.

Williams College has profoundly transformed its student body in terms of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and nationality, among other areas. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at working in a community that is broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion.

Eligibility:   Applicants must be a recent Williams College graduate, having completed their bachelors degree within the previous five years. In their application, applicants are requested to address their interest in a career in Special Collections or Rare Book Librarianship, or Archives. Applicants are also requested to address how they will promote the fellowship’s goal of increasing diversity in  the library profession, whether that be through race/ethnicity, first-generation college graduate status, disability status, or another underrepresented identity.  

Terms: In addition to pay a of $20/hour and benefits, the Library will provide professional support including career mentorship, and an annual allowance of up to $2,000 for professional development expenses.  This position is full-time at 37.5 hours per week.  Benefits include full-tuition reimbursement of graduate coursework after 6 months employment.

Responsibilities

• Performs outreach and serves as a liaison to Campus student groups.
• Assists in the preparation of exhibitions using rare and special collections.
• Assists Special Collections staff by researching complex reference queries.
• Surveys, processes, and catalogs Special Collections materials to provide intellectual and physical control. Rehouses, arranges, and describes collection material. Creates records in ArchivesSpace and Alma that adhere to national standards including DACS and DCRM.
• Assists in the maintenance of order of collections by accurately and efficiently shelving and retrieving material from the stacks.  
• With guidance from professional librarians and archivists, explores their interest in a career as a librarian or archivist.
• Participate in committees, task forces, or other groups, to develop professionally and contribute to the management of Williams Libraries.

Resume review will begin on April 26, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.  Please visit https://staff-careers.williams.edu/ to apply.

Conditions of Employment

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. COVID-19 vaccination with booster or approved exemption and participation in our testing program is required as a condition of employment at Williams.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.