Job Description
As the Special Collections Librarian (Research & Engagement), you will be expected to perform the following responsibilities:
• Advance NUS Libraries’ Special Collections by improving discovery, access and use of rare and archival materials to support teaching, learning and research.
• Work collaboratively across the Libraries and with faculty, students, researchers and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality outreach, teaching support, and research/reference services.
• Translate Special Collections into impactful learning experiences by partnering with teaching staff to embed primary sources in curricula and by designing and delivering classes, workshops and user-facing learning resources.
• Undertake collection-based research and translate findings into outreach and learning content to raise visibility and encourage deeper scholarly engagement with the collections.
• Contribute as an EREP Associate (HASS) by strengthening relationships with Humanities & Social Sciences communities, supporting teaching and learning needs, and facilitating effective collaboration and referral pathways between EREP and CMP/Special Collections.
• Apply appropriate technologies (e.g., AI and digital tools) to enhance engagement, discovery and operational workflows.
Requirements
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, with relevant research experience in an academic setting.
• Minimum 1 year’s experience in an academic/research library, museum, archives, or related cultural heritage environment, with exposure to archival, rare book and/or heritage materials (preferably relating to Southeast Asian and/or HASS domains).
• Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with faculty, students, researchers and professional staff; able to work collaboratively across library units and facilitate referrals (e.g., between EREP and CMP/Special Collections).
• Strong teaching, facilitation and presentation skills; experience supporting teaching and learning (e.g., instruction sessions, workshops, orientation, curriculum-linked support), ideally using primary sources and/or HASS research practices.
• Proven ability to provide research and reference support, including complex enquiries and research consultations; able to advise users on discovery and use of relevant resources across formats.
• Strong service orientation and understanding of HASS research, learning and engagement needs; ability to translate needs into practical service improvements.
• Experience planning and delivering outreach/engagement initiatives (e.g., exhibitions, talks, tours, events, campaigns) and translating collections/research content into user-facing communications and learning resources.
• Analytical and evaluative skills to identify trends, gather feedback, conduct basic user studies, and apply insights to improve services and user experience.
• High professionalism; ability to work flexibly, manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes in a changing environment.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, networking and negotiation skills; communicates clearly with diverse audiences.
• Working knowledge of emerging technologies for library services and workflows (e.g., AI-enabled tools, digital engagement platforms, productivity/automation tools) and ability to assess suitability and implement responsibly.
• Broad understanding of core academic library operations and services (e.g., discovery/access, circulation/loans, acquisitions, serials/e-resource management, information literacy support, research and information services).
• Knowledge of HASS research methods, information sources and scholarly communication practices, including bibliographic/full-text databases and citation management tools.
• Understanding of history, theory and leading practices for managing and providing access to Special Collections across formats (rare books, manuscripts, archives, ephemera, photographs/prints/maps, AV, born-digital and digitised content; and where applicable, three-dimensional objects).
• Ability to apply relevant archival and/or bibliographic description and access principles/standards; contribute to local procedures for processing, collections management and preservation.
• Understanding of digitisation concepts and workflows (selection, handling, quality control, file formats, metadata capture, vendor coordination where applicable, and access delivery considerations).
• Understanding of digital preservation and web archiving approaches and core concepts (e.g., integrity checking, storage, format risks, rights considerations), including end-to-end processes for born-digital and digitised content.
• Ability to advocate for proper handling, storage and use of Special Collections materials; develop basic user/staff guidance and support training.
• Familiarity with user engagement and learning resource development tools (e.g., LibGuides or equivalent, web content management, basic multimedia tools).
More Information
Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Organization: NUS Libraries
Department : Collections Management and Preservation
Employee Referral Eligible: No
Job requisition ID : 31939
