Head of Ringling Art Library Services
Full-timeBookmark Details

Florida State University
Department
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a department of Florida State University . Learn more about The Ringling at https://www.ringling.org/about-ringling/careers/ .
Responsibilities
The Head of Ringling Art Library Services provides the leadership and sets the priorities for all aspects of The John and Mable Ringling Museum Art Library under the direction of the Associate Director for Academics, Innovation, + Research. This role develops, interprets, and implements policies, programs, and long-range planning related to the library collections.
- Manages, coordinates, and directs The Ringling Art Library programs and operations. Leads in the conception and implementation of plans to expand the role of the library’s services and collection in a user-focused environment that combines resources in both traditional and digital formats.
- Supervises library staff, interns, and volunteers. Establishes performance goals and duties, conducts annual evaluations, assesses training needs and makes recommendations for further staff development and hiring.
- Develops annual budget for library operations and monitors budget spending.
- Oversees the Library’s Collections Development and the Collections Development Plan; ensuring the collection remains current and comprehensive.
- Supervises all acquisitions by purchase and gift/exchange to ensure the comprehensiveness of the library collection, including the receiving, processing, and payment of materials.
- Responsible for the rare book collection and, in consultation with the Museum Conservator, oversees the conservation and repair of the library’s rare book collection.
- Performs research on all aspects of the Ringling legacy and collections as well as other topics pertaining to the visual arts and cultural history.
- Coordinates, leads and participates in innovative library public programming, including but not limited to, Literati Book Club.
- Provides reference services and research support to assist staff, faculty and the public in research, curriculum development, and exhibitions and programming.
- Assists with reference, circulation, public services and promotes the use of current and emerging technologies.
- Works with the Advancement Team to identify, cultivate, and steward strong relationships with donors and constituents, such as Friends of the Library.
- Collaborates with faculty & staff at Florida State University (FSU) Libraries as needed to support library services at The Ringling.
- Contribute to the library profession through research and publication. Represents The Ringling by attendance and participation in professional associations, seminars, and conferences.
- Serves on museum committees and special projects as appointed by the Executive Director including institution-wide, cross departmental projects that provided administrative, management and programmatic support to Ringing initiatives such as the Disaster Preparedness Team and Ringling Publication Committee.
- Performs other duties as assigned which support Library activities and museum operations.
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in library science (MLS/MLIS/MSI) from an ALA-accredited program or advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
- Three years’ experience in libraries or similar setting related to academic research and learning.
- Three years of management experience (staff, programs, and budgets).
- Experience with:
- Technological systems related to library management.
- Reference/research services, and various literacy instructions.
- Commitment to public service and user-centered library practices with excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to:
- Work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic and changing environment.
- Lift boxes of books and supplies up to 25 lbs., transport books, and reach overhead to shelve books.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five years’ experience in libraries or similar setting related to academic research and learning.
- Experience with:
- Special collections materials.
- Developing and managing arts collections, including digital resources.
- Ability to develop and implement innovative Library programs and services.
- Knowledge of art history, criticism, and research methodologies.
- Training and or degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field.
- Working knowledge of one or more languages other than English relevant to art historical research (e.g. Italian, French, German, Japanese).
- Awareness of emerging trends in academic libraries and higher education.
Contact Info
For more information, technical assistance, or should you require accommodations for the application or interview processes, please contact Ringling Human Resources at 941-358-2773 or employment@ringling.org.
University Information
One of the nation’s elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about our university and campuses.
Anticipated Salary Range
Salary will be commensurate with the experience, education, and skills of the selected candidate.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our interactive too l to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Your application is not complete until you have uploaded:
- A position relevant cover letter
- Detailed CV/Resume
- Three Confidential Letters of Reference (submitted on your behalf) by follow the steps below to request these letters:
- After submitting your application, click the Careers link;
- Click the My References link;
- Click the Send/View Reference Request button next to the appropriate position; and
- Follow the steps on that page to send your references a system generated email requesting they submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
Please note that you can return to the My References link and click on ” Send/View Reference Request ” to see if your references have responded, add additional references, or resend requests.
Considerations
- This is a Faculty position.
- This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check .
- Work Location: Sarasota, FL
Working Hours
- Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a one hour meal period.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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