Do you want to guide how the public utilizes an important research library? Would you like to build the research collection of a state historical society? The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to run the daily operations of the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, which includes extensive Kentucky history and genealogy holdings. This research library is instrumental in meeting the needs of scholars, family history researchers, students, and other members of the public who are looking to deepen their understanding of Kentucky history.

This position provides an important leadership and managerial position on KHS’s Research and Publications team and collaborates with colleagues and patrons to align library activities to support KHS priorities and annual program plans. The Research Library Manager plays a key role in the advancement of the Kentucky Historical Society’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the library, this position keeps reference resources accessible by overseeing reference services, administering our genealogy and family history services, and playing a role in developing library collections. The KHS research library engages thousands of patrons and researchers each year through onsite visitation, outreach, public presentations, mail and email correspondence, phone inquiries, and online visitation. The Research Library Manager plays a pivotal role in establishing and implementing a vision to create a modern research environment that provides easy access to Kentucky’s historical information.

The Kentucky Historical Society:

The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky’s Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet.  The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort:  The Old State Capitol; the Kentucky Military History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters with a signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, and more.  KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation.

To learn more about the Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manages the day-to-day operations of KHS’s Martin F. Schmidt Research Library, including the training, scheduling, and supervision of staff, interns, and volunteers involved in research services.
• Serves on the Research and Publications management team. Helps set team priorities and works to ensure good organizational communication.
• Oversees the conceptualization, development, implementation, and evaluation of services and programs that address patron needs on subjects including genealogy, primary sources, and local history.
• Ensures the research library staff are prepared to provide excellent service and continuously evaluates the overall patron research experience.
• Ensures the team follows established policies and procedures, modeling best practices for research library operations. Maintains a healthy and safe environment for staff and patrons.

• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations and makes appropriate adjustments. Establishes and reports metrics and statistics of the library’s operation.
• Provides financial stewardship of the library’s activities, which includes working with agency leadership to establish a team budget, procure products and services, and meet revenue projections.

• Ensures the upkeep of the library’s digital assets, including hardware, software, and subscription services. 
• Proactively seeks new collecting opportunities to enhance KHS library collection.  Monitors collections development needs based on patron usage and current trends.
• Supervises the KHS Genealogy Librarian to implement genealogy and family history programs, including Kentucky Ancestors Online, genealogy-related social media, public programs, and more.

To see the full position description, please visit https://history.ky.gov/about/careers.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience: Seeking a well-rounded professional with experience managing a library or library system. Minimum of three years’ experience in a library and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program or another related field is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a knowledge of history and genealogy. Candidate must possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and be comfortable speaking in front of groups large and small in both formal and informal settings. Attention to detail, accuracy, timeliness, and project management experience required. This position works Tuesday through Saturday, with some occasional evenings and some travel.

Computer Skills:  Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, online databases, web publishing software, social media tools, and websites.

Working Conditions:

• Work Environment - Ability to organize files and projects and complete them on time.  Must be able to manage multiple projects from concept to completion. Must be willing to work Saturdays, some evenings, and occasionally travel.

This is a full-time, Tuesday through Saturday position located in Frankfort, Kentucky, that reports to the Director of Research and Publications.  This is an unclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is $50,760.48 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period.   Benefits include health and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, 401(k), and optional deferred compensation plans. 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume via email to khshr@ky.gov. No telephone calls will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered. 

KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital or familial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance with state and federal law.