Wesleyan University's Special Collections is made up of over 45,000 volumes of rare books ranging from medieval manuscript codices and early printed books to 21st-century fine press books. It holds materials in multiple formats, including books, pamphlets, broadsides, and maps. It also maintains a strong collection of over 1,000 artists’ books with one highlight being those on social justice and related issues.

Wesleyan’s Special Collections is part of the newly formed Unique Collections department that includes the: University Archives, Archaeology & Anthropology Collections, Center for East Asian Studies Art & Archival Collections, and the World Music Archives.

Reporting to the Dietrich Family Associate University Librarian for Unique Collections, the Head of Special Collections will lead in developing collaborative, sustainable approaches to managing a complex portfolio of Special Collections services, projects, and programs. Additionally, they will work to strengthen the department’s focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in collections practices.