Curator, Modern Literature Collection/Manuscripts

The Special Collections of Washington University Libraries in St. Louis is seeking a dynamic, creative, collaborative, service-oriented individual to serve as Curator, Modern Literature Collection/Manuscripts.  The Special Collections Department is made up of five units (Rare Books, Manuscripts, University Archives, Film and Media Archive, and Modern Graphic History Library) and is a partner in founding the Program for the Illustrated Book, including a printing studio, with the School of Art.  Collaborative efforts with University faculty are a high priority.  The Manuscript unit houses an extensive collection of manuscripts of more than 75 major British and American writers of the 19^th and 20^th centuries.  Of particular note in the modern literature collection are collections for Samuel Beckett, James Merrill, May Swenson, and William Gaddis, and St. Louis authors Howard Nemerov, William Gass, Stanley Elkin, Donald Finkel, Mona Van Duyn, and John N. Morris.  The URL for the department web site is: http://library.wustl.edu/units/spec

Responsibilities: The curator is responsible for building, promoting, and administering the Modern Literature and Manuscript Collections. The curator maintains existing research collections and adds new collections; oversees the creation of finding aids; develops learning and research resources appropriate to the collections; works with faculty, students, and outside researchers; prepares exhibitions; participates in digital projects; and other activities related to outreach. Supervises a full time library assistant and student workers.

Education qualifications: A Master’s degree is required, either MLS from an ALA accredited school or MA in English or Comparative Literature; prefer both.  Subject expertise in contemporary American and British literature.  Evidence of written and oral communication skills.

Experience: Minimum 1 year relevant professional experience required.  Manuscript reference experience preferred.  Collection development experience preferred.  Knowledge of manuscript cataloging procedures preferred.  Experience with DACS, EAD, XML, MARC-AMC, and other relevant formats and standards is desirable.  Familiarity with rare book and manuscript trade preferred.

For information on how to apply, see: https://jobs.wustl.edu/.  The job code number is 22084.

Review of applications will begin July 11.  Employment eligibility verification required upon hire.  Washington University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.