George and Mary LeCron Foster Curator, Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies

George and Mary LeCron Foster Curator, Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies

Northwestern University Library

JOB SUMMARY: Northwestern University Library seeks a knowledgeable, experienced, and creative curator to direct all operations, services, and collections of the Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies. The curator provides leadership in the development of collection, formulation and implementation of public service policies and programs, management of staff and budgets, and liaison with the clientele of the Herskovits Library. Supervises staff, including 3 FTE professional librarians, 3 FTE support staff and 5 FTE student employees.

The Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies is one of the world’s foremost research centers dedicated to Africa. Spanning a broad array of subjects and disciplines, the collection includes books, periodicals, recordings, artifacts, and other materials that document African art, literature, politics, religion, communications, and nearly all aspects of culture, past and present. The Herskovits Library supports the Program of African Studies, the new Program of Middle East and North African Studies, and all aspects of African studies across disciplines at Northwestern, along with the work of researchers worldwide.

For more information about this position, go to http://www.library.northwestern.edu/about/library-administration/jobs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Required qualifications include a master’s degree from an accredited program in library science or significant experience in library, archival, or academic administration; evidence of significant advanced study in a discipline related to African studies; five or more years of successful library or equivalent experience in African studies, including administrative and collection development experience; and two or more languages relevant to African, Maghrebian, and/or Middle Eastern Studies. Candidates will be required to demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively with faculty, students and staff; strong supervisory skills; and the ability to assume a leadership role. Other desired qualifications include a strong record of research and publication, an advanced degree in a discipline related to Africana, and significant experience and understanding of African and Middle Eastern cultures gained through study, travel, or residence.

TO APPLY: Send PDF formatted letter of application, resume or vita, and names of three references to the attention of Jan Hayes, Personnel Librarian, to libsearches@northwestern.edu. Applications received by January 17, 2014 will receive first consideration. Northwestern University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Employment eligibility verification required upon hire.

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