Curator, Albert & Shirley Small Special Collections Library

Curator, Albert & Shirley Small Special Collections Library

The University of Virginia Library seeks a Curator/Americana Specialist for the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library. The Library stands at an exciting moment in its history, with an experienced staff, and extraordinary collections. We seek an outstanding colleague to help take this treasured resource to new levels.

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Director of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, the Curator will provide leadership for and general oversight to overall collection development activities, playing a principal role in identification and selection in the field of Americana.

The Curator will give primary attention to collection development activities, building on existing collection strengths, with an eye to new and innovative possibilities, engaging with faculty in matters related to collection development priorities and initiatives, and managing and promoting relationships with donors and with members of the book and manuscript trade, to further the development of the collections. The Curator also will work with the Harrison Institute for American History, Literature, and Culture, to develop public programs based on the Library's collections, and will: play a key role in defining the direction of the Small Library's digital library collections; collaborate with the Head of Outreach and Instruction to support instructional use of the collections; contribute to the Library's regular schedule of exhibitions; provide specialized instruction, reference and research services; and contribute to planning and administering grant-funded projects to support the Library's priority operations and services.  He/she may also supervise and train staff at all levels, including Library faculty and staff, as well as student assistants, interns, and volunteers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in a field relevant to the position (e.g., MLS, Archives Administration, or a core field of American studies, history or literature preferred.)
• Interdisciplinary perspective and commitment to ongoing scholarly growth.
• At least 3 years relevant work experience in a library special collections or archival repository.
• Demonstrated experience in collection development for rare books, manuscripts, or archival collections.
• Experience with the antiquarian book and manuscript trade.
• Demonstrated awareness of new modes of scholarship and instruction employing materials typically held in special collections and archives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a strong service and collegial, team-focused orientation, and ability to work with a wide range of individuals, including university faculty, students & staff, visiting scholars, and donors.
• Excellent organizational skills, to oversee a program of acquisitions and donor relations, and to manage programs and bring projects to completion.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development, and potential to meet the library's promotion requirements.

Salary and Benefits: Competitive depending on qualifications. This position has general faculty status with excellent benefits, including 22 days of vacation and TIAA/CREF and other retirement plans.

To Apply: Applicants must apply through the University of Virginia online employment website at https://jobs.virginia.edu/ Search by posting number 0608048. For assistance with this process call (434) 243-8636.

The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and nominations from members of underrepresented groups.
Apply Online: http://www.click2apply.net/nq979jp

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.