Curator of the Harold and Mary Jean Hanson Rare Book Collection

Curator of the Harold and Mary Jean Hanson Rare Book Collection
Job No: 533421
Applications Close: 06 Nov 2024 Eastern Standard Time

Work Type: Tenure-Track Faculty
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Libraries/Museums
Department: 55070100 - LB-Special / Area Studies-CHR

Classification Title:
Assistant University Librarian or Associate University Librarian

Job Description:
The Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC) Department at the George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida seeks a creative, innovative, and service-oriented individual to develop and manage all aspects of the Harold and Mary Jean Hanson Rare Book Collection, with a passion for collection development and a commitment to promoting its use through scholarship, classroom instruction, and public outreach. The collection has strengths in natural history, history of science, British and American literature, and other areas of distinction, with several supporting endowments. Its holdings intersect with many of the collections in the department, especially pre-eminent collections, including the Latin American and Caribbean Collection, the Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature, and the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica. The Curator provides leadership in an environment that values diversity, collaboration, and excellence. This position is a year-around (12-month), full-time tenure-track library faculty position.

The Smathers Libraries is committed to creating a thoughtful, equitable, and inclusive culture that provides space for innovation and creativity. We support that commitment by offering a fulfilling work experience that allows for collaboration, growth, and development as well as shared perspectives.

The Libraries encourage staff participation in reaching management decisions and consequently the Rare Book Curator will serve on various committees and teams. To support all students and faculty and foster excellence in a diverse and global society, the Rare Book Curator will be expected to include individuals of diverse backgrounds in work activities and decision making. The Rare Book Curator will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities in order to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership by building and managing all aspects of the collection, including acquisition, description, policies, and programs, in accordance with best professional practices and the University of Florida’s mission and goals.
• Develop outreach and instruction activities through exhibits, tours, presentations, and other programs.
• Manage endowments and acquire materials from vendors and donors.
• Work collaboratively with cataloging, digital services, acquisitions, and other library units.
• Expand access to the collection through library tools, such as LibGuides and finding aids.
• Facilitate access to the collection in all formats, including patron assistance and reference queries.
• Promote the collection through activities such as social media, blogs, and other outlets.
• Leverage digital humanities tools and methodologies to enhance access to and engagement with the collection.
• Work in coordination with Libraries administration and the development team to maintain and promote donor relations.
• Pursue grant opportunities and manage projects related to the collection.
• Participate in appropriate professional organizations on the state, regional, and national levels, and pursue professional development goals, including publication, to meet requirements for tenure and promotion.

Expected Salary:

• Minimum salary at the Assistant University Librarian rank is $59,219.
• Minimum salary at the Associate University Librarian rank is $68,495.
• Salary will reflect the selected professional's experience and credentials.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or other relevant advanced degree.
• Appointment at the Associate University Librarian rank requires eight years of relevant professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing print and digital collections.
• Competency in both a Romance and classical language.
• Subject knowledge of one or more areas represented in the collection.
• Experience with digital humanities tools and methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences to broaden use of the collection.
• Experience with social media and web publishing.
• Familiarity or experience with donor relations, managing endowments, and/or grants management.
• Experience working with rare book collections, book history, or other relevant experience.
• Record of instruction, teaching and/or training adult learners.
• Reading comprehension of one or more languages related to the collection (Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish).
• Familiarity with digital-based information technologies and automated library systems.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators, and the general public.
• Flexibility and innovative approach working in a complex, rapidly changing academic environment.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in integrating technology with traditional services.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Strong potential for meeting the requirements for tenure and promotion outlined at https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/c.php?g=147693&p=970546.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
To apply, submit:

• A cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position.
• Your current resume or CV.
• A list of three references, including their contact information (telephone number and email address).
• A written statement discussing the use of rare books and primary sources for instruction in a research university (250 words).

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

For more information:
For further details, please refer to the full position vacancy announcement here.

Health Assessment Required: No