Curator of the Harold and Mary Jean Hanson Rare Book Collection

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

JOB SUMMARY

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 though 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

Education/Qualifications:

Required:

• 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
• 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
• Possess an openness to diversity of thought/perspectives, personalities, work styles and displays awareness and appreciation of the unique strengths and contributions of everyone.
• 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

Preferred:

• 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 collection
• Experience with social media and web publishing
• Familiarity or experience with donor relations, managing endowments, and/or grants management

Multilingual Skills Required: No

Contact Person: University of Florida, Smathers Libraries

Contact Email: [email protected]

Contact Phone: 3522732595

How to Apply / Instructions:

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)

Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on November 6, 2024 (applications will be reviewed as received). Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at Job Number 533421. Failure to submit the required documents may result in the application not being considered. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Joseph Piazza, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at [email protected].