The Rare Book and Manuscript Library (RBML) of Columbia University seeks a creative and academically oriented professional for a new position: Lehman Curator for American History. This position will work closely with the Librarian for Public Services and Programs, and the Librarian for Reference and Research in extending the profile of the RBML in the Columbia community. The incumbent has principal responsibility for developing and implementing programs and projects that interpret RBML American history collections -- printed, manuscript, and other -- chiefly to Columbia faculty and students, but also to the scholarly community at large. This includes instructional programs, exhibitions, lectures, seminars, and web-based guides and tutorials. The position also plays a key role in guiding the development of primary source collections in American history.
Reporting to the Director of the RBML the incumbent will:
Collaborate with Columbia faculty in offering classes, workshops, and orientations to Columbia graduate and undergraduate students relating to American history collections.
Collaborate with librarians in the RBML to develop collection guides in American history for targeted constituencies, such as specific courses, individual departments, and broad academic programs.
Recommends to the Director on the acquisition of primary source collections in American history.
Serve as the RBML liaison with selected academic departments, centers, and programs, especially with the Lehman Center for American History. Actively promote collaboration and partnership among campus and area special collections units.
Work with subject and area specialists in the Columbia Libraries on general orientation and instructional programs.
Develop and monitor collections-related content for the RBML website in partnership with RBML curators, including guides, FAQs, tutorials, etc.
Consult with the Curator of Manuscripts on the organization and description of relevant manuscript and archive collections.
Participate in RBML reference and public services work.
Work with the Librarian for Public Services and Programs and the Librarian for Reference and Research to plan and administer the RBML exhibits program. Curate exhibits as appropriate, and work with exhibit curators as needed.
Work with the Librarian for Public Services and Programs and the Librarian for Reference and Research to plan and administer the RBML exhibits program. Curate exhibits as appropriate, and work with exhibit curators as needed.
Requirements are: Advanced graduate work in American history (PhD preferred); M.L.S. or the equivalent combination of education and experience plus; two-three years experience working in an ALA-accredited academic or research library, preferably in a special collections department; demonstrated interest in and ability to teach effectively and work productively with graduate and undergraduate students; evidence of effective skills in communicating orally and in writing; demonstrated capacity to work independently and in a timely fashion; evidence of ability to regularly finish projects; and the ability to work in and contribute to a team environment. Experience in a special collections unit preferred.
Salary is commensurate with experience. We offer excellent benefits including 100% Columbia tuition exemption for self and family and assistance with University housing. Columbia will also pay 50% tuition for your dependent child who is a candidate for an undergraduate degree at another accredited college or university.
The RBML holds over 600,000 rare books in some 30 book collections and almost 28 million manuscripts filed in nearly 3000 separate manuscript collections. It is particularly strong in English and American literature and history, classical authors, children's literature, education, mathematics and astronomy, economics and banking, philanthropy, social welfare and social work, photography, the history of printing, New York City politics, librarianship, theater history, and the performing arts. The RBML also includes the University Archives, with its large holdings on Columbia University history, and the Oral History Research Office, with its rich corpus of primary source interviews and transcripts.
One of the world's leading research universities, Columbia provides outstanding opportunities to work and grow in a unique intellectual community. Set in the Morningside Heights academic village, Columbia also presents the unmatched dynamism, diversity and cultural richness of New York City. The University Libraries, grounded in collections of remarkable depth and breadth, are also building extensive electronic resources and services. The Libraries at Columbia are committed to collegiality, professionalism, innovation and leadership.
For immediate consideration please e-mail your resume and the names/contact information for 3 references to: libjobs2@columbia.edu or send it to Human Resources, Columbia University, Box 18, Butler Library, MC 1104, 535 West 114th Street, New York, NY 10027. Please reference Search # UL70107020 and include your e-mail address. Applications will be accepted immediately and until the position is filled; however, applications submitted before April 15, 2008 will receive priority consideration.
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