About the Position and Responsibilities:
The Curator of Special Collections oversees and manages a diverse collection of literary manuscripts and rare books across the distinctive collections at the Vanderbilt University Library. You will Report to the Director of Special Collections, the Curator’s responsibilities include reader services and access for special collections, exhibition research, collection development, rare book cataloging/metadata work, and public outreach.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Fostering Research and Learning with Special Collections Materials
- Offers a regular program of course presentations and instruction;
- Teaches non-curricular courses in the history of the book and related subjects;
- Participates in event and exhibition planning;
- Provides assistance to researchers in person, by telephone, and by letter and e-mail.
Providing Bibliographic Control and Access
- Assists with collection development and appraisal;
- Serves as embedded cataloger and liaison to technical services in the Special Collections division of the library;
- Coordinates with the preservation office about the care and conservation of rare books throughout the library system.
Research and Development
- Works with donors to develop new collections, programs, and events;Writes grants to support emerging and innovative special collections initiatives;
- Presents and publishers regularly on bibliography and special collections
Qualifications and Experience:
- ALA-accredited MLS degree or its equivalent
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a special collections library, archives, or museum library;
- Working knowledge of online library systems, AACR2, RDA, LCSH, DCRM formats, and authority control. Knowledge and experience with OCLC
- Must be collaborative and user-focused. Good written and oral communication skills
- Capacity to thrive in the changing environment of a major research institution and to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities;
- Knowledge of at least one non-English European language, preferably Spanish, Latin, Portuguese, or French
- Demonstrated skills in program and project management, and a commitment to special collections librarianship as a career.
Preferred skills:
Benefits:
In addition to offering a lively community that encourages learning and celebrates diversity, VU offers a competitive, flexible benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, disability insurance, paid time off, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. Vanderbilt offers tuition assistance to employees, spouses and dependent children. Also, after five years of service, Vanderbilt will pay up to 55% of the tuition for up to three dependent children to earn a bachelor's degree. Learn more about Vanderbilt's benefits at VU Benefits Overview
