Rare Books Curator

The Special Collections Research Center of the Georgetown University Library seeks a Curator of Rare Books to oversee and manage Lauinger Library’s collections of rare books. The Curator develops the collections; prioritizes and coordinates cataloging efforts, collection maintenance, and reference services; teaches research sessions relating to rare books holdings and the use of primary sources; and plans and develops exhibitions and events highlighting the collections. The Special Collections Research Center collects, organizes, interprets, preserves, makes available and promotes the use of the Library’s rare and unique materials in art, archives, manuscripts and rare books. It supports primary source research and instruction by undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and the broader scholarly community. Georgetown’s rich collections range over the historical aspects of almost every humanistic discipline and many scientific fields of study. Areas of special strength include Jesuit history; early American Catholicism; English recusant history; English and American literature with emphasis on Catholic literary figures; American printmakers and book illustrators; intelligence and espionage; diplomacy and international affairs with special concentrations on the Middle East and on Latin America; and Georgetown history. Responsibilities: -Primary curatorial responsibility for the rare book collections within Georgetown University Library’s Special Collections Research Center, under the general guidance of the director of the SCRC, and in cooperation with other curatorial staff. -Develops rare books collections, by both purchase and gift, in line with the pedagogical and research needs of the University, as well as its history and existing collection strengths. -Prioritizes and coordinates cataloging efforts with the Library’s Metadata Services unit. -Supervises collection maintenance to provide scholarly access and to ensure long-term preservation. -Provides and supervises reference service for the rare book collections. -Consults with faculty to learn about their research and curricular needs. Interprets and analyzes the information needs of students, faculty, and other researchers. -Monitors collection development and scholarly publishing trends in research libraries and the commercial sector. -Monitors the collections budget in the assigned areas of responsibility. -Initiates and engages in outreach activities, such as exhibitions, publications and classroom presentations and research sessions, to highlight Special Collections and to promote the use of its holdings. -Coordinates with faculty and librarians on designing research assignments using rare materials. -Sets priorities for digitization. Requirements: - A Master’s degree: an ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent experience; additional Master’s degree or equivalent experience in a humanities-related field - Demonstrated knowledge of the history of books and printing and the principles of bibliography - At least three years’ experience in special collections librarianship - Knowledge of the organization and administrative policies and procedures in libraries and archives - Bibliographic literacy in the widest possible range of languages is helpful - Strong communication and analytical skills - The ability to work independently and with others and excel in a dynamic team environment - Well-developed organizational and research skills

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