Curator, Givens Collection of African American Lit/Upper Midwest Literary Archiv

About the Job The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus Libraries seeks a forward-thinking and innovative, outreach-oriented individual for the position of curator for two collections--the Givens Collection of African American Literature and the Upper Midwest Literary Archives. The Givens Collection includes the records of Penumbra Theatre, the country’s oldest continuously operating theater that illuminates the African American experience, the records of civil rights leader Josie Johnson, and other archival materials, as well as a book collection with strengths in the Harlem Renaissance. The Givens Collection is also the institutional home of Umbra Search African American History (umbrasearch.org), a partnership of over 1000 institutions who have contributed nearly 1,000,000 digital items to be made freely available. The Upper Midwest Literary Archives includes the records of Grey Wolf Press and Milkweed Editions, and particular strength in writers from the region, such as the papers of James Wright, Robert Bly, Carol Bly, Fredrick Manfred, John Berryman, and Bill Holm. Institutional Context The University Libraries is an integral part of campus life. Recently recognized with the IMLS National Medal, the Libraries is a significant contributor of resources and programs within the metropolitan area, the state, and beyond. The Libraries provides a highly collaborative environment, distinguished by new models for teaching/learning, research support, and scholarly communication. The Libraries is known for its advanced web services, significant collaborative digital library development, and a record of innovative partnerships. Its archives, special collections, and rare resources are among the largest in the U.S. Outreach is strengthened by unparalleled infrastructure for resource sharing and information access within the state and region provided by the University Libraries-based Minitex program. The Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Center for Research Libraries, the Digital Library Federation, and the Coalition for Networked Information, and is a founding partner in HathiTrust. Responsibilities The curator takes an active role in collection development and management, research services, outreach and community relations, fund-raising, and supervision of project and student staff. The Curator collaborates with other administrative service areas within the Libraries, and works closely with Libraries' Development and Communications staff. The Givens and literary archives are two of 15 distinct collecting areas in a highly collaborative department. The position reports to the Elmer L. Andersen Director of Archives and Special Collections. The curator will contribute to the knowledge base of the profession through research, publication, and professional engagement, as they work toward continuous appointment status. The University of Minnesota is located in the center of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Twin Cities are known for offering vibrant cultural programming through numerous arts venues, an extensive park and recreational systems, and an engaged and diverse community. This is a full-time, 12-month, continuous appointment track academic professional position with probationary appointment at the Assistant Librarian rank with the potential for appointment at the Associate Librarian rank. The minimum salary for this position is $57,500. The Libraries offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits and substantial moving allowance. Qualifications Required:

• American Library Association accredited Master’s degree in Library/Information Science or Archives or a combination of advanced degree and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in cooperation with colleagues in a service-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Evidence of program development capability.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion with experience working respectfully and effectively with individuals who identify as members of racially and culturally diverse communities.

Preferred:

• Facility in use of technology and applications in research collections.
• Demonstrated creativity, initiative, self-direction, and innovative thinking.
• Experience in developing working partnerships with academic departments and other campus communities.
• Experience building library or archival collections.
• Experience working with digital collections.
• Experience in grants development and fund-raising activities.
• Experience supervising students or volunteers.

How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. The Job ID number is: 348338. Use this number to find the posting at: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Find-Job. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu. Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax. About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

Learn More »