Job Information
Smith College Curator of Rare Books in Northampton, Massachusetts
NORTHAMPTON PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION Job Description The Curator of Rare Books is one of three stewards within the dynamic department of Smith College Special Collections. As a steward, the curator will oversee the Mortimer Rare Book Collection including, but not limited to, all collection development - acquisition by gift and purchase - as well as teaching and instruction across the Five College Consortium. An unusually diverse encyclopedic collection, the MRBC has significant coverage of the history of printing and illustration, artists\' books, lesbian pulp fiction, and U.S. women travelers abroad, as well as highly esteemed literary manuscript collections of Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf, among others. The MRBC is currently focused on growing in the areas of material texts by marginalized groups, history of science, and book arts - a reflection of the Special Collections\' ongoing commitment to diversity in the collections and to DEIA principles more generally. Job Summary Provide leadership and stewardship for the Mortimer Rare Book Collection (MRBC) - a significant repository of rare books, artists books, and literary manuscripts. As part of a dynamic Special Collections team, engage in the acquisition of, and robust instruction with, MRBC materials. Develop the collection in response to curricular needs and the collection development strategy. Work collaboratively with other staff to improve discovery of and access to the collection, and in doing so, further the commitment to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. A highly active and visible curatorial role. Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses) Master\'s degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent experiences with an emphasis on rare books, bibliography, and/or special collections librarianship. A minimum of five (5) years of professional, relevant rare books experience required Bibliographic knowledge of languages in addition to English expected Knowledge of rare materials best practice and principles including the history of the book and bibliographic standards; evidence of engagement with professional rare books and manuscripts communities including rare books commerce. Substantial experience teaching with rare books and manuscript materials; working with and cultivating donors. A demonstrated history of working with students, faculty, and other scholars through instruction, research support, and outreach. Understanding of rare materials handling and preservation, bibliographic and descriptive standards; knowledge of the history of the book Demonstrated experience in managing and stewarding budgets and endowments required Demonstration of cultural competency and sensitivity, empathy, and care in working with widely diverse people a must Preferred Qualifications Ability to plan and execute programs and projects with a high degree of both autonomy and collaboration Demonstrated flexibility in the face of change, challenge, and opportunity Ability to establish and meet project goals, take professional initiative, and multitask Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; proficiency in presentations and instruction Ability to work in a complex and dynamic institutional environment that values communication, flexibility, and collaboration - in the unit, Libraries, and across campus. Interest and care concerning reference interactions and enthusiastic engagement in outreach Review of applications will begin November 25, 2024