Assistant Curator of Manuscripts
Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey
Department of Rare Books and Special Collections
Requisition # 1000957
Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey
Department of Rare Books and Special Collections
Requisition # 1000957
The Princeton University Library, one of the world's most respected research institutions, serves a diverse community of 6,600 students and 1,100 faculty members with more than 6 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, and 2 million nonprint items. The holdings in its central library and 15 specialized libraries range from ancient papyri and incunabula to the most advanced electronic databases and digital collections. The Library employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support personnel, complemented by a large student and hourly workforce. More information can be found at the Library's Web site: http://libweb.princeton.edu
Available: Immediately. Two-year professional position.
Description: The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections has created a two-year professional position for an Assistant Curator of Manuscripts, whose work under the direct supervision of the Curator of Manuscripts will provide training opportunities and mentoring relationships that will allow the individual selected to pursue a curatorial career in special collections at a major American research library. The Assistant Curator will work and participate in the ongoing activities of the Department, especially public services, responding to reference queries, and curriculum support on campus through class visits, bibliographic instruction, and outreach. The Assistant Curator will also participate in other activities and special projects related to the Manuscripts Division, such as collection development, arrangement and description, cataloging and physical description of bound manuscripts, EAD (Encoded Archival Description), preservation assessment, digital projects (especially preparation of metadata), exhibitions, public programs, and grant writing. There will be opportunities to evaluate offerings from potential donors; and review catalogues from antiquarian booksellers and auction houses.
Candidates for the position of Assistant Curator must have a strong subject background and research experience in areas of collections strength in the Manuscripts Division, particularly English literature and American history; and a commitment to pursuing a career in special collections librarianship, especially in relationship to literary and historical manuscripts, 18th-19th centuries. Emphasis will be placed on two areas of activity:
(1) Improved access to and preservation of the Robert H. Taylor Collection of English and American Literature (http://diglib.princeton.edu/ead/pdf?id=ark:/88435/th83kz37q) and other manuscript holdings related to British and American literature, authors, and publishing, 18th-19th centuries. (2) Researching, organizing, and mounting a major exhibition of early Americana (especially, Revolutionary Era); class presentations and other forms of curriculum support for visiting classes in History and American Studies; cataloging and selective digitization of original research materials in the Manuscripts Division. For more information about holdings, go to the homepage of the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections (http://www.princeton.edu/~rbsc/index.shtml) and the Manuscripts Division (http://www.princeton.edu/~rbsc/department/manuscripts/).
Qualifications:
Required qualifications a graduate degree in American history, English literature, or a related area; hands-on experience working with literary and historical materials; good working knowledge of at least one Western European language other than English, especially French. May be required to work occasional nights and weekends.
Preferred qualifications include a PhD or equivalent in American history, English literature or a related field; MLS from an ALA-accredited school; knowledge of MARC-format cataloging and XML-encoding; public services and supervisory experience.
Term and Appointment: This is a two-year term position. The successful candidate will be appointed to an appropriate professional specialist rank for the term.
Compensation and Benefits: Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and accomplishments. Twenty-four (24) vacation days a year, plus eleven (11) paid holidays. Annuity program (TIAA/CREF or Vanguard), group life insurance, health coverage insurance, disability insurance, and other benefits are available.
Nominations and Applications: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications (cover letter, resume and the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of three references) will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton website: http://www.princeton.edu/jobs
Nominations and Applications: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications (cover letter, resume and the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of three references) will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton website: http://www.princeton.edu/jobs
Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.
Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable EEO and affirmative action regulations.
Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable EEO and affirmative action regulations.
