The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
Curator of California Collections
Institution Type: | Nonprofit |
Location: | California, United States |
Position: | Curator |
Job Title: Curator of California Collections
Job Number: 055-16
Department: Manuscripts
Classification: Full-Time Regular, Exempt, 37.5 hours
Working under the direction of the Associate Director of Collections (department head), responsible for the acquisition and interpretation (to both scholarly and general constituencies) of the Library’s political, legal, and local California collections. These collections include the papers of prominent Southern California politicians, lawyers and jurists, numerous collections dealing with the history of Los Angeles Basin during the past century and a half, and the institutional archives of the Huntington itself. The occupant of this position also will collaborate closely with other curators responsible for the acquisition, interpretation and reference use of collections dealing with the history of the Pacific world and the trans-Mississippi West. Supervises library assistants and volunteers as/when they are available. Gives presentations about subject holdings to various internal and external groups.
Essential Functions
- Responsible for collection development of California political, legal, and local collections, primarily from the 19th century forward; also for advising on the development and purchase of general/reference support materials, both conventional and electronic.
- Provides research and reference assistance for these collections to scholarly users in person and electronically.
- Interprets collections to scholarly and academic users through consultations, conferences, talks, seminars, exhibitions, publications, etc.
- Advises the ACMe [Acquisitions – Cataloging – Metadata] team responsible for the creation of tools of access to California collections, including catalogues, lists, interpretive essays, and other forms of finding aids, both conventional and electronic. Provides content information and advises on appropriate levels of description based upon an understanding of scholarly and research needs.
- Creates exhibitions for both scholarly and general audiences.
- Interprets collections for general public through talks, tours, and meetings for visitors, library supporters, special interest groups, etc.
- Works with the Associate Director for Library Services, the Head of Preservation and Preservation staff in establishing policy for, and initiating projects involving, preservation and conservation of California collections.
- Keeps current with relevant historiographical concerns, issues, developments, and trends in professional communities; contributes to the profession.
- Works with Director of the Library, the Associate Director of Collections and/or Advancement staff to identify, win, and implement grants and other projects useful to the collections and the institution.
- Responsible for working effectively with potential donors to the collection or to the institution at large.
- Represents department, library, and institution effectively through contact with users, public, professional organizations, etc; maintain professional presence in academic and library communities.
- Oversees work of library assistants, curatorial assistants, and volunteers as necessary and available.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Specific academic subject knowledge of western American and California history required. This knowledge is usually obtained through a graduate degree in history and/or equivalent training and experience.
- MLIS or graduate degree in archives studies preferred, demonstrating capability to work with rare books, manuscripts, and special collections, and to follow established library and archival procedures.
- Ability to read Spanish required.
- Ability to read the various styles of handwriting used in Spanish and American manuscripts.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to prioritize competing tasks effectively while working with numerous constituents in a busy and engaging research setting.
Experience
- Experience in a research or academic library preferred. Familiarity with library systems, such as OCLC, Aeon, and LibAnswers preferred.
- Experience working in California archival collections (either as researcher or as staff) preferred.
- Experience in collection development and understanding of rare materials preservation issues preferred.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this job.
Working Conditions
Normal office environment and library stacks area. Ability to handle heavy volumes and when moving book trucks; caution must be exercised accordingly. Some weekend work (usually Saturdays) may be required.
Contact: |
Please include three references along with the Huntington employment application, cover letter, and current curriculum vitae; please reference job number 055-16 in your application materials. Visit www.huntington.org to obtain an employment application. Please email application materials to JOBS@HUNTINGTON.ORG. Application materials will be accepted until position is filled. |
Website: | http://www.huntington.org |
Primary Category: | Humanities |
Secondary Categories: | Library and Information Science |
Posting Date: | 11/25/2015 |
Closing Date | 02/23/2016 |