Curator of Special Collections (Librarian 3), Bridwell Library, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX

Posted June 1, 2015

Date Posted: May 8, 2015

Job ID: 900775

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Job Summary:

The Curator of Special Collections is responsible for interpreting Bridwell Library’s rare books, manuscripts, ephemera and artifacts through public service, instruction, outreach and exhibitions. The Curator collaborates with other staff in collection development for the collecting areas of special collections including early manuscripts, incunabula, Bible and other sacred texts, Reformation and Counter-Reformation, devotional literature, church history, theology, and Wesleyana and Methodistica. This position also provides and ensures access to the special collections through cataloging materials, collection management and security.  The position will be available August 1, 2015.

Essential Functions:

• The Curator of Special Collections provides effective and strong public service to faculty, students, and other researchers through reference and consultation services, bibliographic instruction and classroom presentations, and exhibition tours.
• Prepares exhibitions including formulating exhibit themes, selecting items, researching, writing and editing texts, and drafting appropriate publicity. The Curator works collaboratively with other staff regarding exhibition items, content, installation timelines and website presentation.
• Works closely with the Head of Special Collections to evaluate and recommend new acquisitions and/or donations.
• Serves as the library’s rare book cataloger, creating and updating records for the library’s special collections holdings including enhanced bibliographical descriptions of early manuscripts and printed works. The position also produces effective finding lists for specific collections as needed and contributes to the creation of Special Collections web pages.
• Has responsibility for security in Special Collection areas. The position consults with other library staff on the physical condition of special collections materials, including possible treatments and/or enclosures for specific items.
• Trains and supervises a student assistant who provides support in services related to rare books and manuscripts.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited program is required.
• A minimum of three years experience working in special collections is required.
• Experience in cataloging rare books is required. Experience in public service is required.
• Working knowledge of bibliography, book history and the book arts is required.
• Experience with OCLC and an online cataloging system is required.
• Working knowledge of AACR2, LCSH, MARC, DCRM, RDA and rare book cataloging principles is required.
• Working knowledge of Latin, Hebrew or Greek is required.
• Subject expertise in an area relevant to the collection is preferred.
• Working knowledge of German, French or Spanish is preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Candidate must demonstrate strong written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must possess strong time management, organizational and planning skills.
• Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think collaboratively, strategically and creatively.
• Must possess a commitment to professional development.
• Candidate must demonstrate the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

The position includes the ability to bend, reach above shoulders, sit for long periods of time, handle objects (dexterity) and carry/lift over 25-50 lbs.

Southern Methodist University is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas with seven degree-granting schools and approximately 11,000 students. SMU is a distinguished center for teaching and research located in a culturally rich city with a diverse population.

For full consideration a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three current professional references is required. All documents should be combined into one document and uploaded as the applicant’s resume on the online application for this position.

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by May 22, 2015. This position is open until filled.

To Apply: Please visit our website www.smu.jobs to access the online application. Click on Staff Career Opportunities and apply to Job ID#: 900775.

SMU will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.