Curator for Slavic and East European Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, CA

Posted September 18, 2015

The Stanford University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Curator for Slavic and East European Collections. Slavic and East European Studies scholars and/or librarians who are interested in supporting world-class research and teaching through a combination of traditional and new collections and services are encouraged to apply.

The Libraries seek a subject specialist with graduate training in Russian or East European Studies to develop and manage general and special collections supporting these academic areas as Curator for Slavic and East European Collections. The scope of the Curator’s collecting responsibilities includes not only the full range of published texts in all formats, printed and electronic, but also unpublished primary resources, including digital ones. The Curator should possess an understanding of research and teaching in Slavic and/or Eastern European Studies. The Curator should be familiar with literary, historical and social science disciplines that make use of the assigned collections and be knowledgeable about the acquisition and use of original archival and manuscript resources. The Curator provides advanced reference and bibliographic assistance appropriate to the needs of Stanford’s faculty and students in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures and the Center for Russian and East European and Eurasian Studies, as well as related departments and programs. The Curator will work collaboratively with the Curator for Baltic Studies and other Curators with responsibilities for European regions. In addition, the Curator will have demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills that enable contributions to the programs and projects of the Libraries and to the University. Appointment to the rank of Senior Librarian requires evidence of an exceptionally high level of professional development and accomplishment.

At Stanford, the curator for Slavic and East European Studies is responsible for the following regions and countries: Russia and countries formerly part of the Soviet Union except the Baltics; Slavic Eastern Europe; Romania; Hungary; Greece; and Albania.

Responsibilities:

1. Plans, develops, and manages collections in general and reference collections in Russian and Eastern European languages, literature, history and area studies. Selects and acquires materials in all formats.
2. Develops and implements, in coordination with the Department of Special Collections, a program for the identification, solicitation, and acquisition of manuscript and rare book collections pertaining to Slavic and East European studies.
3. Manages an annual materials budget in excess of $600,000.
4. Provides a range of public services to Slavic and East European studies communities at Stanford, including advanced reference and instruction. Maintains close contact with faculty and students of appropriate departments and programs. May teach a graduate seminar or colloquium on research methods and resources in Slavic and East European Studies.
5. May participate in research projects of Stanford faculty and fellows.
6. Promotes the use of Stanford University Libraries’ collections and resources through a range of in-person and online outreach activities.
7. Collaborates with other curators and selectors in support of interdisciplinary collections and services and in identifying and managing digital library projects and initiatives.
8. Participates in development activities in support of the Libraries, including fundraising and grant writing. Encourages and cultivates close relations with donors of funds and materials relating to Slavic and East European collections.
9. May assume responsibilities for additional subjects based on Stanford needs and/or candidate expertise.
10. Maintains cooperative relationships with colleagues at the Hoover Institution Library and Archives and the University of California, Berkeley Libraries.

Qualifications:

1. Advanced graduate work in an area of Slavic or East European Studies is required. Strong preference given to candidates with a PhD and a record of scholarly publication.
2. Substantial knowledge of and experience in academic or research libraries and the university research environment are required. MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited library school or the equivalent in bibliographic training and experience is highly desired.
3. Reading knowledge of Russian, an additional Eastern European language (Polish preferred) and one or more additional foreign languages is desirable.
4. A high level of research skills and knowledge of bibliographic and other information resources in print and online. Demonstrated experience in finding and using a wide variety of research materials, including print and digital texts and/or special collections and archival materials is required. Experience with emerging technologies and their use in scholarly environments is highly desired.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of the distribution and sources of materials in Slavic and East European Studies, including digital resources, is required, with emphasis on the Russian, Polish, and Ukrainian national book trades, but also including other book trades relevant to Slavic and East European Studies.
6. Experience in providing assistance to students and faculty in the design and execution of research projects is required. Evidence of the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required. Teaching experience is desired.
7. Demonstrated capacity to work effectively and collegially with library staff as well as with faculty and students is required. Ability to perform effectively in and contribute successfully to a diverse, multicultural workplace environment is also required.

Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Applicants should provide cover letter, resume or CV, and 3 references. Applications must be submitted electronically through http://jobs.stanford.edu. Requisition ID 68333.