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Curator of Religious Collections, Indiana University Bloomington Libraries, (Bloomington, IN)

Posted June 1, 2023

Indiana University Bloomington Libraries’ Lilly Library seeks an innovative, collegial, and experienced librarian to serve as its inaugural Curator of Religious Collections. With the Library’s collections of religious materials as the focus, the new curator will develop an active outreach program to students, faculty, and an international community of scholars, as well as the local community of Bloomington and beyond.

The IU Libraries are investing in the Lilly Library by creating innovative staff and librarian positions.  This is one of the exciting opportunities to join Indiana University’s principal rare books, manuscripts, and special collections library.

Position Overview

The Curator of Religious Collections will be responsible for developing and increasing public awareness of and engagement with the Lilly Library’s collections of religious materials. The Curator of Religious Collections will join the Lilly Library’s growing Curatorial Team and work closely with staff members throughout the Lilly Library and Indiana University Libraries. All members of the Lilly Library support the Libraries’ culture of diversity and inclusion and actively advance the Libraries’ mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of the Lilly Library, the Curator of Religious Collections will:

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for those seeking information about the Lilly Library’s collections of religious materials.
  • Increase awareness of the Lilly Library’s collections of religious materials among members of the scholarly community, the general public, and faith-based community groups, among other constituencies, through publications, presentations, conference participation, and in-person and virtual events.
  • Curate and contribute to physical and online exhibitions drawn from the Lilly Library’s collections of religious materials.
  • In collaboration with the Director of the Lilly Library and other members of the Library’s Curatorial Team, develop, through purchase and donation, the Library’s collections of religious materials.
  • Collaborate with other Lilly Library staff members on long-range planning, goal setting, and development of policies.
  • Serve on IU Libraries and University committees as appropriate and actively contribute through professional engagement and research.

Qualifications

Required

  • ALA-accredited graduate degree in library or information science or international equivalent; candidates with an advanced degree in a relevant subject area and appropriate experience in an academic setting will also be considered.
  • Demonstrated interest in the study of the religions of the world and a demonstrated capacity to develop detailed subject and bibliographical knowledge of the print and manuscript cultures related to these religions.
  • At least five years of professional experience with special collections or archives.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with rare materials and familiarity with current best practices and standards.
  • Proficient reading knowledge of one or more languages relevant to the Lilly Library’s religious collections. 
  • Understanding of current developments within the library and archival profession.
  • Experience with primary sources.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within and across organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both autonomously and in a collaborative team environment. 
  • Commitment to fostering a diverse workplace and building an inclusive workforce.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with culturally diverse library users and colleagues. 
  • Excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail. Must be innovative, resourceful, flexible, and collegial.
  • Ability to meet the requirements of a tenure-track librarian position.

Preferred

  • Experience working with antiquarian booksellers and individual donors to acquire collection material and steward the acquisitions process.
  • Ability to plan, manage, and coordinate complex projects; demonstrated record of devising and promptly bringing projects to a conclusion. 
  • Demonstrated ability to articulate vision and goals.
  • Ability to handle multiple responsibilities in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Capacity to thrive in a world-class research institution’s environment and respond effectively to changing needs and priorities. 
  • Commitment to professional issues, demonstrated through active and ongoing participation in local or national committee work, research, publication, etc.
  • Experience curating exhibitions and creating supplemental materials, such as narrative item labels, overview panels, and other text-based interpretations.

How to Apply 

Applications received by June 30, 2023, will receive full consideration, but the search will remain open until filled.  Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com. Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Jennifer Chaffin, Director of Human Resources (Phone: 812-855-5988 – Fax: 812-855-2576 – Email: [email protected]).  For more information about Indiana University Bloomington go to https://www.indiana.edu/.  Expected start date:  September 1, 2023.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary range $62,000 – $67,000 per year; benefits include a university healthcare plan, a university-funded base retirement plan, a 100% university-paid group life insurance plan, and a generous paid time off plan.   For a full list of benefit programs, please refer to the following resources:

For more information about Indiana University Bloomington go to https://www.indiana.edu/.

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

“Before a conditional offer of employment with tenure is finalized, candidates will be asked to disclose any pending investigations or previous findings of sexual or professional misconduct. They will also be required to authorize an inquiry by Indiana University Bloomington with all current and former employers along these lines. The relevance of information disclosed or ascertained in the context of this process to a candidate’s eligibility for hire will be evaluated by Indiana University Bloomington on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should be aware, however, that Indiana University Bloomington takes the matters of sexual and professional misconduct very seriously.”

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