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Curator of Maps and Graphics

University of Michigan

Job Description

How to Apply

A CV and cover letter is required for this position and should be attached as the first page. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. 

Summary

The William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor seeks a Curator who is dedicated to leading the divisions of Maps and Graphics by building on the strengths of a collection of national significance and expanding the discoverability of and access to that collection. Including materials that span the 16th to the 20th centuries, the Clements Library’s holdings offer rich resources for researchers, students, and the general public. Applicants will be considered who hold the MLIS (or equivalent) and/or the Ph.D. in relevant fields, including art history, American Studies, media studies, history, geography, literature, or related areas. Experience working with maps, prints, photographs, ephemera is required; we particularly seek a candidate with a specialized focus on prints and maps in their historical contexts.

The Curator of Maps and Graphics is the primary individual responsible for the development, conservation, and access systems for maps and visual materials. The Curator will serve scholarship and creative research broadly, encouraging imaginative approaches to visual culture as part of the Clements Library's mission to emphasize in-person, direct examination of original primary source materials

The genres housed in the Maps and Graphics divisions of the Clements include:

  • Prints, engravings, lithographs from the 16th to 20th centuries

  • Atlases and maps (printed and manuscript) from the 15th to 20th centuries

  • Photographs from 1840s into the 20th century

  • Original drawings, watercolors, oil paintings

  • Printed ephemera

  • Three-dimensional objects (realia)

  • American popular sheet music from late 18th into the early 20th century

Responsibilities*

Collection maintenance and development 

  • Acquisition: participates with the Director and the other curators in framing collections policy and acquisition decisions for both reference and rare materials

  • Monitors auctions and dealer catalogs, and is familiar with markets for the various types of materials that make up the library’s maps and graphics collection

  • Accession and catalogue: insures that all graphics and maps have been properly accessioned and catalogued, with a particular emphasis on the research and accessibility value of the catalog description

  • Stays abreast of current library cataloging and access systems, digitization, and research methods

  • Conservation: oversees and recommends necessary conservation work on maps, prints, other graphic material and related reference works, in consultation with the Conservation curator

  • Subject guides: creates and develops bibliographic, reference tools to enhance use of the collection 

  • Manages projects to rehouse and shift collections as needed

  • Participates in shaping budgets for collection supplies and acquisitions

Education and Research

  • Assists with both onsite and remote reference and research inquiries

  • Takes an active role in teaching classes visiting the library and works closely with faculty and library staff to develop instructional methodologies

  • Assists Library Fellows and visiting researchers

  • Participates in looking beyond traditional fields of study to find innovative ways to encourage the use of visual materials in scholarship 

  • Demonstrates how visual media can expand avenues of research and report on segments of society underrepresented in texts

Exhibitions and publications 

  • Helps to plan, direct, and participate in curation and mounting of exhibitions, working closely with other curators

  • Writes occasionally on maps and prints for Library publications and social media 

Public Outreach 

  • Participates in talks, lectures, seminars organized for the general public as well as scholarly audiences, both on and off campus

  • Represents the Library both within the University and at national and international meetings, conferences, and seminars with research rooted in Clements Library collections

  • Participates in fundraising efforts, providing collections input for applications for funding opportunities to support acquisitions, cataloging, digitization, and staff

  • Builds long-term relationships with dealers and collectors

Digital presence: imaging, metadata, accessibility

  • Participates in the design of innovative strategies for the website and digital collections 

  • Works with fellow curators to determine digitization priorities

  • Develops ways to support digitally enriched scholarship and to facilitate use of both physical and digital graphics and map collections

  • Oversees and assists with metadata activities

Supports a cooperative environment

  • Participates in the Clements Library’s strategic plan as part of the University of Michigan’s DEI 2.0 initiative to build diverse collections and create an inclusive environment for research and study

  • Serves as an ambassador for the Clements Library to collectors, donors, and dealers

  • Works as team member with other curators (books, manuscripts, photography & ephemera, conservation) in an integrated environment of overlapping collections

  • Must occasionally be able to work at night and on weekends for planned events and activities, as well as occasional travel for professional meetings and scholarly activities

  • Occasionally works with university Department of Public Safety and Security, and Clements administration to monitor building locks, alarms, and safety drills. Curators are expected to develop an awareness of high value theft targets, and best practices for prevention of theft and accidental damage to collections.

Supervision 

  • Plans for and supervises long term projects for volunteers and/or student hourly workers 

Required Qualifications*

Education

  • Master’s degree in a related arts or humanities discipline or from an ALA accredited library school is required; Ph.D. in a related humanities discipline is preferred 

  • 4+ years of experience in a special collection library or museum setting

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

  • Knowledge of relevant aspects of library operations including understanding of contemporary library practices, trends, and emerging technologies

  • Knowledge of subject analysis and classification systems

  • Knowledge of or experience with current practices related to the identification, access, control, organization, preservation, promotion and digitization of maps and prints as primary source materials

  • Awareness of current issues and trends in digital library development and metadata standards

  • Experience and familiarity with best practices in handling rare materials 

  • Working knowledge of United States history and geography; basic map reading skills 

  • Familiarity with pre-1900 methods of print production

  • Experience working with maps and graphic materials related to pre-1900 U.S. history and culture

  • High level of proficiency using PC-based applications (Windows and Mac, word processing, spreadsheets) and other computer applications and competency

  • Experience designing projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion

  • Experience managing staff and volunteers

  • Strong record of scholarly publication and professional presentations

Personal attributes

  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications 

  • Ability to initiate and adapt to change

  • Experience working collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations

Desired Qualifications*

  • Experience working with collectors and donors

  • Experience creating MARC records

  • Experience with database creation and management

  • Cataloging experience using DCRM, AMREMM, DACS, AACR2, and/or RDA

  • Experience teaching with primary sources

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Additional Information

Diversity Equity and Inclusion – the advancement of DEI principles and actions is expected across the board in all functions and programs. DEI specific work may include:

  • Joining internal and external working groups and initiatives 

  • Developing collection description and language practices

  • Connecting to external constituencies in the community

  • Committing to transparent, equitable and responsible HR practices

  • Building culturally sensitive environments and user experiences

Workplace requirements 

  • Able to work with older materials that are dirty, fragile, and in need of conservation treatment. Must be able to tolerate dust and mold. 

  • Capable of moving 25 lbs. objects overhead, dealing with full oversize (36” x 48”) folders, and transporting a book cart weighing up to 40 lbs.

  • Must feel comfortable positioning self to above shoulder level, low shelves, and ascending/descending ladders while moving heavy or awkward objects up and down.

  • Able to perform desk-based computer tasks.

This position is currently part of the bargaining unit for the LEO-GLAM union at the University of Michigan. We seek to hire at either the Associate, Senior Associate, or Curator level. Under the LEO-GLAM contract, the current minimum salary for Associate Curator positions is $62,000/year; for Senior Associate, $67,000/year; and for Full Curator, $72,000/year.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, on behalf of their Librarian, Archivists, and Curator bargaining unit (LEO-GLAM), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.


U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.

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