This job has Expired
Curator of Maps and Graphics
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.
*Please mention you saw this ad on AcademicJobs.*