THE STANFORD UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Department of Special Collections
Stanford, California 94305-6004
OPEN POSITION #69
Position Title: Rare Book Librarian
Classification: Associate Librarian/Librarian
Salary Range: Associate Librarian. $41,820 - $50,180
Librarian: $50,000 - $60,000
Compensation will be based on relevant qualifications and experience
Apply by: Applications received prior to April 15, 2000 will receive priority
consideration.
Appointment Date: September 2000
Responsible to: Head, Department of Special Collections
The Stanford University Libraries are seeking qualified candidates for the
position described below. Applicants should supply with their cover letter, a
complete statement of their qualifications, a full resume of their education and
relevant experience, and the names and addresses of three references who have
knowledge of their professional qualifications for this position. Letters and
documents should refer to this position and be addressed to:
Roberto G. Trujillo
Head, Department of Special Collections
Stanford University Libraries
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6004
The Libraries seek an individual with demonstrated experience in the field of
special collections to assist in the administration of the printed book
collections, assist in the acquisition of rare books, select materials for the
Special Collections Reference Collection, and serve as editor/coordinator of the
Libraries' program of exhibits and exhibit-related publications. The Rare Book
Librarian works with the Curator of Special Collections (head of department) in
formulating collection development policy and priorities. The Librarian will
also work with other Special Collections librarians and SUL subject specialists
(curators, and bibliographers) located in the Humanities and Area Studies
Resource Center or Social Sciences and Government Documents Resource Center to
develop collections and an outreach program facilitating awareness and use of
these collections by scholars and students. In these roles the Rare Books
Librarian will oversee the mounting of exhibitions for both scholarly and
general audiences, edit exhibit- and collection-related publications, and
coordinate exhibit- and publication-related activities. The Librarian will be
responsible for establishing and maintaining editorial standards for exhibits,
exhibit catalogs, and collection catalogs, as well as other library publications
as assigned; this role will include responsibility for style guides used in
these publications and editorial work related to these publications. Editorial
or extensive writing experience is thus a requirement for this position. The
Librarian will also work with the Curator in establishing priorities and policy
regarding cataloging, the preservation and management of the rare book
collection, and de-accessioning of duplicates.
This position requires a knowledge of the printing and publishing history of
early modern Europe, Great Britain and the United States, a broad knowledge of
bibliographical description, the capacity for undertaking a variety of
bibliographical projects, knowledge of current scholarship in the field of rare
books and manuscripts, and familiarity with the antiquarian book trade both
nationally and abroad. Experience working effectively with donors, support
organizations, and booksellers will be crucial in efforts to develop the rare
book collection, and the Librarian will also be expected to provide users of the
rare book collection with research and reference assistance. In these ways the
Librarian will represent the department in a variety of settings through
contacts with these users, the exhibits program, publications, and interaction
with professional organizations, booksellers, and other participants in the
national and international rare book trade.
RESPONSIBILITIES
· Responsible for the administration of the printed book collections including
the processing, organization and control of materials
· Acquires rare books for the Department and works with the Curator of Special
Collections and other library staff in formulating collection development policy
and priorities
· Maintains regular contact with faculty, students, and booksellers
· Serves as Rare Books Bibliographer and prepares specialized guides, reports,
lists, bibliographies, catalogs, and collection evaluations
· Oversees the control and processing of all gifts and transfers
· Works with the Head of the department and other Special Collections librarians
and staff on general planning, coordination, priority setting, and departmental
development
· Participates in the teaching mission of the department - bibliographic and
research instruction and possibly a course on the history of the book
· Serves at the Special Collections public services desk
· Assists in general departmental development work including donor relations and
special presentations
· Maintains professional presence in academic and library communities nationally
· Participates in the planning and preparation of exhibits and publications
· Supervision of 1 FTE rare book library specialist
QUALIFICATIONS
· MLS from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent
· Knowledge of the printing and publishing history of early modern Europe, Great
Britain and the United States
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
· Proficiency in Latin and at least one modern European language
· Knowledge of rare book and manuscript collections required
· A minimum of three years' experience in a research or academic library in
special collections
· Experience in collection development
· Experience with the antiquarian book trade
· Editorial or extensive writing experience
· Demonstrated capacity to work effectively and collegially with library staff
as well as with faculty, students, and donors is required
· Knowledge of bibliographic utilities and personal computer applications
· Experience with current technology and information systems is required
BACKGROUND
The Department of Special Collections and University Archives is the principal
repository for Stanford's historical research collections in all formats
including printed books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and prints. The
department's holdings comprise more than 250,000 books and 20 million manuscript
pieces. Strengths of the department's collections are modern literature, the
history and art of the book, the history of science, continental history and
literature, classical literature and philosophy, Mexican American history, and
the history of the Stanford community.
The department's principal mission is to support the academic work of Stanford
faculty and students through acquiring, preserving, and interpreting rare or
special materials. Located within the Cecil H. Green Library the department
occupies a newly renovated reading room, seminar room, exhibit galleries, and
office space as well as significant stack space within the Stanford Auxiliary
Library (SAL). The staff of the department consists of six librarians and
eleven support staff.
Stanford is committed to the principles of diversity and encourages applications
from women, members of ethnic minorities, and disabled individuals.
Received on Fri Mar 10 2000 - 05:57:49 EST