The Temple University Libraries seek a creative, collaborative, service-oriented librarian dedicated to exposing students, faculty, and other researchers to the range of materials in the Special Collections Research Center. Paley Library is the main library located on the main campus of Temple, a vibrant, urban research university with over 1,700 full-time faculty and a student body of 36,000 that is among the most diverse in the nation. For more information about Temple and Philadelphia, visit http://www.temple.edu/about/.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Director of the SCRC, the Curator of Rare Books will be responsible for interpreting the rare books, contemporary culture books and periodicals, artists’ books, and the printing/publishing/bookselling collections to students, faculty and other researchers; providing access to the collections; and identifying materials for acquisition.
- Working collaboratively with the Coordinator for Public Service and Outreach, engage in outreach duties including teaching classes and working with faculty to develop special topic presentations and student projects, giving tours, preparing exhibits, and developing bibliographies, outreach, and promotional materials.
- Provides advanced reference services to students, faculty, and staff of Temple University; to librarians, archivists, and other researchers locally, nationally, and internationally who are interested in the history of Philadelphia and its people.
- Make recommendations for the acquisition of rare books and manuscripts within established collecting areas as well as suggest areas for future growth. This will include assisting the Director with purchasing decisions, soliciting donations and gifts, and cultivating relationships with donors.
- Working collaboratively with the Coordinator of Technical Services, analyze and stage rare and other special book, art, and periodical collections for cataloging; perform original and copy cataloging of SCRC materials; and, in consultation with Cataloging & Metadata Services staff, create documentation, ensure quality control, and apply standards and procedures. Work on special projects including retrospective and enriched cataloging. As appropriate, review the work of others performing these activities.
- Perform stacks maintenance and inventory projects, and conduct periodic conservation assessments, and work with outside vendors on conservation treatments.
- Contribute as appropriate to the development of grant narratives, work plans, and budgets.
- Participate in library-wide activities or projects through service on library and university committees and working groups; the incumbent will be expected to be active professionally and also expected to meet requirements for contract renewals, promotion, and regular appointment.
- Perform other duties as may arise periodically and which are assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library and information science and at least one year of professional experience teaching and interpreting rare and other book collections to students and faculty.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of book history and the book arts, and appreciation for the range of materials in the SCRC holdings.
- At least one year of professional experience performing original cataloging of rare books or special collections.
- Demonstrated knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata formats, standards, an d schema, including DCRM, AAT, and LCSH.
- Ability to work in and contribute to a team environment
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred Skills and Abilities:
- Second graduate degree in a discipline related to Temple collections such as English, History, or Art History
- Knowledge of RDA, METS, MODS, and FRBR.
- Working knowledge of Latin; working knowledge of German, Spanish or French
Compensation:
Competitive salary and benefits package, including relocation allowance. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range: $50-55k.
To apply:
To apply for this position, please visit www.temple.edu, click on Careers@Temple, and reference TU-17752. For full consideration, please submit your completed electronic application, along with a cover letter and resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Temple University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to cultural diversity.
