Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Position Announcement: Curator of Printed Materials, American Philosophical Society Library, Philadelphia, PA, USA

About the Library:  Founded in 1743, The American Philosophical Society’s library, located near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, is a leading international center for research in the history of American science and technology and its European roots, early American history and culture, and Native American and Indigenous Studies. The Library houses over 12 million manuscripts, 350,000 volumes and bound periodicals, thousands of hours of recorded sound, and thousands of maps and prints. Outstanding historical collections and subject areas include the papers of Benjamin Franklin (14,000 letters and documents); Jefferson’s holograph of the Declaration of Independence; the American Revolution; the writings of Thomas Paine; 18th and 19th-century natural history; western scientific expeditions and travel including the original journals of Lewis and Clark; polar exploration; the papers of Charles Willson Peale, his family and descendants; American Indian languages; anthropology including the papers of Franz Boas; the writings of Charles Darwin and his forerunners, colleagues, critics, and successors; history of genetics, eugenics, and evolution; history of biochemistry, physiology, and biophysics; 20th-century medical research; and history of physics. More information about the Society and the APS Library can be found here.

About the Position: The American Philosophical Society seeks to hire a Curator of Printed Materials as a member of its senior staff. The Curator will report directly to the Librarian (Director).  The primary responsibility of the Curator will be to expand the Library’s acquisitions strategy.  The Library is particularly interested in increasing its holdings in rare books that relate to its manuscript collections in the history of science, Native American history, anthropology, and early America.

In addition, the Curator of Printed Materials will have managerial responsibilities supervising the conservation, cataloguing, and technology departments and will perform public service by working periodic shifts in the Reading Room.  Reflecting the responsibilities incumbent upon the position, the salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Training and Experience:
MLIS with an M.A. in a subject area complementary to the Library’s collection areas, or a Ph.D. in a related field and work experience in a research library.
Experience working with rare books and involvement in acquisitions required
Experience managing staff strongly preferred
Experience with cataloguing and conservation preferred
Experience with and knowledge about digital humanities and library technology desirable

To Apply:
To apply, send a cover letter outlining your interest in and qualifications for the position, a CV, and the names of three references to:
Abigail Shelton, Executive Assistant to the Librarian

Or by mail to:
American Philosophical Society Library
105 S. 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-3386

Please direct any inquiries about the position to librarian@amphilsoc.org.

Application review will begin on November 15, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled.  

The Society offers a competitive benefits package, including exceptional health insurance options and generous fringe benefits, including TIAA-CREF retirement plan, dental insurance, life insurance, and paid vacation and sick time.  The American Philosophical Society is an EOE, and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities.

Contact:
Executive Assistant to the Librarian

Original posting here.



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