[LIBJOBS] Curator of the American Geographical Society Library, Milwaukee, WI , USA

Curator of the American Geographical Society Library


Below please find the posting for the position opening for the Curator
of the American Geographical Society Library at the University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

https://jobs.uwm.edu/postings/8329


DESCRIPTION:
The American Geographical Society Library (The AGSL), one
of America’s oldest, largest and most distinguished geographical
research library, was established in New York City in 1851, and remained
there until its transfer to Milwaukee in 1978. The Library’s breadth,
size (well over one million items) and historical perspective attract
both local and visiting scholars from a wide array of disciplines. The
AGSL includes important collections of maps, atlases, books and
periodicals, photographic images, as well as large collections of
globes, pamphlets, and digital datasets. Since 1996, it has been the
home of the Archives of the Association of American Geographers, North
America’s foremost organization of professional geographers, and since
2011, the repository of the historic archives of the AGS. The AGSL is
the largest library of its type in a university setting in North
America. It sponsors several lecture series, is home to the Map Society
of Wisconsin and supports two research fellowship programs that have, in
the past decade, brought many scholars from across the globe. The
Society, which remains in New York City, was central to the development
of American geography, played a major role in world exploration and
mapping, and served the U.S. Government in times both of war and peace,
for well over a century.
Job Summary/Basic Function:

POSITION DUTIES:
We seek an experienced, creative, and entrepreneurial
leader to serve as our new Curator whose experience and professional
contributions to the field demonstrate ability to shape and guide the
AGSL, a nationally leading library, and expand its recognition
worldwide. Under the direction of the University Libraries Director,
this individual plays a key role in determining the direction of the
AGSL and seeking resources in support of its research and educational
services. The Curator directs the day-to-day activities of the AGSL,
leads an experienced staff, and works closely with colleagues throughout
the Libraries and university as a whole. The Curator is responsible for
the senior management and administration of all AGSL operations,
including ongoing grant-funded projects. This includes formulation of
goals and policies, budget preparation, collection management,
preservation and conservation, teaching and lecturing, grant writing,
outreach program development (including lecture series, fellowships,
exhibits, publications and user services), and liaison work with UWM
Schools and Colleges, the American Geographical Society of New York and
the Association of American Geographers. The Curator is engaged in
numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to a full array
of scholarly information. The Curator will also be responsible for
contributing to the development and pursuit of overall UWM Libraries
goals and policies, as well as for contributing to the rapidly evolving
field of cartographic and geospatial librarianship (including digital
cartographic resources) at the local, national, and international levels.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree or equivalent in geography or
other relevant field; minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible
experience in a research library or equivalent institution; supervisory
experience of at least 5 years; successful grant writing and fundraising
expertise; knowledge of emerging technologies; demonstrated strong
professional leadership and involvement; strong written and oral
communication skills; experience with rare materials librarianship
including conservation/preservation techniques; broad knowledge of
library collections; knowledge of cartography, its history, and the
history of geographical ideas; commitment to library leadership;
initiative and resourcefulness in generating new ideas; and the ability
to work collegially.

Preferred Qualifications:

MLS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program; PhD or ABD in
geography, history or related field; accomplishments in research or
scholarship; knowledge of two foreign languages; GIS experience.
Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applicants must submit a letter of application, a current resume,
transcripts, and names/addresses of three current professional
references. To apply, follow the instructions at this link:
https://jobs.uwm.edu/postings/8329



Post by Angie Cope, AGSL » Fri 17 Feb 2012
<acope@uwm.edu>