[LIBJOBS] Curator of British Historical Manuscripts, Huntington Library, San Marino, CA, USA

The Huntington Library is recruiting for an endowed curatorial position; see position details below.

To apply, see this link: http://www.huntington.org/huntingtonlibrary_03.aspx?id=932.

On the application form, applicants should reference position # 088-13. Applications for the position should be sent to: jobs@huntington.org. 

Please be sure to include a cover letter and a CV, either as a PDF or Word document, along with the requisite application form noted in the link above.

JOB TITLE:            William A. Moffett Curator of Medieval & British Historical Manuscripts

SUMMARY:

Working under the direction of the Chief Curator of Manuscripts (head of department),  responsible for the acquisition, cataloguing,  preservation, and interpretation (to both scholarly and general constituencies) of the Library's  medieval and British historical manuscripts. Supervises library assistants and volunteers as/when they are available. Gives presentations about subject holdings to various internal and external groups.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.            Provides research and reference assistance to researchers in person and by mail.
2.            Supervises and facilitates the creation of tools of access to collections, including catalogues, lists, interpretive essays,  and other forms of  finding aids, both conventional and electronic.
3.            Interprets collections to scholarly and academic users through consultations, conferences, talks, seminars, exhibitions, publications, etc.
4.            Creates exhibitions for both scholarly and general audiences.
5.            Interprets collections for general public through talks, tours, and meetings for visitors, library supporters, special interest groups, etc.
6.            Responsible for collection development of British historical manuscripts from ca. 1100 - 2000; also for advising on the development  and purchase of general/reference support  materials, both conventional and electronic.
7.            Works with Chief Curator of Mss. and Preservation staff in establishing policy for, and initiating projects involving, preservation  and conservation of medieval and British historical manucripts.
8.            Keeps current with relevant historiographical concerns,issues, developments, and trends in professional  communities; contributes to the profession.
9.            Works with Director of the Library, Chief Curator of Mss., and/or Advancement staff to identify, win, and implement grants and other projects useful to the collections and the institution.
10.          Responsible for working effectively with potential donors to the collection or to the institution at large.
11.          Represents department, library, and institution effectively through contact with users, public, professional organizations, etc;  maintain professional presence in academic and library communities.
12.          Oversees work of library assistants, curatorial assistants,  and volunteers as necessary and available.
13.          Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

*             Graduate degree in British history and/or MLIS or graduate degree in archival studies
*             Specific academic subject knowledge of post-1066 British history (and especially of the period ca. 1400-1800). This knowledge is usually obtained through a graduate degree in history or equivalent training and experience.
*             Ability to work with rare materials and to follow established library and archival procedures.  These skills are usually acquired through the completion of an M.L.I.S. degree or equivalent training and experience.
*             Ability to read the various styles of handwriting used in English manuscripts ca. 1400-1650 (chiefly Anglicana and Tudor secretary hands).
*             Some knowledge of Latin as used in late medieval and early modern English legal, administrative, and religious records strongly preferred.
*             General familiarity with Middle English literature preferred.
*             Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
*             The ability to prioritize competing tasks effectively while working with numerous constituents in a busy and engaging research setting.
*             Understanding of rare books and manuscripts collections required.
*             Experience in a research or academic library, including a thorough knowledge of national professional cataloguing standards and procedures (e.g. creating MARC records) preferred.
*             Experience working in British-based archival collections (either as researcher or as staff) preferred.
*             Experience in collection development and understanding of rare materials preservation issues preferred.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this job.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office environment and library stacks area.  Caution must be exercised when handling heavy volumes or moving book trucks.  Some weekend work (usually Saturdays) may be required.

The salary for the position is competitive and includes all Huntington-sponsored benefits, including our comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans. We also offer paid holidays, vacation and sick time, as well as a great retirement plan - along with one of the most congenial and engaging workplaces anywhere. Please include a cover letter, a current c.v. and the names and phone numbers of three references.

People who apply by June 1 will be given first consideration.

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