If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Description

The Curator of Rare Books is one of three stewards within the dynamic department of Smith College Special Collections. As a steward, the curator will oversee the Mortimer Rare Book Collection including, but not limited to, all collection development - acquisition by gift and purchase - as well as teaching and instruction across the Five College Consortium.

An unusually diverse encyclopedic collection, the MRBC has significant coverage of the history of printing and illustration, artists’ books, lesbian pulp fiction, and U.S. women travelers abroad, as well as highly esteemed literary manuscript collections of Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf, among others. The MRBC is currently focused on growing in the areas of material texts by marginalized groups, history of science, and book arts - a reflection of the Special Collections’ ongoing commitment to diversity in the collections and to DEIA principles more generally.

Job Summary

Provide leadership and stewardship for the Mortimer Rare Book Collection (MRBC) - a significant repository of rare books, artists books, and literary manuscripts. As part of a dynamic Special Collections team, engage in the acquisition of, and robust instruction with, MRBC materials. Develop the collection in response to curricular needs and the collection development strategy. Work collaboratively with other staff to improve discovery of and access to the collection, and in doing so, further the commitment to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. A highly active and visible curatorial role.

Essential Functions

Collection Development & Stewardship (40%)

• Develop and maintain the rare books and literary manuscripts collection. Collaborate with faculty and staff to build collections that reflect current and developing curricular and research needs. Specifically, develop the collection to better align with the broad range of diverse voices, interests, and intellectual traditions present at Smith College.
• With administrative support oversee the MRBC acquisition budget and manager income from endowed funds.
• In close partnership with the Director, cultivate key donor relationships to advance unit priorities, initiatives, and resources.
• With the repository stewards, participate in policy reviews and updates at regular intervals.
• Provide input and guidance to special projects focused on the MRBC; give feedback on collection physical management, access, and description as necessary.
• Engage in professional development and continual learning related to rare books and manuscripts professional practices.

Instruction (40%)

• Provide expert guidance to researchers and students of the Mortimer Rare Book Collection. Primarily, this entails conducting class instruction for the Mortimer Rare Book Collection and includes working closely with faculty, preparing for instruction sessions, designing class plans and assignments, and contributing to learning outcomes and assessment.
• As part of an emerging formal instruction program, work with other Special Collections and Libraries staff to refine and expand on existing teaching practices. Promote inclusive teaching and learning practices whenever possible. Stay current and engaged with pedagogical best practices, theory, and trends for an undergraduate college environment
• Tailor instruction to increase special collections and rare books literacy.

Public Services (15%):

• Be the primary spokesperson for the MRBC in the press and social media, lectures, and similar public engagement.
• Be the primary person responsible for managing and organizing the annual Enid Mark Lecture.
• Provide expert guidance and research support for rare books, including reference interviews with students and other researchers. Serve a minimum one shift per week at the Special Collections reading room desk.Actively participate in the events of Special Collections and Libraries, including annually held events such as College reunions.
• Participate in workshops and conduct occasional lectures and other programs that advance public awareness of the Mortimer Rare Book Collection and Special Collections more broadly.
• Consult with students and staff on the display and exhibition of Mortimer Rare Book Collection materials, as well as the digitization of MRBC holdings.

Other (5%):

• Participate in the Book Studies Concentration, serving on the advisory committee, and in the work of the Libraries through service on Special Collections, Libraries-wide, and Five College committees.
• Participate in the shared decision making for Special Collections. Identify and assist with grant writing related to the collection.
• Perform related duties as assigned. Limited, highly sporadic evening / weekend work. Some travel required.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent experiences with an emphasis on rare books, bibliography, and/or special collections librarianship.
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional, relevant rare books experience required
• Bibliographic knowledge of languages in addition to English expected
• Knowledge of rare materials best practice and principles including the history of the book and bibliographic standards; evidence of engagement with professional rare books and manuscripts communities including rare books commerce.
• Substantial experience teaching with rare books and manuscript materials; working with and cultivating donors. A demonstrated history of working with students, faculty, and other scholars through instruction, research support, and outreach.
• Understanding of rare materials handling and preservation, bibliographic and descriptive standards; knowledge of the history of the book
• Demonstrated experience in managing and stewarding budgets and endowments required
• Demonstration of cultural competency and sensitivity, empathy, and care in working with widely diverse people a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to plan and execute programs and projects with a high degree of both autonomy and collaboration
• Demonstrated flexibility in the face of change, challenge, and opportunity
• Ability to establish and meet project goals, take professional initiative, and multitask
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; proficiency in presentations and instruction
• Ability to work in a complex and dynamic institutional environment that values communication, flexibility, and collaboration - in the unit, Libraries, and across campus. Interest and care concerning reference interactions and enthusiastic engagement in outreach

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About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.