Lehman Curator for American History

Lehman Curator for American History
- Rare Book and Manuscript Library -

The Rare Book and Manuscript Library (RBML) of Columbia University seeks a
creative and academically oriented professional for a new position: Lehman
Curator for American History. This position will work closely with the
Librarian for Public Services and Programs, and the Librarian for Reference
and Research in extending the profile of the RBML in the Columbia community.
The incumbent has principal responsibility for developing and implementing
programs and projects that interpret RBML American history collections --
printed, manuscript, and other -- chiefly to Columbia faculty and students,
but also to the scholarly community at large. This includes instructional
programs, exhibitions, lectures, seminars, and web-based guides and
tutorials. The position also plays a key role in guiding the development of
primary source collections in American history.

Reporting to the Director of the RBML the incumbent will:

• Collaborate with Columbia faculty in offering classes, workshops, and
orientations to Columbia graduate and undergraduate students relating to
American history collections.

• Collaborate with librarians in the RBML to develop collection guides in
American history for targeted constituencies, such as specific courses,
individual departments, and broad academic programs.

• Recommends to the Director on the acquisition of primary source
collections in American history.

• Serve as the RBML liaison with selected academic departments, centers, and
programs, especially with the Lehman Center for American History. Actively
promote collaboration and partnership among campus and area special
collections units.

• Work with subject and area specialists in the Columbia Libraries on
general orientation and instructional programs.

• Develop and monitor collections-related content for the RBML website in
partnership with RBML curators, including guides, FAQs, tutorials, etc.

• Consult with the Curator of Manuscripts on the organization and
description of relevant manuscript and archive collections.

• Participate in RBML reference and public services work.

• Work with the Librarian for Public Services and Programs and the Librarian
for Reference and Research to plan and administer the RBML exhibits program.
Curate exhibits as appropriate, and work with exhibit curators as needed.

• Work with the Librarian for Public Services and Programs and the Librarian
for Reference and Research to plan and administer the RBML exhibits program.
Curate exhibits as appropriate, and work with exhibit curators as needed.

Requirements are: Advanced graduate work in American history (PhD
preferred); M.L.S. or the equivalent combination of education and experience
plus; two-three years experience working in an ALA-accredited academic or
research library, preferably in a special collections department;
demonstrated interest in and ability to teach effectively and work
productively with graduate and undergraduate students; evidence of effective
skills in communicating orally and in writing; demonstrated capacity to work
independently and in a timely fashion; evidence of ability to regularly
finish projects; and the ability to work in and contribute to a team
environment. Experience in a special collections unit preferred.

This position has been classified as a PC 2 position. Salary is
commensurate with experience; range $53,000-92,075. We offer excellent
benefits including 100% Columbia tuition exemption for self and family and
assistance with University housing. Columbia will also pay 50% tuition for
your dependent child who is a candidate for an undergraduate degree at
another accredited college or university.

The RBML holds over 600,000 rare books in some 30 book collections and
almost 28 million manuscripts filed in nearly 3000 separate manuscript
collections. It is particularly strong in English and American literature
and history, classical authors, children's literature, education,
mathematics and astronomy, economics and banking, philanthropy, social
welfare and social work, photography, the history of printing, New York City
politics, librarianship, theater history, and the performing arts. The RBML
also includes the University Archives, with its large holdings on Columbia
University history, and the Oral History Research Office, with its rich
corpus of primary source interviews and transcripts.

One of the world's leading research universities, Columbia provides
outstanding opportunities to work and grow in a unique intellectual
community. Set in the Morningside Heights academic village, Columbia also
presents the unmatched dynamism, diversity and cultural richness of New York
City. The University Libraries, grounded in collections of remarkable depth
and breadth, are also building extensive electronic resources and services.
The Libraries at Columbia are committed to collegiality, professionalism,
innovation and leadership.

For immediate consideration please e-mail your resume and the names/contact
information for 3 references to: For immediate consideration please visit
the following link:

academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=50804

Applications will be accepted immediately and until the position is filled;
however, applications submitted before November 30, 2008 will receive
priority consideration.