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Position Available
Assistant Curator of Manuscripts and Assistant Reference Librarian
Founded in 1812, the American Antiquarian Society is a learned society that supports a preeminent national research library specializing in American history, life, and culture from settlement through the year 1876. The library serves a world-wide community of scholars. The Society is committed to maintaining a level of outstanding curatorial and reference service to its readers and other library constituents that has been our hallmark for decades.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities are split between the manuscripts department and the readers’ services department.
In the manuscripts department: Assist in the management of the manuscripts department and collections; respond to reference queries via e-mail, telephone, and letter; monitor condition of materials paged for readers; consult with curators and conservation staff as needed; acquaint and assist readers with library holdings and policies of collection use; oversee reader use of collection materials and ensure all library security rules are enforced; assist readers with the use of the public and online catalogues; process newly acquired collections; page collection materials as needed; keep department statistics.
In the readers’ services department: Provide courteous reference assistance to readers as part of a reference team; conduct reference interviews and orientations of new readers; assist with the reading room operations of a rare book research library; monitor the reference desk and the distribution and return of printed, manuscript and graphic items; approve requests for photocopying of materials, consulting with curators and conservation staff as needed; page collection materials (including graphic and manuscript items) as needed.
Qualifications:
An MLS from an ALA accredited school is strongly desired; additionally an archives concentration or its equivalent is preferred, as is a background in American history. Familiarity and experience with the MARC formats, with AACR2, and Voyager is desirable.
Successful candidates will have excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, an aptitude for collaborative decision making in a collegial environment, effective computer skills, and a strong commitment to enhancing the reputation of the Society for outstanding service to its readers.
. Compensation: This is a full time position, available immediately. Salary negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and life insurance; retirement plan options; paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick leave; travel and other professional development opportunities. A 35 hour work week within the library’s normal hours (M, T, Th, F 9-5; W 9-8) must be negotiated.
To apply: Submit a letter of application and a resume electronically to eharris@mwa.org with the subject line “Search Committee, Assistant Curator of Manuscripts.” Please include contact information for three references. The American Antiquarian Society is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with applicable federal and state laws; minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
Senior Cataloguer and Serials Specialist
American Antiquarian Society
508-755-5221 x 144