Kansas Collection Curator
- Employer
- The University of Kansas
- Location
- Lawrence, KS
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Institutional & Business Affairs, Arts & Museum Administration
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
KU Libraries seeks a curious, creative, and collaborative curator to lead the collection development, instruction, and outreach efforts of the Kansas Collection, in the Kenneth Spencer Research Library. The Kansas Collection documents the history and culture of everyday Kansans the from territorial period (1854-1861) to the present, with current emphases on the experiences of the African American and Hispanic and Latinx communities in the state. The curator will spearhead efforts to build collections reflecting the lives and experiences of all Kansans, and that support the teaching and research missions of the university. Reporting to the Director of the Spencer Library, the curator will be responsible for directing the development of the Kansas Collection, actively supporting the processing of materials, and for teaching and outreach programs in this regional history collection. The curator will coordinate the work of faculty who support the African American experience and the Hispanic and Latinx experience in community outreach and collection-building.
Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, including a Saturday 9-1 rotation during the fall and spring semester
Applicants should be interested in building diverse collections and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and belonging by engaging in instruction and outreach that includes audiences and materials that have been traditionally underserved by special collections libraries and archives. We are committed to supporting the curator with relevant professional development and training.
The University of Kansas Libraries support a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our diverse communities at KU. We are committed to building a diverse and pluralistic workforce and strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates. This position will demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity efforts in the Libraries and contributes to an inclusive environment.
See the Libraries Criteria for Academic Ranks document: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/criteria-academic-ranks-library-faculty
Additional information about the Libraries promotion and tenure procedures can be found at the following website: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/promotion-and-tenure-procedures-faculty-university-kansas-libraries
Job DescriptionPROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (70%)
- Builds relationships with social, business, and political communities and individuals across the state to develop the Kansas Collection resources through purchases, donations, and other types of acquisition.
- Partners with library and university colleagues to integrate original resources and perspectives from the regional history collections into classes across the KU curriculum, including primary source literacy and the history of the book.
- Works collaboratively with colleagues in processing and conservation to ensure the preservation and accessibility of collections.
- Shares in providing reference assistance to students, faculty, and the public, and consults on Kansas collection reference requests.
- Works collaboratively with colleagues across the Libraries to promote the collections through digital initiatives, social media, community events, K-12 outreach, tours, and other means.
RESEARCH (20%)
- Contributes to the profession’s collective knowledge by engaging in scholarly research activity.
- Research may involve the publication of articles, books, book reviews, grant-supported inquiry, or editorial work (see Promotion and Tenure Procedures at KU, Spring 2017).
SERVICE (10%)
- Engages in service to the Libraries, the University and to professional organizations by participating in committee work, projects, and other contributory achievements.
- Represents KU Libraries in regional, national, and/or international professional organizations of relevance to higher education and academic libraries. Participates in regional, national, and/or international consortial collaborations.
- ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent from a foreign institution by time of appointment. In the closely related, specialized field of archives, a graduate degree (may be master’s or Ph.D. depending on position requirements) in an appropriate field OR archival certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists may be considered for a recognized exception.
- Three (3) years relevant experience in a library, museum, historical society, or similar environment.
- Fluency in Spanish.
- Experience working with individuals and organizations donating materials.
- Academic background in a relevant subject area such as American history, American Studies, or Kansas history.
- Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
- Resume/CV.
- Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
- Completion of the online application.
- Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds, and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Application review begins Tuesday, September 13, 2022. To ensure consideration, apply no later than Monday, September 12, 2022.
mikebr@ku.edu
Advertised Salary RangeMinimum salary $54,000, final determination commensurate with experience Application Review Begins13-Sep-2022 Anticipated Start Date17-Nov-2022
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.
We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.
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