The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus Libraries seeks a forward-thinking and innovative, outreach-oriented individual for the position of curator for the Archie Givens, Sr., Collection of African American Literature and Culture. The Givens Collection includes the records of Penumbra Theatre, the country’s oldest continuously operating theater that illuminates the African American experience, as well as the papers of its founding artistic director, Lou Bellamy; the records of civil rights leader Josie Johnson; Federal Writers Project narratives by formerly enslaved people; the Minnesota Hip Hop Collection; and the papers of poet Countee Cullen and author and editor Clarence Major; and other archival materials, as well as a book collection with strengths in the Harlem Renaissance. The Givens Collection is also the institutional home of Umbra Search African American History (umbrasearch.org), a partnership of over 1000 institutions that have contributed nearly 1,000,000 digital items made freely available online.

Responsibilities

The Givens curator takes an active role in collection development and management, research services, teaching, outreach and community relations, exhibits, fund-raising, and supervision of project and student staff. The Curator collaborates with other administrative service areas within the Libraries and works closely with Libraries' Advancement team. The Curator collaborates with the Givens Foundation for African American Literature and with Penumbra Theatre on programming and community events.

The Givens Collection is one of 15 distinct collecting areas in a highly collaborative department. The position reports to the Elmer L. Andersen Director of Archives and Special Collections. The curator will contribute to the knowledge base of the profession through research, publication, and professional engagement, as they work toward continuous appointment status.

Institutional Context

The University Libraries is an integral part of campus life. Recently recognized with the IMLS National Medal, the Libraries is a significant contributor of resources and programs within the metropolitan area, the state, and beyond. The Libraries provides a highly collaborative environment, distinguished by new models for teaching/learning, research support, and scholarly communication.

The Libraries is known for its advanced web services, significant collaborative digital library development, and a record of innovative partnerships. Its archives, special collections, and rare resources are among the largest in the U.S. Outreach is strengthened by unparalleled infrastructure for resource sharing and information access within the state and region provided by the University Libraries-based Minitex program. The Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Center for Research Libraries, the Digital Library Federation, and the Coalition for Networked Information, and is a founding partner in HathiTrust.

The University of Minnesota is located in the center of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Twin Cities are known for offering vibrant cultural programming through numerous arts venues, an extensive park and recreational systems, and an engaged and diverse community.

This is a full-time, 12-month, continuous appointment track academic professional position with probationary appointment at the Assistant Librarian rank with the potential for appointment at the Associate Librarian rank. The salary minimum for this position is $58,500 depending on qualifications. The Libraries offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits and substantial moving allowance.

To Apply

Position available immediately. Submit a letter of application; a cv/resume at http://z.umn.edu/ulib451 . Click on External Applicants. Enter 353325 in the “Search Jobs” box. Please identify the cover letter with UL451. Three professional references (names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) will be requested at the time of final interview. [Note: candidates will be notified before contacting references].

Required:

• American Library Association accredited Master’s degree in Library/Information Science or Archives or a combination of advanced degree and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in cooperation with colleagues in a service-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Evidence of program development capability.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion with experience working respectfully and effectively with individuals who identify as members of racially and culturally diverse communities.

Preferred:

• Facility in use of technology and applications in research collections.
• Demonstrated creativity, initiative, self-direction, and innovative thinking.
• Experience in developing working partnerships with academic departments and other campus communities.
• Experience building library or archival collections.
• Experience working with digital collections.
• Experience in grants development and fund-raising activities.
• Experience supervising students or volunteers.