Hanes Curator of Rare Books

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As one of the premier libraries in the South, we are an essential partner in the research, education, clinical care, and public service missions of UNC-Chapel Hill. The library system includes 10 on-campus Libraries, with nearly 10 million volumes, rich archival collections, and a growing investment in digital collections.
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This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement to include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Special Collections and in collaboration with other Special Collections colleagues, the Hanes Curator of Rare Books provides vision, leadership, and advocacy for the operations of the Rare Book Collection ( RBC) at Wilson Special Collections Library. The Curator engages closely with library colleagues, university, and local communities, and trends and directions in relevant academic disciplines to ensure the development, management, and ongoing relevance of RBC's holdings, services, and programs to their teaching, learning, and research. The RBC Curator brings, and continues to develop, a strong subject expertise in book history, related forms of knowledge transmission and/or other related research areas to support this work. They are forward-thinking, team-oriented, and agile in a continuously evolving information environment.

The Curator fosters a respectful work environment in their supervision and support of 1 FTE. They develop and implement a strategic collection development and management program; and interpret the collections through exhibitions, public programming and community engagement. Throughout, they work in close collaboration with colleagues across Special Collections, including other curatorial departments, special collections technical services, preservation and conservation, exhibits coordination, and special collections research and instructional services, as well as other University Libraries stakeholders.

They work closely with the Associate University Librarian to manage funds allocated to the RBC and to support donor relations activities. They also collaborate on library- and university-wide development activities, when needed.

The Curator serves as a member of the Special Collections management team to participate in the analysis, planning and implementation of policies and procedures for Special Collections. They work collaboratively across Special Collections and the Libraries to integrate RBC into the broader strategic directions of Wilson and the Libraries.

The Curator monitors current and emerging trends and best practices in the field, upholds professional standards, and implements them locally as they evolve.

Requires the Masters in Library Science ( MLS) degree (or foreign degree equivalent). In specialized libraries, may substitute an advanced degree in the field of specialization (e.g., legal degree for a law library, or a history degree for a special historical collection within the library setting).

ALA-accredited master's degree in library or information science or equivalent relevant degree.
Minimum of three years' professional work experience in an academic research library, special library or museum.
Demonstrated strong knowledge of and interest in a research area related to book history, related forms of knowledge transmission and/or other areas represented in UNC's rare book collections.
Experience in collection development and management and the rare book market.
Public engagement experience, including but not limited to exhibitions and public programs and/or establishing and maintaining relationships with user communities.
Knowledge of current trends and best practices in special collections and archives.
Experience creating welcoming and inclusive learning and research environments
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with various user communities, including students, faculty, researchers, colleagues, and community members.

Additional specialized coursework in rare book and special collections librarianship, or an advanced degree in literature, history, or a related discipline.
Experience in rare book and special collections librarianship.
Reading knowledge of a language other than English.
Experience with grant administration.
Experience with donor relations.
Minimum of one year's experience supervising full-time employees.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills through supervision of volunteers, students, interns or staff, with demonstrated success in promoting teamwork, recognition and support for professional growth.
Demonstrated consensus-building, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and bringing them to successful conclusion.
Experience applying professional best practices for collection development and management in one or more of RBC's areas of focus or formats, with articulated interest in the other areas.
Experience assessing and supporting the digital needs of collections.
Experience participating in strategic planning initiatives.

Normal office environment.
Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible.
Regular weekday reference desk shifts required.
Occasional evenings and weekends required.
Occasional travel required.

For a more detailed vacancy announcement, please visit:

A minimum of three references are required upon application submission.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.