Curator for Outreach (Lecturer)
Texas A&M University Libraries is seeking an energetic and experienced
individual to curate and coordinate its outreach activities at Cushing
Memorial Library and Archives. This is a full time, 12-month,
non-tenure-track appointment with the academic rank of Lecturer with
appointment on a year-to-year basis.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Director of the Cushing Library, the incumbent works
closely with the Director and other Cushing faculty and staff to help
coordinate, participate, and assist in the Library’s outreach efforts,
including exhibits, public programs, promotional and interpretive
publications (both in print and web-based), and educational activities.
The incumbent will draw on expertise and assistance from a wide variety
of sources and individuals in fulfillment of these duties. Responsible
for assisting in the organization and coordination of the scheduling,
planning, designing, and construction of exhibits. Will assist in the
scheduling and coordination of public programs such as lectures,
receptions, symposia, and other events, both recurring and
non-recurring. Provides editorial oversight and management for the
publication of keepsakes, pamphlets, broadsides, catalogs, and other
promotional and interpretive material, both in print and via the web.
Under the direction of the coordinator for bibliographic instruction,
participates in and helps coordinate educational activities such as
tours and class visits and assists in the development of strategies and
policies involving the use of Cushing collections in classroom curricula
and projects. Participates in reference activities of the Cushing
Memorial Library and Archives, including working with researchers and
patrons in person, over the phone, by correspondence, and via e-mail.
The incumbent will process archival collections when appropriate.
Assignment includes some night and weekend hours. Other duties as
assigned.
Qualifications:
Required: A Master’s degree in humanities or social sciences. Strong
service ethic and experience in serving the public. Ability to
coordinate with a wide variety of organizations, offices, and
individuals both inside and outside the library. Excellent oral and
written communications skills including general editorial and research
ability. Excellent critical and analytical thinking skills. Ability to
present and translate complex information in simplified and accessible
forms. Experience with public speaking/presentations. Ability to
multi-task. Ability to work in a dynamic and collegial environment in a
flexible and sensitive manner. General computer skills—word
processing, basic spreadsheet operation, basic database usage,
Web-searching and use, etc.
Preferred: Experience in grant writing; training or experience working
within a cultural heritage institution such as an archives, special
collections, or museum; fund raising and donor relations experience.
Environment:
The Texas A&M University Libraries is a member of the Association of
Research Libraries (ARL) and is the University's principal research and
information center providing 2.9 million volumes, 5.2 million microforms
and 29,600 current print journal subscriptions, 42,000 electronic
journals subscriptions and over 200 databases. There is a total staff of
252, including 75 librarians with full faculty status. Librarians work
in a sophisticated online environment utilizing VOYAGER, the Vignette
Content Management System, and a full range of automated information
retrieval services.
Cushing Memorial Library and Archives is the principal rare book,
special collections, and archives repository for Texas A&M University. A
division of the Texas A&M University Libraries, the Cushing collections
reflect the comprehensive nature of the research and teaching mission of
the University as well as the wide diversity of interests found among
current and former students, faculty, staff and friends of the
University. Collection strengths include military history, Science
Fiction, Western Americana, 19th century American prints and
illustrators, Texana, natural history, ornithology, nautical
archaeology, rare books, the history of Texas A&M, and selected literary
authors in addition to other subject areas. The collections span the
breadth of recorded history, from Sumerian clay tablets dating from 2200
B.C. to contemporary paperback editions. These collections comprise over
22,000 linear feet of manuscript material, approximately 173,000 printed
volumes, over 250,000 photographs, over 200 original works of art
ranging from oil paintings to pastels to sculpture, and hundreds of
individual art and artifactual objects. The collections also include
works on film, tape, CD, and other media.
Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University has an enrollment of 44,000
making it the fifth largest university in the nation. An integral part
of the twin cities of Bryan and College Station, the University is
situated less than two hours from Houston and Austin. The campus is only
a few hours drive from the attractions and sources of recreation in the
Texas Hill Country, the Piney Woods of East Texas, and the Texas Gulf
coast. Nearby are Houston’s Johnson Space Center, Galveston’s Moody
Gardens and historic Strand district, Austin’s vibrant music scene,
San Antonio’s River Walk and many other ways to experience the
state’s rich cultural heritage.
With the traditional strengths of a land-grant institution, the
university has set itself an ambitious goal to be among the top public
academic institutions in the nation by 2020.
Benefits & Salary:
Annual salary is $28,000. Excellent benefits include choice of health
plan options and paid life insurance; several retirement plans including
TIAA-CREF; 12-15 paid holidays and 12 vacation days per year; no state
or local income tax.
Application Deadline:
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the
position is filled. Send letter of application, resume and names,
addresses (including e-mail) and telephone numbers of three professional
references to Joyce K. Thornton, Director of Personnel, Texas A&M
University Libraries, 5000 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-5000.
An Equal Opportunity Employee, TAMU Libraries is committed to employing
quality faculty who will enhance the rich diversity of our academic
community.