Curator of Hispanic - Latinx collections

The Curator of Hispanic - Latinx collections at the Kenneth Spencer Research Library (KSRL) will lead efforts to build and share collections that reflect the lives and experiences of Hispanic - Latinx Kansans. This curator will work with colleagues to develop and grow an emerging, community-based collecting program that supports the teaching and research missions of the university. The curator will collaborate with KU faculty and other instructors teaching in varied subject areas, and with students and other scholars, to interpret the rich resources of the collection through instruction, reference service, and public outreach. Working collaboratively across the Libraries and the campus, the curator will support and collaborate on robust cataloging and description, preservation, digitization and dissemination, and community engagement grounded in these important collections.

KSRL has been developing collections related to Kansans from all walks of life since its inception, and this new intentional focus on Hispanic-Latinx collections will build on decades of successful work. Reporting to the Director of the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, the curator will also participate in the work of Kenneth Spencer Research Library and KU Libraries as a whole and may supervise student assistants or project staff.

This position requires fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English, a commitment to understanding Kansas cultures, and the skills to be successful as part of a collaborative professional team. Occasional evening and weekend work, and periodic in-state travel, will be required.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian.

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: https://policy.ku.edu/ku-libraries/promotion-and-tenure-procedures-faculty

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (70%)

• Participates in the planning, management, and development of the Kansas Collection, including building and sustaining relationships with a wide variety of donors, organizations, and book dealers

• Builds relationships with individuals, families, and social, business, and political communities across the state to develop Hispanic-Latinx collections through purchases and donation

• Provides consultation and support to organizations, individuals, and communities that wish to preserve and document their collections locally

• Partners with library and university colleagues to integrate original resources and perspectives from the regional history collections into classes across the KU curriculum, and to strengthen students' primary source literacy

• Works collaboratively with colleagues across the Libraries to promote the collections through digital initiatives, social media, K-12 outreach, and other means

• Plans and staffs outreach events and activities to promote knowledge and use of the Hispanic-Latinx collections, including traveling exhibits and presentations to potential users and donors, groups, clubs, etc.

• Serves as a public point of contact for this collection, including inquiries from the media, and demonstrates the ability to advocate for the importance of historical materials in understanding the past, present, and future

• Shares in providing reference assistance to students, faculty, and the public, and consults on reference requests in assigned areas of responsibility

• Works collaboratively with faculty and other librarians to design and deliver library instruction to students

• Works collaboratively as a member of project teams and other groups to advance the libraries' strategic priorities.

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 Discipline Expectations for Librarians at KU, July 2014).

SERVICE (10%)

Engages in service to the Libraries, the University, and to professional organizations by participating in committee work, projects, and other contributory achievements.

Required Qualifications for All Candidates

1. ALA-accredited master's degree in library and information science or equivalent from a foreign institution by date of appointment OR a PhD in library and information science from an LIS program that also offered an ALA-accredited master's degree at the time the PhD was awarded. In the specialized field of archives, a graduate degree (e.g., master's or PhD, depending on position requirements) in an appropriate field OR an archival certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists may be considered.

2. Fluency in written and spoken Spanish, as evidenced by application materials

3. Prior experience in an archival repository or special collections environment or an academic background in a relevant subject area such as American Studies, Latin American Studies, or History.

Additional Qualifications for Associate Librarian

• Minimum of four years of successful professional experience at the rank of Assistant Librarian.

• Documented evidence of high level, professional expertise, and have a demonstrated record of accomplishments that advances the goals of the KU Libraries, the University, and the profession.

• Appropriate record of consistent, quality research contributions in areas related to librarianship, or a specialized subject area as it relates to their practice of librarianship or a related area.