Carl and Lily Pforzheimer Curator of Early Books and Manuscripts
Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is the largest university in the
University of Texas System. One of the world's finest cultural archives, the Harry
Ransom Center provides access to forty-two million literary manuscripts, one
million rare books, five million photographs, and over 100,000 works of art.
The Ransom Center seeks a curator, reporting to the Associate Director &
Librarian, who will provide support for the Ransom Center’s extensive holdings
of early books and manuscripts, including promoting access to, and use of, the
collections and interpreting them for the Center’s varied audiences. These
include 16th- through 18th- century printed works in the Wrenn Library, the
Pforzheimer collection of early modern books and manuscripts, the Recusant
collection, the Queen Anne collection, and extensive holdings of 18th-century
books and periodicals. The Pforzheimer collection is internationally known for
first and important editions of plays, poems, novels, essays, polemical writings,
and translations of the most important English writers from 1475 to 1700. Caxton,
Spenser, Shakespeare, Milton, Marvell, Donne, Dryden, Congreve, Marlowe, and
Bacon, among many others, are represented.
The Pforzheimer Curator will participate in a variety of interpretive activities
(writing, exhibitions, speaking, etc.) that promote a greater appreciation for the
Ransom Center's early book and manuscript holdings, as well as development
activities in support of the collection. Principal responsibilities: Provides
specialized reference support for researchers working in the Center's early book
and manuscript collections and supports research service operations as a
member of the public services staff. Has primary responsibility for collection care
of early books and manuscripts and works with conservation and other staff in
setting treatment and other priorities. In collaboration with cataloging and
digital services staff, promotes enhanced access to the collection by consulting on
cataloging and access initiatives, including grant-funded initiatives. Selects books
and manuscripts to expand and strengthen the Pforzheimer Library and refines
and interprets policies for the development of early modern book and
manuscript collections, taking into account existing strengths, trends in
scholarship and book history, as well as classroom use. Represents the Ransom
Center within professional and scholarly communities related to early modern
book and manuscript history.
Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in English literature or history (or related
discipline), with a strong record of scholarly publication preferred. Master's
degree in Library Science or three or more years' experience with early modern
book and manuscript collections in a research library setting. Reading
knowledge of at least one European language, Latin preferred. Knowledge of
bibliography and the history of the book and familiarity with early modern
paleography. Understanding of the appropriate roles of digital surrogates in a
research environment and familiarity with trends in digital librarianship.
Familiarity with rare book cataloging principles and standards. Record of
participation in scholarly or professional organizations at the national or
international level.
Salary: $65,000-80,000 depending on qualifications
Benefits: Benefits include annual accrued leave, paid holidays, and health
insurance options. Eligible for Optional Retirement Program. Deferred
compensation and tax-sheltered annuity programs available. Professional travel
funding available.
Application procedure: Go to
https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/search and refer to job
number 140509010606. Applicants must complete the online job application and
must also submit online a letter of interest, a current resume, and contact
information for three references. Further information available from Dr. Richard
W. Oram, Associate Director & Hobby Foundation Librarian, Harry Ransom
Center, University of Texas at Austin, roram@austin.utexas.edu. Review of
applications begins August 15, 2014.
Security sensitive; conviction verification conducted on applicant selected. The
University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a
commitment to diversity at all levels. All qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender,
national origin, age, disability or veteran status. (Compliant with the new
VEVRAA and Section 503 Rules)