The Special Collections division (formerly Manuscripts, Special Collections,
University Archives) in the University of Washington Libraries has two new
positions available. Due to their length, I'll send the announcements to the
list separately, and I apologize for cross-postings. If you have any
questions about qualifications or job responsibilities, please contact
Charles Chamberlin at the address at the end of the vacancy announcement
below. We hope you will consider applying. Many thanks.

Marsha Maguire
UW Libraries


University of Washington Libraries


NOTICE OF VACANCY
10 February 2004

TITLE: Pacific Northwest Curator

LOCATION: Special Collections Division

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the general direction of the Head, Special Collections, the Pacific
Northwest Curator is responsible for the development and conservation of the
Pacific Northwest collections. Serves as principal selector for the Pacific
Northwest collections, coordinating activities with those of other curators,
 especially those concerned with Northwest-related material. The Curator
also implements appropriate digital projects and may participate in the
Libraries' Digital Initiatives program. The Pacific Northwest Curator is
responsible for contributing to the achievement of Libraries' objectives and
the fulfillment of the Libraries' strategic plan.

THE LIBRARIES:

Among the largest academic research libraries in North America and winner of
the 2004 ACRL "Excellence in Academic Libraries Award", the University of
Washington Libraries has a collection of more than six million cataloged
volumes, an equal number in microform format, more than 50,000 serial
titles, and several million items in other formats. Yet beyond the strength
of local collections and networked resources, excellent service programs,
knowledgeable staff, diverse facilities and size of budget, the Libraries is
known for innovation, responsiveness and an integrated planning and
assessment process that makes the user-centered library not just a goal, but
a reality. Students and faculty recognize the value provided by the
Libraries and rank the Libraries as the most important source of information
for their work. The Libraries also receives the highest satisfaction rating
of any academic service on the surveys of graduating seniors conducted by
the Office of Educational Assessment. The Libraries was commended in the
University's 2003 accreditation review for its rich collection,
well-qualified staff, and "exceptional service to students, staff
development, and a commitment to planning and assessment of service."

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:

The Special Collections Division is the Libraries' central location for rare
materials and a major center for the study of Pacific Northwest
Architecture, Book Arts, 19th-century American Literature,
20th-century American and English Literature, the Pacific Northwest,
Photographs and Travel and Exploration. The collections encompass
a broad range of subjects and geographic areas with a particular
emphasis on the Pacific Northwest. The Division is the
Libraries' main repository for books from the hand press era, fine printing,
and books of interest because of their physical attributes, such as their
bindings.

Special Collections also is home to extensive manuscript collections.
Letters, speeches, minutes, reports, writings, and other primarily textual
materials document the history and culture of Seattle and the Pacific
Northwest. Papers represent the work of members of Congress, pioneer
settlers, citizen activists, civic and communal leaders, the forest products
industry, labor and environmental organizations, ethnic and other special
communities and major cultural figures.

Finally, the University's Memory-the University Archives-resides in Special
Collections. It contains permanent public records of the University of
Washington that document the University's development; papers of teaching
and research faculty and professional staff that reflect the academic and
administrative life of the University; University Publications and Imprints
and records of student life as well as guidance on recordkeeping and
procedures for transferring records to the Archives.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acquires and purchases materials in all formats. Reviews gift collections,
decides on the disposition of these materials. Contributes to access and
use of the collections.

Establishes and maintains contacts for manuscript collections, negotiates
the acquisition of these collections, and acknowledges their receipt.

Manages endowment and gift funds for the Pacific Northwest and Manuscripts
collections.

Selects manuscript collections to be processed. Works with the Head,
Technical Services to set priorities for the processing of collections.

Performs preliminary appraisal, and provides any special processing
instructions/information for major manuscript accessions as necessary.

Maintains liaison with appropriate faculty, collection users, present and
potential donors, and with book dealers. Coordinates with the Head, Special
Collections, and with the Libraries' Director of Development as appropriate.
Publicizes the collection in the University and non-University communities
as appropriate

Provides reference service and user education programs as part of the
Libraries' public service programs. As part of this responsibility, covers
scheduled hours at the Division reference desk, including some evening and
weekend hours.

Maintains an awareness of current developments and uses of digital
information technologies and their uses in special collections.
Participates in the development of digital collections. Participates in the
Libraries' Digital Initiatives Program.

Participates in special projects, plans and installs library exhibitions.
Creates and maintains online exhibits.

Prepares grant proposals, reports, studies or surveys as required.

May supervise and train interns and volunteers.

Contributes to the development of Special Collections policies, programs,
and services; and to the achievement of Divisional objectives.

Participates in library committees and meetings as appropriate.

Assumes other responsibilities as assigned; performs other duties as
required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1.. Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library
     Association or an equivalent graduate library science or information
studies
     degree.

 2.. Minimum three years post-MLS experience in a research library.
      Experience with a large collection, including materials selection and
gift
      appraisal. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with donors.

 3.. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

 4.. Technological expertise, including: training or experience in
     developing Internet sites, knowledge of appropriate computerized
     databases and web sites.

 5.. Ability to represent the University of Washington Libraries in various
      groups and forums.

 6.. Demonstrated ability to work productively with staff and users.

 7.. Ability to work creatively in a rapidly changing environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 1.. Graduate degree in a field related to Pacific Northwest or Western
      American history and culture.

 2.. Knowledge of the history of the Pacific Northwest.

 3.. Training or experience in manuscript and archival appraisal and
      processing.

SALARY: $41,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with
qualifications and background.

BENEFITS: Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the
University of Washington Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF, The Vanguard Group,
SAFECO Mutual Funds and/or Fidelity Investments) on a matching basis.
Vacation is accrued at the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at
the rate of 12 working days per year. Excellent medical, dental and life
insurance plans. No state or local income tax.

APPLY TO: Charles E. Chamberlin
                                    Deputy Director of Libraries
                                    University of Washington Libraries
                                    482 Allen Library
                                    Box 352900
                                    Seattle, Washington 98195-2900

Applicants should submit a letter of application, full resume including a
work telephone number and email address, salary requirements, and the names,
addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who are
knowledgeable of the applicant's qualifications for this position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: To ensure consideration, applications should be
received no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2004.

University of Washington Libraries' Home Page is:
http://www.lib.washington.edu

The University of Washington, an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
Employer, is building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages
applications from female and minority candidates.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the
University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment
authorization of each new employee.