Are you interested in being part of a dynamic team that is growing? The Hoover Institution Library & Archives at Stanford University is seeking a knowledgeable, dynamic, innovative, and service oriented professional for the full-time Academic Staff (Career Track) position of Curator of the European Collection. Under the direction of the Director of the Hoover Library & Archives, the Curator of the European Collection develops and pursues acquisition opportunities, formulates policies, and plans programs for the European Collection, and participates in related activities as described below. The geopolitical focus is on collections aligned with our mission from the former Eastern Europe (excluding the former Soviet Union) the Baltic States, and on collections related to those regions elsewhere in the world. Core duties include, Collection development - Assist the Director in long-term planning for the continued growth of the collection and in maintaining a high quality acquisitions strategy in line with the Hoover Institution’s mission and the Library & Archives’ strategic plan
- Assess needs and strengths of the collection and write collection policy statements for the collection; coordinate collection development with needs of Hoover fellows and researchers and Stanford faculty, students, and academic programs, and with Stanford University Libraries and other libraries
- Identify and contact potential donors of archival materials, focusing on unique original materials illuminating the careers of individuals or the workings of organizations; establish and maintain relations with donors and other sources of materials
- Evaluate historical importance and research potential of possible archival acquisitions
- Negotiate acquisitions with donors and finalize deeds of gift or bills of sale
- Appraise and determine disposition of books, newspapers, and other printed materials found among acquired archival collections
- Work with Hoover colleagues when evaluating digital acquisitions or planning digital projects
- Consult Hoover colleagues when considering acquisitions of audio and visual materials and of damaged materials to minimize harmful effects of mold, insect infestation, and other hazards
- Become rapidly familiar with the holdings of the Library & Archives in general and with the European Collection in particular
- Work with description staff to identify and prioritize collections for description and re-housing
Development/Exhibits/Publications - Give lectures, presentations, and classes, in person and online, on the holdings and research potential of the European Collection
- Organize conferences, seminars, and talks by visitors and scholars
- Welcome and prepare presentations for European officials and other visitors and meet with faculty and students in European studies at Stanford and other universities
- Work with Hoover’s Development Office in contacting potential financial contributors and preparing descriptive materials, such as brochures, and content for the Hoover website
- Write grant proposals and other fundraising documents; develop innovative ways to promote the use of the collection
- Work with the Exhibits team to curate physical and virtual exhibitions on the European Collection
- Write articles (including for the Hoover Digest) and stories for the Hoover website publicizing new acquisitions, events, or topics of subject expertise
- Read manuscripts for the Hoover Institution Press when requested. Consult with the Press on marketing of European-related titles
- Contribute to the field of European studies and archival studies by publication and participation in professional organizations and activities
Research & Education - Provide in-depth research assistance when needed; prepare research guides to the collection in the Library & Archives
- Support education programming by teaching and providing outreach to subject specific classes, events, and tours, online or in-person
- Establish and maintain relations with Hoover fellows and researchers; Stanford curators, faculty, and students; and other patrons of the Library & Archives
Administration - Prepare budget requests and manage the European Collection annual acquisitions budget
- Prepare reports on the collection and contribute to annual and other Hoover reports
- Plan collecting trips for travel to Europe and prepare trip reports
- Develop and maintain acquisition case files
- Assist with the definition of rights for digital reformatting of collections
- Participate in monthly curators’ and acquisitions meetings and other meetings as required
- Train and supervise hourly and/or non-professional support staff
Special projects and other duties - Propose, design, manage, and report on special acquisition projects for the collection
- Identify opportunities for cooperation with other archives, libraries, universities, and research centers throughout the world
- Assist the director with other special tasks, as requested
|