French and Italian Curator
Stanford University · Stanford, California, United States · onsite
Stanford University Libraries seeks a full-time French and Italian Curator to join the Humanities and Area Studies Resource Group. The Libraries’ values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant. We seek a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives.
About Stanford University Libraries:
Stanford University Libraries are a dynamic network of resources, spaces and subject experts assembled with the mission to stimulate intellectual curiosity, sustain academic research and support teaching and learning. With over 12 million items, 50 subject specialists and 20 campus libraries, the opportunities for contributing to and transforming scholarship are infinite. By joining Stanford University Libraries, you will become a part of a vibrant, learning community of dedicated professionals who are committed to the important work of advancing scholarship.
About the Position:
Stanford Libraries seeks a Curator for French and Italian Collections to oversee the development of its diverse collections relating to Italy, France and the Francophone world, and to provide reference and other services in support of teaching and research. This position requires a person with graduate training in French Studies, Italian Studies, and/or a closely-related field to develop and manage general and special collections supporting these areas. The scope of the Curator's collecting responsibilities includes not only the full range of published texts and resources in all formats including data, but also unpublished primary resources, rare books, and other unique materials. The Curator will take primary responsibility for Italian rare and unique materials, and will work closely with the senior curator of the French collections. They should be knowledgeable about the acquisition and use of current publications and scholarly resources for French and Italian Studies as well as original archival and manuscript resources.
As the main point of contact for students and scholars using the French and Italian collections, the Curator provides advanced reference and bibliographic support for physical and electronic resources. The Curator develops instructional and collections-based programming and undertake other activities to engage students and scholars with the Libraries’ collections and services and to promote curiosity and research in these fields at the university. The ideal candidate will possess an understanding of current research and scholarly methodologies in French or Italian Studies and be familiar with literary, historical and social science disciplines that make use of Western European collections more generally. In addition, the Curator will have demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills that enable contributions to the programs and projects of the Libraries and to the University.
The Curator is a member of the Humanities and Area Studies curatorial team based in Green Library. It is expected that the Curator will be able to participate actively in the programs of this group, and, depending on their background, possibly manage other Western European collections or collections in other humanities fields on a temporary or permanent basis, such as Classics, Philosophy, or Feminist and Gender Studies. In short, the Curator for French and Italian Collections will be someone of demonstrated scholarly achievement, with a creative and forward-thinking approach to collection development, engagement with students and scholars, and research.
Job Purpose:
Oversee collection development and reference for French and Italian language and subject materials with attention to the needs of current faculty and students. Assist library patrons (faculty, students, researchers, and other users) with identifying, locating, and using resources in French and Italian and about France and the Francophone world and Italy. Provide other services related to these materials including teaching classes, giving library tours, and providing one-on-one consultation. Manage the collection budget and collaborate with other areas of the library (Preservation, Metadata, Digital Library Systems and Services, etc.) with the aim of creating and promoting a unique academic collection. Collaborate with faculty, students, and staff to develop digital projects, online and physical exhibits, and events related to these collections.
Core duties:
1. Selects books, serials, microform sets, datasets, and other print or digital materials in various languages based on close and constant contact with professors, instructors, graduate students, and post docs regarding programs of research, teaching and learning. Responsible for planning, development, and management of the general collections in French and Italian language, literature, history and area studies. With colleagues in the Preservation Department and the Digital Library Systems and Servies Department evaluates existing collections for appropriate preservation and conservation treatment. Maintains close contact with faculty and students of appropriate departments and programs. As necessary, works closely with SUL staff in developing the infrastructure for delivering digital resources.
2. Develops and implements, in coordination with the Department of Special Collections, a program for the identification, solicitation, and acquisition of manuscript and rare book collections pertaining to Italian studies. Works in conjunction with the senior French curator to identify, acquire, and provide support of manuscript and rare book collections pertaining to French Studies.
3. Provides advanced reference, research assistance, and bibliographic instruction in the fields French and Italian Studies, as defined above. Prepares interpretive materials, including exhibits that enhance access to the collections. Consults on the application of new technologies to research projects. Trains reference staff in the use of related reference materials.
4. Develops activities and projects to promote research and engage students and scholars with library resources in French and Italian studies, including digital projects, online and physical exhibits, tours, and workshops or other events.
5. May teach a graduate seminar or colloquium on research methods and resources in French and Italian Studies, or related courses as requested. Collaborates with faculty and other instructors to offer specialized workshops or classes using materials in Special Collections.
6. Collaborates with other curators and selectors to assure collections and outreach coverage of interdisciplinary areas.
7. Participates as appropriate in development activities in support of the Libraries, working closely with the Assistant University Librarian for External Relations and with the Assistant University Librarian for Collections and Services in the Humanities, Area Studies, and Social Sciences. Encourages and cultivates close relations with donors of funds and materials relating to French and Italian collections.
8. Depending upon qualifications and the needs of the Libraries, similar duties in humanities or area studies fields may be assigned.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Advanced graduate work in an area of French or Italian studies is required; a Ph.D. is preferred. Substantial knowledge of and experience in academic or research libraries and the university research environment are required. An MLS from a library school or the equivalent in bibliographic training and experience is preferred.
Employment at L2 level requires 2 or more years of library experience in a similar role.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Demonstrated knowledge of the distribution and sources of materials in French and Italian studies, including digital resources, is required, with emphasis on the French and Italian national publishing environments.
2. Demonstrated profession