Assistant Librarian - Associate Librarian

Position Overview

Kenneth Spencer Research Library (KSRL) at the University of Kansas (KU) Libraries seeks a creative and collaborative curator for our established and growing African American Experience (AAE) Collections. These collections are a major area of research and focus, documenting the legacy of African American individuals, families, businesses, churches, and schools through substantial collections of correspondence, photographs, organizational, educational and business records, books, pamphlets, and newspapers.

The curator will spearhead efforts to build and share collections that reflect the lives and experiences of African Americans in Kansas and the region. They will work with colleagues to develop an established, 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 also support and collaborate on robust cataloging and description, preservation, and digitization of collection materials.

KSRL has built collections related to Kansas and Kansans from all walks of life since its inception and has devoted significant resources to our African American Experience collections. Reporting to the Director 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 will work closely with the Kansas Collection Curator and Curator of Latino/a Collections. This on-site position will require periodic in‑state travel and occasional work in the evenings or weekends.

This position requires a commitment to understanding Kansas cultures and the skills to be successful as part of a collaborative professional team.

This position requires occasional evening and weekend work along with some in‑state overnight stays.

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: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-faculty

Additional information about the Libraries promotion and tenure procedures can be found at the following website: -faculty

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.

• Builds relationships with individuals, families, and social, business, and political communities across the state to develop African American Experience collections through purchases and donations
• Consults with and supports 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 into classes across the KU curriculum, and to strengthen students' primary source literacy
• Participates in developing and delivering instructional and outreach programming and activities including classes and tours; physical and virtual exhibits; and posts for Spencer Library's shared blog
• Plans and staffs…