Stanford University, Hoover Institution
CURATOR OF THE MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN COLLECTION
Institution Type: | College / University |
Location: | California, United States |
Position: | Curator |
Curator of the Middle Eastern and North African Collection
(Librarian 3)
Hoover Institution, Stanford University
The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of domestic and international affairs, founded at Stanford University in 1919 by Herbert Hoover, the thirty-first president of the United States. The Institution’s Library and Archives, with more than 700,000 volumes and 6,000 collections, constitute one of the world’s largest repositories of materials on twentieth- and twenty-first century social, economic, and political change.
Under the direction of the Director of the Hoover Library & Archives, the Curator of the Middle Eastern and North African Collection develops and pursues acquisition opportunities, formulates policies and plans programs for the Middle Eastern and North African Collection, and participates in related activities as described below. The geo-political area generally covers the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan, and collections related to those regions elsewhere in the world.
Core responsibilities include assisting 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; assessing the needs and strengths of the Collection and writing collection policy statements for the Collection; coordinating the collection development with needs of Hoover fellows and researchers and Stanford faculty, students, and academic programs, and with Stanford University Libraries and other libraries; identifying and contacting potential donors of archival materials, focusing on unique original materials illuminating the careers of individuals or the workings of organizations; establishing and maintaining relations with donors and other sources of materials; evaluating the historical importance and research potential of possible archival acquisitions; negotiating acquisitions with donors and finalizing deeds of gift or bills of sale; appraising and determining disposition of books, newspapers, and other printed materials found among acquired archival collections; giving lectures and presentations on the holdings and research potential of the Middle Eastern and North African Collection; writing articles (including for the Hoover Digest) and announcements for the Hoover website publicizing new acquisitions; working with the Exhibits Archivist to curate exhibitions on the Middle Eastern and North African Collection; and welcoming and preparing presentations for Middle Eastern and North African officials and other visitors and meeting with faculty and students in Middle Eastern and North African studies at Stanford and other universities.
Additionally, will be responsible for working with Hoover’s Development Office in contacting potential financial contributors and preparing descriptive materials, such as brochures, and content for the Hoover website; writing grant proposals and other fundraising documents relating to the Collection; developing innovative ways to promote the use of the Collection; organizing conferences, seminars, and talks by visitors and scholars; providing in-depth reference assistance when needed; preparing budget requests for the Middle Eastern and North African Collection and managing the annual acquisitions budget; preparing reports on the Collection and contributing to annual and other Hoover reports; planning collecting trips and preparing trip reports; developing and maintaining acquisition case files; participating in monthly curators’ and acquisitions meetings and other meetings as required; training and supervising hourly and/or non-professional support staff; and proposing, designing, and managing special acquisition projects for the Collection.
Minimum requirements include:
- PhD in Middle Eastern and North African studies or related field strongly preferred, with strong knowledge of 20th and 21st century Middle Eastern and North African history, politics, economics, and culture
- Fluency in written and spoken Arabic, with knowledge of other regional languages preferred
- Professional experience in scholarship and/or libraries and archives, with a proven record of accomplishment and publications
- Interest in collecting born-digital materials and willingness to work with other staff in exploring best practices in this area
- Ability to work collegially and to organize and manage team-based projects
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Administrative and managerial experience
- Proven record of sound judgment, initiative, and leadership
- Demonstrated experience in addressing acquisition issues and ethics, particularly with ownership problems (provenance and cultural property) and appraisal; understanding of library and archival theory and practice, particularly the role and impact of acquisitions on library and archives activities; and firm understanding of intellectual property, copyright, privacy, and other access issues preferred
- Valid passport for international travel.
The appointment is for an initial three-year limited term, with the possibility of renewal. This is a career track position. To view the complete job description and apply for this opportunity, please visit https://stanford.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=67451&lang=en. To be considered, you must include your resume and cover letter with your application. The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Contact: |
To view the complete job description and apply for this opportunity, please visit https://stanford.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=67451&lang=en. To be considered, you must include your resume and cover letter with your application. The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. |
Website: | None |
Primary Category: | Middle East History / Studies |
Secondary Categories: | African History / Studies |
Posting Date: | 07/26/2015 |
Closing Date | 10/21/2015 |