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Assistant Curator, de Grummond Children's Literature Collection

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Curator, de Grummond Children's Literature Collection.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division McCain Library and Archives

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 15.65 - 15.65

Pay Grade

N05

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

A completed application will include a cover letter describing applicant strengths and qualifications for the position, resume, academic transcripts, and contract information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin two weeks after posting and continue until position is filled.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

Assists with the management and operation of de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection original manuscripts and illustrations of more than 1,400 authors and illustrators, as well as 200,000+ published books dating from 1530 to the present. Determines priorities, develops procedures and monitors workflows in consultation with the Curator. Serves as first point of contact, researches and responds to routine research requests. Contributes, expertly searches and retrieves records from several complex archival and library systems such as ArchivesSpace, Preservica, LibApps, and Alma.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Conducts and directs the accessioning, arrangement and description of primary source materials in accordance with established archival standards. Determines the appropriate intellectual organization in consultation with the Curator. Creates and/or oversees creation of inventories and of finding aids utilizing ArchivesSpace and assigning Library of Congress subject headings and genre terms.

+ Researches and responds to telephone, email and mail reference inquiries and provides assistance to on-site researchers and campus offices relating to all de Grummond Manuscript collections. Provides excellent reference service and timely response to requests. Provides reference services in Cleanth Brooks Reading Room as scheduled.

+ Assists de Grummond Collection public outreach efforts by assisting the curator with the writing and publication of the de Grummond Collection’s print newsletter and other outgoing communications with donors and other stakeholders, working with the Assistant to the Dean for Publicity and Outreach to develop marketing and public relations materials publicizing collection growth, events and partnerships, assisting with the organization of Kaigler Children's Book Festival and other annual or special events.

+ Assists Curator with collection development and appraisal of potential donations. Assists in communicating with donors and potential donors to acquire materials for de Grummond and in coordinating pick-up or delivery of donations.

+ Works with the Digital Lab in the selection, description and release of images in accordance with US copyright law and contractual agreements.

+ Collects and maintains collection use statistics and prepares monthly reports.

+ Supervises de Grummond Specialist. Schedules, assigns tasks and oversees undergraduate and/or graduate student assistants.

+ Completes or assists with special projects including but not limited to: selecting, researching, and composing an entry about material in the collections for the Item of the Month; curating and installing exhibitions within the McCain building and local community; and creating online exhibitions in Omeka. Participates in University committees and groups. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in English, History, or Library and Information Science OR in related field with archival coursework or specialization, or two years’ experience in library or archives setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Familiarity with archival principles and practices pertaining to arrangement and description.

+ Knowledge of descriptive standards such as MARC, EAD, DACS and Dublin Core.

+ Knowledge of archival principles of arrangement and description.

+ Excellent written and oral communication skills.

+ Excellent organizational skills.

+ Skills in entering, transcribing, recording, storing, editing, and maintaining information in written or electronic form.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program.

Three years’ experience in archives setting.

Knowledge of children’s literature.

Knowledge of basic preservation practices.

Two years’ experience supervising staff or student workers.

One year’s experience providing customer or reference service.

Familiarity with US intellectual property laws.

Membership in the Academy of Certified Archivists.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.