A.M. Todd Rare Book Room Curator

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the College Archivist, the A.M. Todd Rare Book Room Curator is responsible for the operations of the A.M. Todd Rare Book Room.

This is a part-time (10-15 hours per week), twelve-month administrative staff appointment. Working hours are generally scheduled between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday with other hours scheduled as needed.

Physical requirements of the position include ability to work in a library/office environment with extensive use of computer and telephone; ability to lift and carry up to ten pounds; ability to read and write and to handle and process both paper and electronic documents; ability to move between and within campus buildings.

Applicants are asked to include a resume and cover letter. The target start date for successful candidate is July 1, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operations of the A.M. Todd Rare Book Room, including:
  • Care and security of materials and physical space;
  • Researching and selecting materials for display in rare book exhibits; setting up display and composing descriptive captions to explain exhibits;
  • Opening and staffing the Rare Book Room for public use during the academic year and by appointment;
  • Supporting the use of the Rare Book Room collections by working directly with students, faculty, and researchers and answering inquiries;
  • Managing and updating the Rare Book Room website and social media;
  • Promoting outreach activities for Rare Book Room collections and services;
• Managing student workers;
• Establishing and fostering effective working relationships with Kalamazoo College faculty, donors, and colleagues in other rare book and special collections libraries;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate many of the following skills, abilities, and characteristics:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field;
• Demonstrated commitment to public services;
• Experience working in a library special collection setting;
• Excellent interpersonal communication, presentation, and organization skills;
• Flexibility to handle multiple responsibilities;
• Willingness to work effectively in a collaborative team environment; and
• A sense of humor and collegial approach to innovation and problem solving.

Preferred

• Familiarity with a library management system, especially ExLibris Alma and Primo VE;
• Familiarity with Microsoft tools including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams;
• Familiarity with WordPress;
• Knowledge of printing and production processes for printed materials;
• Knowledge of reference and research techniques used in the field of rare books; and/or
• Understanding of the objectives of a liberal arts college.

About Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College is a highly selective nationally regarded liberal arts college, offering an integrated undergraduate experience that weaves a traditional liberal arts curriculum into educational experiences in both domestic and international settings with the majority of our graduates participating in study abroad. Kalamazoo College is committed to the liberal arts and sciences, experiential education, freedom of individual conscience and celebration of diversity and inclusion. It is one of the nation’s 100 oldest colleges and universities and a thought leader and innovator in higher education.

The campus of Kalamazoo College is located midway between Chicago and Detroit in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a metropolitan community of 261,000, which supports multiple college and university campuses along with numerous civic arts and cultural associations and sports teams. Thirty-five miles from Lake Michigan, the area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown, outstanding restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Kalamazoo College encourages candidates who will contribute to the cultural diversity of the College to apply and to identify themselves if they wish. An equal opportunity employer, Kalamazoo College is committed to equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal protection under the law. Please be invited to review our full EEO statement by visiting https://www.kzoo.edu/about/nondiscrimination-policy/. Kalamazoo College is an E-Verify participating employer. Please select Notice and Rights for more information.