Curator, Middle East Collections

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Stanford Libraries is seeking a full-time Middle East Studies Curator. Scholars of the Middle East, Turkey, or North Africa, and/or librarians fulfilling the qualifications who are interested in supporting world-class research and teaching through a combination of traditional and new collections and services are encouraged to apply. The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect and 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 and collaborate with colleagues across the organization.

About Stanford Libraries:

Stanford Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling the teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace, and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession, as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford Libraries.

About the Position:

Responsible to the Head, Humanities and Area Studies Resource Group, the Curator for Middle East Studies is responsible for collection development of research materials in all formats that support the research and teaching needs of scholars working on the following regions and countries: Turkey and all Arabic-speaking countries of the Middle East and North Africa.
Subject Specialists at Stanford Libraries have the responsibility for selecting and acquiring a wide range of resources, including traditional scholarly publications (print and digital), special collections and archival materials, and materials published via emerging forms of scholarly communication. The Middle East Studies Curator provides specialized support for the planning, development, processing, acquisition, management, and public service of collections on all aspects of Middle East Studies, for materials in Arabic and Turkish, as well as in English and other Western languages. The ideal candidate should possess an understanding of research and teaching in Middle East Studies and should be familiar with literary, historical, and social science disciplines that make use of Middle East Studies Collections. The Subject Specialist provides advanced reference and bibliographic assistance and will also be expected to develop online services and resources.

Core Duties:

Plans, develops, and manages collections in general and reference collections of the history, anthropology, politics, culture and society, environment, and economies of Arabic-speaking countries and Turkey, as well as Arabic and Turkish literature. Selects and acquires materials in all formats and all languages.
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 Middle East studies.
Manages an annual materials budget in excess of $300,000 in conjunction with the head of the Humanities and Area Studies Resource Group.
Provides a range of public services to Middle Eastern studies communities at Stanford, including advanced reference and instruction. Maintains close contact with faculty and students of appropriate departments and programs.
Promotes the use of Stanford University Libraries’ collections and resources through a range of in-person and online outreach activities.
Collaborates with other curators and selectors in support of interdisciplinary collections and services and in identifying and managing digital library projects and initiatives.
Participates in development activities in support of the Libraries, including fundraising and grant writing.
Encourages and cultivates close relations with donors of funds and materials relating to Middle Eastern collections.
Represents the Libraries in national and international professional and scholarly associations and on collaborative projects in the area of Middle Eastern Studies.
May assume responsibilities for additional subjects based on Stanford needs and/or candidate expertise.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.
Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:

Advanced graduate work in an area of Middle East Studies is required. Strong preference given to candidates with a PhD and a record of scholarly publication.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Substantial knowledge of and experience in academic or research libraries and the university research environment are required. MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited library school or the equivalent in bibliographic training and experience is highly desired.
Reading knowledge of Arabic and Turkish is required. One or more additional foreign languages is desirable.
A high level of research skills and knowledge of bibliographic and other information resources in print and online. Demonstrated experience in finding and using a wide variety of research materials, including print and digital texts and/or special collections and archival materials is required. Experience with emerging technologies and their use in scholarly environments is highly desired.
Demonstrated knowledge of the distribution and sources of materials in Middle East Studies, including digital resources, is desirable.
Experience in providing assistance to students and faculty in the design and execution of research projects is required. Evidence of the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required. Teaching experience is desired.
Demonstrated capacity to work effectively and collegially with library staff as well as with faculty and students is required. Ability to perform effectively in and contribute successfully to a diverse, multicultural workplace environment is also required.

Physical Requirements*:

Constantly sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.
Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasps lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).
Rarely use a telephone, operate hand controls.
Must be able to push and maneuver a fully-loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.

– Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Working Conditions:

May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings and weekends.

Work Standards:

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.