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Curator of Oberlin Conservatory Library Special Collections
Oberlin College and Conservatory Libraries
Application
Details
Posted: 14-Jan-26
Location: Oberlin, Ohio
Type: Full Time (In-Office)
Salary: $64,000-$68,000
Pay Frequency:
Annual
Required Education:
Masters
Oberlin College and Conservatory is accepting applications for a Curator of Oberlin Conservatory Library Special Collections. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within and beyond the department to acquire, manage, and provide access to music special collections, including teaching with primary sources, providing in-depth reference and research support, and implementing projects to process, arrange, describe, and preserve music special collections with the goal of always improving accessibility. They also contribute to the Conservatory Library’s planning, assessment, and engagement efforts, as well grant/donor funded projects. The Curator represents the Conservatory Library on the Distinctive Collections Working Group and engages more broadly in the region and beyond on issues related to music-oriented special collections and archives. The incumbent is expected to work comfortably and with a high degree of expertise in a shared decision-making environment.
The successful candidate will possess a demonstrated capacity to be creative to leverage the strengths of our collections for curricular and co-curricular activities. Among our incredible collections are the James R. and Susan Neumann Jazz Collection and the Frederick R. Selch Collection of American Music History. The Curator of Music Special Collections supervises a term-limited part-time position of Project Archivist for the Neumann Collection, and 4-6 hours per week of student employees.
This position reports to the Head of the Conservatory Library and works closely with colleagues in other distinctive collections and metadata creation areas at the College (Archives, Rare Books, Digital Collaborative, Con Tech Services, and Discovery and Metadata Services) on access and discovery workflows and standards.
Responsibilities
The Curator of Oberlin Conservatory Library Special Collections will
Partner with Conservatory faculty on teaching and research projects.
Develop and curate collections of rare and unique materials in the Conservatory Library
Enhance discoverability and utility of the Conservatory’s special collections through cataloging and metadata, finding aids, and digital scholarship.
Curate physical and digital collections and exhibits
Ensure proper housing/rehousing of physical materials and proper storage and formatting of digital files
Works collaboratively with Head of Conservatory Library regarding gift assessment and collection development
Trains and supervises the term-limited project archivist and student workers
Identify materials for preservation, conservation, and digitization.
Oversee organization in the vaults and maintenance to ensure proper storage and conditions
Monitor special collections facilities conditions, reporting to Head of Con Library around facilities and working with key partners throughout OCL
Collaborate in the development and maintenance of the Conservatory Special Collections website and research/course guides
Participate in Conservatory Library meetings and planning, and develop close working relationships with Oberlin College Archives. Participate in Libraries, campus, and consortial groups as appropriate.
Occasional interaction with the Selch instrument collection.
Required Qualifications
MLS, Master’s Degree in Archival Administration or equivalent
Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent professional performance experience; fluent reading ability in Western musical notation
2-4 years of professional library/archives/museum experience with classroom/presentation experience
2-4 years experience in collections arrangement and description and demonstrated ability to document procedures and metadata decisions
Demonstrated experience with one or more library/archival descriptive standards, such as DACS, RDA, DCRM, etc.
Demonstrated experience one or more library/archival schema, such as EAD, MARC, MARCXML, Dublin Core, VRA Core, MODS, etc.
Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Willingness to engage in continuous professional learning and comfort with ambiguity
Desired Qualifications
Graduate degree in music
Working knowledge of the history of jazz or early American music
Supervisory experience
Experience working with archival applications such as ArchivesSpace
Experience working with a digital asset management system such as ContentDM, Islandora, Omeka, Alma Digital, etc.
Familiarity with working with digital files and image and audio editing software
Some knowledge of intellectual property issues related to archives, libraries, and special collections and copyright issues associated with print and digital technologies
Demonstrated ability to participate in donor relations, collection solicitation, and gift management
Demonstrated ability to participate in the preparation and management of grants
Oberlin College Libraries offer a wide range of library services to support our institutional commitment to student success and to serve the academic needs of students and faculty in the College and the Conservatory. Library staff have enhanced traditional services to better address 21st-century information needs. We pride ourselves on being collaborative partners across campus. Oberlin College and Conservatory combines a storied liberal arts college and a renowned conservatory of music. Founded in 1833, it is the oldest coeducational liberal arts college in the United States. The Oberlin Conservatory of Music is the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States. In 1835, Oberlin became one of the first colleges in America to admit people of color. It has been known since its founding for progressive social activism, inclusiveness, and academic excellence. Oberlin offers more than 60 majors, minors, and concentrations. We are institutional members of the Great Lakes Colleges Association and the Five Colleges of Ohio consortium.
