Posting on behalf ofthe John Carter Brown Library as I happen to the 
only member of staff on this list ....

Hope this passes the guidelines for job posting on MAPS-L

Thank you for reading,

Allison Rich



-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: 	JOB POSTING: George S. Parker II ’51 Curator of Maps and 
Prints - John Carter Brown Library
Date: 	Thu, 14 Jul 2016 12:25:22 -0400
From: 	Curley, Nichole <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: 	Curley, Nichole <[log in to unmask]>
To: 	[log in to unmask]



*​George S. Parker II ’51 Curator of Maps and Prints - John Carter Brown 
Library*

The John Carter Brown Library has one of the world’s most important 
collections of maps and atlases related to the history of the Americas 
and, more broadly, to the entire world, across the period stretching 
from the earliest printed atlases (c. 1472) through to maps showcasing 
the end of the colonial period (c. 1825). The Library has consistently 
added significant geographical works to its world-renowned collection of 
Americana. The print collection, albeit smaller, has likewise continued 
to grow, and consists of a separate collection of prints as well as a 
collection of mostly British political cartoons. The George S. Parker II 
’51 Curator of Maps and Prints serves as the chief ambassador – and 
chief proselytizer – for both of these extraordinary collections. 
Responsibilities for this collection include: its continued growth 
through acquisitions and collection development; its interpretation for 
scholars and the general public, through onsite and digital engagement; 
exhibition and publication preparation; the provision of reference 
services; identifying materials for preservation and conservation; and 
other duties as assigned by the Director/Librarian, to whom this 
position reports. It is essential that the incoming Curator of Maps and 
Prints have a solid grasp on the history of the Americas and the history 
of maps (and, ideally, how the two intersect) so as to be able to answer 
reference questions concerning the collection, and to be able to 
effectively and meaningfully present cartographic material to staff, 
fellows, researchers, the Brown community, and the world outside of Brown.

*Responsibilities Include:*

1. Promoting the Use of the Map and Print Collections by Fellows, 
Researchers, Students, and Other Interested Publics: The Curator of Maps 
and Prints serves researchers both onsite and virtually by providing 
information about the JCB’s cartographic and print collection to 
scholarly and nonscholarly constituencies. This requires continual study 
of the Library’s holdings, mastery of relevant bibliographical 
resources, and a knowledge of the history of cartography. Occasional 
assistance in the teaching of courses out of the collection will also be 
expected.

2. Conducting Individual and Collaborative Research and Writing Based on 
the Collection: In order to enhance her/his understanding of the 
collection, the Curator of Maps and Prints is encouraged to undertake 
individual and collaborative research projects and to produce 
exhibitions based on the collection. It is expected that written 
articles will emerge from this research, which will be published either 
online as part of the Library’s broader digital engagement, outreach, 
and curation program or through advanced scholarly journals that bring 
prominence and prestige to the Library. This research is by and large 
distinct from individual research projects that the curator may 
undertake, which would be outside of the curator’s institutional time, 
although the Library will make every effort to support individual 
research undertaken by members of the curatorial staff as long as it 
does not interfere with other duties, and will provide dedicated time 
away from the Library to carry out such occasional research.

3. Acquisitions and Collection Development: In conjunction with the 
Director and other members of the curatorial staff, the Maps and Prints 
Curator will actively participate in acquisitions decisions. Deep 
knowledge of the existing collection is a prerequisite for wise counsel 
on acquisitions, as is regular contact and close relations with leading 
antiquarian book and map dealers and collectors. The Curator will engage 
with the current (and past) market in maps and books to be able to 
recognize material that would fill gaps in the collection, to define 
areas where the collection might expand and deepen, and to advise on 
potential acquisitions in the areas of sheet maps, atlases, maps in 
books, prints and views, and secondary resources in all forms, analog 
and digital.

4. Digital Engagement, Outreach, and Collection Management: The Curator 
of Maps and Prints is involved with the cataloguing, storage, 
conservation and preservation of materials in a variety of formats, but 
especially atlases, maps, and prints. As the Library moves toward an 
increasingly digital profile, however, the Curator of Maps and Prints 
will also engage with all aspects of the Library’s digital presence. It 
is therefore essential that s/he understand or can learn aspects of 
digitizing programs to prepare materials for them and to manipulate 
digitized images afterwards, with particular emphasis on the control of 
metadata and search engines. The incumbent will also manage and 
manipulate social media tools to serve as a vehicle for content about 
cartographical materials from the collection and share this content with 
a wider community as an ambassador of the collection.

5. Assisting the Director in Fulfilling the Mission of the Institution: 
The Curator of Maps and Prints reports directly to the 
Director/Librarian of the JCB. As a result, it is essential that the 
curator be cognizant of the larger strategic goals of the institution 
and serve as a supportive member of the Library’s senior staff. In 
public settings, the incumbent would be expected to discuss and 
reinforce current programs and activities as s/he discusses the history 
and traditions of the institution. It is also important that the Curator 
function as a project manager for long-term projects that are conceived 
of by the Director and carried out by all divisions of the Library, 
including but not limited to exhibitions, programming, and publications.

*Qualifications:*

- Ph.D. or extensive curatorial/scholarly experience in a field related 
to the history of cartography, including but not limited to history, art 
history, literary studies, geography, anthropology, or other cognate 
disciplines; minimum of 5 years of experience with map and/or print 
collections; experience with the stewardship of unique collections and 
discovery tools to access these collections; knowledge of metadata and 
cataloguing concepts

- Demonstrated aptitude for teaching and developing instructional 
materials for advanced researchers and students of all levels, including 
digital outreach and the use of electronic media for a robust range of 
pedagogical and scholarly activities

- Demonstrated experience in rare materials and/or special collection 
libraries

- Ability to speak publicly and write with demonstrable skill, including 
grant and proposal writing as well as advanced scholarship

- Familiarity with or strong aptitude in foreign languages and knowledge 
of history/geography are highly desirable

- Interest or ability in linking the study of historical maps and 
atlases with emerging technologies, including digital humanities and/or 
GIS-based projects

- Ability to manage projects effectively and independently; strong 
organizational, administrative and time management skills; initiative, 
confidence, and good judgment to prioritize, problem-solve, and execute 
tasks in a timely manager; ability to work with a diverse group of 
people, maintaining confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy.

*Other Information:*

Must occasionally be able to work at night and on weekends because of 
planned events and activities during those times, as well as occasional 
travel for professional meetings and scholarly activities.

The successful candidate must pass a criminal background check and 
education verification.

*To Apply: *Applications may be submitted through Brown University’s 
career opportunities website 
<https://brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-careers-brown/job/John-Carter-Brown-Library/George-S-Parker-II--51-Curator-of-Maps-and-Prints---John-Carter-Brown-Library_REQ126169>. 

George S. Parker II ’51 Curator of Maps and Prints - John Carter Brown 
Library position (REQ126169). Review of applications will continue until 
the position is filled.

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