An Invitation to Apply for the Position of Curator of Maps Boston Public Library Boston, Massachusetts The Boston Public Library (BPL), the first publicly supported municipal library in the US, seeks an experienced, creative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its new Curator of Maps. Reporting directly to the BPL president, the new Curator of Maps will be a key member of BPL's management and will provide strategic leadership in the assessment, organizing, preservation, acquisition for and program development of the maps collection. S/he will play a key role in articulating the vision and marshalling resources for the BPL's maps collection, bringing the passion and dynamic energy to help move the BPL from a repository of maps to a center for life-long learning. The new Curator also will guide community outreach, active dissemination of information, and enhanced interaction with a wide range of interested general public and scholarly groups. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the renaissance and revitalization of one of the country's most outstanding reservoirs of maps in one of the first public library systems in the US. Challenges for the New BPL Curator of Maps include full assessment of the maps collection including need for conservation; development of finding tools for the collections; outlining how the maps will be structured within the library system; hiring and training new staff; crafting development of contemporary educational outreach programs for both children and adults; leveraging technology to present the Map Center on-line; identification of donors to allow the collection to attract financial support; and launch planning, if not execution, of an inaugural Map exhibition. Candidate Qualifications include Masters in Library and Information Science with demonstrated knowledge and experience in maps collection work including preservation and access required; superior ability to assume responsibility and supervise the work of others; commitment to library leadership; initiative and resourcefulness in generating new ideas; demonstrated ability to work with patrons of all age groups and enlist the interest and support of friends and donors in the development of collections; superior oral and written communication skills, able to understand and translate information to a range of audiences; professional demeanor; dependability, enthusiasm, good judgment, courtesy and an abiding sense of humor. Compensation will be both competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate's experience. An abbreviated position description may be founde on line at http://www.bpl.org/general/jobs.htm. Resumes and cover letters, as well as inquiries, applications, and nominations, should be directed to: Dr. Nancy B. Sobel, Senior Associate, ISAACSON, MILLER, 334 Boylston St. Suite 500, Boston, MA 02116. Phone: (617) 262-6500. Facsimile: (617) 262-6509. EOE/AA. Our preferred format is via email to [log in to unmask], using MS Word. This is the longer "challenge document." An Invitation to Apply for the Position of Curator of Maps Boston Public Library Boston, Massachusetts Mission Statement The Boston Public Library's mission is to preserve and provide access to historical record of our society, and to serve the cultural, educational, and informational needs of the City and the Commonwealth. The Search The Boston Public Library (the BPL) seeks an experienced, creative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its new Curator of Maps. Reporting directly to BPL president, Bernard Margolis, the new Curator of Maps will be a key member of the BPL's management and will provide strategic leadership in the assessment, organizing, preservation, acquisition for and program development of the map collections. S/he will play a key role in articulating the vision and marshalling resources for the BPL's map collections to bring it from its current potential to the reality of what it can be, bringing the passion and dynamic energy to help move the BPL from a repository of maps to a center for life-long learning. The BPL has retained Monroe "Bud" Moseley and Nancy Sobel of the executive search firm, Isaacson, Miller to assist in this search. Inquiries, nominations and applications should be directed to Isaacson, Miller at the address listed at the end of this document. All communications will be held in strict confidence. The Boston Public Library Since its founding in 1848, the Boston Public Library has been an innovative institution, leading the entire public library movement in the US. The BPL was the first publicly supported municipal library in the United States and the first public library to allow people to borrow books and materials. Within 20 years of its founding the Library inaugurated the first branch library system in the nation and as independent towns were annexed to the city their libraries became branches. In addition to establishing the first network of community branches linked to a central library, the Library pioneered many services that are now commonplace in libraries across the nation, including full borrowing privileges for all citizens and specialized collections and services for children, young adults and senior citizens. Today, the BPL has the largest per capita branch system in the nation. With more than 6 million books, it serves more than 2 million people in its 27 branch libraries around the city (including a business branch in the financial district) and is one of only two public libraries in the country that are members of the Association of Research Libraries. The main library in Copley Square is regarded locally as one of Boston's most important and beautiful monuments and nationally as one of the most influential works in the American architectural movement. The Library is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees appointed for terms of five years by the Mayor of Boston. Support of the Library by individual leaders and corporations dates back to its founding as an institution; the Library's founding Trustees, as well as others throughout the years, have provided substantial sums to construct or acquire buildings, to create or build the collections, to enhance the Library's technology resources, and to develop its programs. In 1992, the tradition of private support for the Library was extended and strengthened with the creation of the Boston Public Library Foundation which now has a 77-member Board of Directors, nine of whom are the members of the Library's Board of Trustees. The Foundation's Board is composed of many highly successful and respected corporate, professional, political and philanthropic leaders from all communities of the City of Boston, many of whom personally have been positively by the Library. Since its founding, the Foundation has raised more than $ 58 million from individuals, corporations and foundations. In concert with funds raised from the city and state, the moneys have supported restoration, renovation, and expansion of the Library including restoration of the Library's main reading room and newspaper, catalogue, microtext, and periodicals rooms. In addition, funds have been raised to support outreach programming, branch-based initiatives, and educational collaboratives including enhanced technology for all Library patrons and for the preservation and storage of special collections that are in danger of deteriorating beyond the point of rescue. The Map Collections The BPL has had a long history of interest in maps, which were one of the first items acquired in its collections. When the McKim Building opened in 1895 one of the first rooms was dedicated to maps. Maps and atlases are housed in a variety of location within the BPL; the larger collections are in Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Rare Books and Manuscripts, Government Documents, Prints, and the Microtext Department. Other pieces are dispersed throughout the Library system. Maps from United States government agencies are received through the federal depository program. Atlases and up-to-date collections of local, regional and world maps are available in each library with a special collection available in the Research Library. Rare Books & Manuscripts houses the American Historical prints, including the Benjamin P. Hunt W. Indies Collection which spans the 16th-20th centuries with rare and early maps and atlases of Europe, the Americas, and the world. Researchers can consult European and world maps up to the mid-18th century and American, particularly New England, Massachusetts, and Boston maps, including Bromley Street plans, and waterfront maps. Current Situation The library's collection now totals between four and five hundred thousand pieces, including the original printing plates for Boston maps and a map drawn by Paul Revere of where the bodies fell in the Boston Massacre. However, there has been no official maps' curator for almost a decade. Under the direction of the Library President, the Curator will exercise a range of responsibilities from assessment, preservation and acquisition to development of exhibition programs for the map collections of the Boston Public Library. The Curator will also guide community outreach, active dissemination of information and enhance interaction with a wide range of interested general public and scholarly groups. By building a dedicated team and working with other BPL staff and institutional programs, the successful candidate will provide vision and management of the map collection for an extraordinary and beloved institution. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the renaissance and revitalization of one of the country's most outstanding reservoirs of maps in one of the first public -- and still one of its foremost -- library systems in the United States. Please see the Appendix for the more formal position description. An abbreviated version is also available on line at http://www.bpl.org/general/jobs.htm. Challenges for the New BPL Curator of Maps In the next 18 months the new curator will have accomplished the following: · Full assessment of the maps collection, including definition of the scope and the items that are in need of conservation. · Development of finding tools for the collections. · Outlining how the maps will be structured within the library system, i.e., which will be kept centrally and which are appropriate for other locations within the 27 branches. · Define new positions, hire and train a talented, dedicated staff. · Crafting development of contemporary educational outreach programs for both children and adults. · Leverage technology to present the Map Center on-line, including an enhanced, dedicated web page. · Form an active Friend-of-the-Map Center support group and the identification of donors to allow the collection to attract financial support. · Launch planning, if not execution, of an inaugural Map exhibition. Candidate Experience, Qualities, and Qualifications · Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university and a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited library school. Subject knowledge and professional experience in maps and allied fields and with demonstrated abilities in map collection work required including preservation and access. Advanced degree in a related field is desirable. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements. · Ten years of appropriate library experience or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work. · Proven ability to plan and supervise the work of others; administrative ability, with the capacity to plan and supervise the work of others; experience in training and supervision of staff and broad professional outlook; · Initiative in generating new ideas and proven ability to improve existing work techniques and procedures. Ability to work well with staff and public alike. · Broad knowledge of library collections; excellent knowledge of maps and/or professional activity including pertinent literature and technology · Specific knowledge of maps, mapmaking, and current map technologies, including application of geographic information service technologies. Broad acquaintance with the Antiquarian Map Book Dealers and Collectors · Demonstrated ability to enlist the interest and support of friends and donors in the development of collections · Demonstration of contributions to the field of maps through participation in conferences and publications of original work. Ability to work with the various world languages representing the collections; willingness to use and foster a variety of approaches to create enthusiasm and support for maps in widely varying constituencies; ability to work collaboratively. · Knowledge of U.S. federal government mapping and depository program administered by the U.S. Government Printing Office. · Ability to interpret and execute library policy; understanding and interest in the total development of library resources and services including the ability to define the role of the Map Center in this total development · Ability to participate in the management of a large and complex organization. · Superior oral and written communication skills including the ability to understand and translate information to a range of audiences. · Superior ability and willingness to assume responsibility. · Initiative in generating new ideas. · Ability to operate effectively in complex political and bureaucratic environments. · Continuing interest in and ability to improve existing work techniques and procedures. · Demonstrated ability to work successfully with staff and public alike. · Commitment to library leadership. · Professional demeanor; tact, dependability, enthusiasm, good judgment, courtesy and an abiding sense of humor. Compensation and Location Compensation will be both competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate's experience. The position will be based in Boston, Massachusetts. To Apply Resumes and cover letters, as well as inquiries, applications, and nominations, should be directed to: Nancy B. Sobel, MD, PhD, Senior Associate ISAACSON, MILLER 334 Boylston Street, Suite 500 Boston, Massachusetts 02116 Telephone: (617) 262-6500 Facsimile: (617) 262-6509 Our preferred format is via email to [log in to unmask], using MS Word. The Boston Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. Appendix: Position Description Boston Public Library Curator of Maps Basic Function: Under the direction of the Library President or designee, the Curator of Maps will be responsible for the maintenance, development and services of the map collections of the Boston Public Library both for the general public and the scholarly community. To that effect, (s)he will · Plan and supervise the organization, access, services, preservation, and acquisitions of the collection of maps and atlases in the Boston Public Library Map Center and throughout the Boston Public Library system. · Initiate and implement the acquisition of new maps and related materials to strengthen existing library resources, including overseeing a budget for purchase of these materials and seeking opportunities for external funding for ongoing acquisition needs. · Promote understanding of the importance and relevance of maps in the public library setting. · Supervise the organization and cataloging of the collections including the applications of new technologies in order to facilitate the use of the map collection resources. · Advise the library administration and other staff in the general field of maps. The Duties and Responsibilities: · Administering the daily operations of the Boston Public Library Map Center. · Assuming responsibility for training of the Map Center staff in the specialized knowledge of the field. · Organizing the collections of the Map Center and planning and carrying out the development of a variety of interactive access applications, both printing and electronics, to facilitate use of the collections. · Applying digital scanning and other "virtual" technologies in order to facilitate the collection, organization, preservation and sharing of Map Center resources. · Initiating and implementing activities which enhance the appreciation and understanding of maps both within and outside the library. This will include coordination, planning, preparation and mounting of exhibitions, public programs, educational activities, publications, lectures and other collaborative and cooperative programs. · Creating opportunities to educate the public in the significant importance and necessity of map collections. · Providing direction for the cataloging and retro-conversion of maps. · Assessing the needs and resources of the Map Center and strengthening the collections through purchases and gifts. · Advising the library administration in the field of maps. · Maintaining professional contacts in the field to further the objectives of the library. · Organizing and implementing activities to enhance understanding of Map Center resources by children and youth. · Cooperating with scholars and institutions to maximize use and expand the appreciation of Map Center resources in the greater community. · Creating, nurturing and supporting an active Friends of the Map Center organization. · Performing other related duties as required. -----Original Message----- From: JOHNNIE D SUTHERLAND [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, May 19, 2003 2:56 PM To: Nancy Sobel Subject: Re: Boston Public Library, Curator of Maps Hello Nancy Sobel: I have no problem with the message but we do not send attachments out to the Maps-L subscribers. Can you reformat the message so the two attachments are part of the message? Thanks, Johnnie Sutherland Moderator, Maps-L Nancy Sobel wrote: > > Dear Johnnie, > > I am working on the search for the new Maps Curator for the Boston Public > Library and Mary Larsgaard at UC Santa Barbara suggested I contact you to > post the position on the maps-l listserv. > > Attached are the ad and longer position description for the BPL position. > > <<Ad 5-14.doc>> <<Final scope.doc>> > The BPL is looking for an experienced, entrepreneurial leader to serve as > its new Curator of Maps. The position will report directly to the BPL > president and will provide strategic leadership in the assessment, > organizing, preservation, acquisition for and program development of the > maps collection. S/he will play a key role in articulating the vision and > marshalling resources for the BPL's maps collection, bringing the passion > and dynamic energy to help move the BPL from a repository of maps to a > center for life-long learning. The new Curator also will guide community > outreach, active dissemination of information, and enhanced interaction with > a wide range of interested general public and scholarly groups. The > collection includes approximately 500,000 items throughout 27 branches and > there has been curator for about 10 years. > > Thank you again and best regards, > > Nancy Sobel > > Nancy B. Sobel, MD, PhD > Senior Associate > Isaacson, Miller > 334 Boylston Street, Suite 500 > Boston, MA 02108 > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Name: Ad 5-14.doc > Ad 5-14.doc Type: Winword File (application/msword) > Encoding: base64 > Download Status: Not downloaded with message > > Name: Final scope.doc > Final scope.doc Type: Winword File (application/msword) > Encoding: base64 > Download Status: Not downloaded with message