Associate Librarian - Rare Books Curator

Position Overview

Organization: University Libraries

Title: Associate Librarian - Rare Books Curator

Position Details

Position Description

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON AND THE UW LIBRARIES

The UW comprises campuses in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma, as well as a world-class medical center. For more information, please visit the UW homepage. Serving all three UW campuses, the Libraries is an integral partner in the education, research, clinical care, and service mission of the University. Beyond the strength of its extensive collections and digital resources, the Libraries is recognized for its excellent programs and services, innovative learning and research spaces, faculty partnerships, global reach, assessment efforts and diverse award-winning staff. The Libraries is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into all aspects of our work and organizational culture. Learn more about the UW Libraries online.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Special Collections provides collections and services for rare books and book arts, Pacific Northwest history, historical visual and audiovisual materials, the institutional archives of the University of Washington, the Labor Archives of Washington, and the Ethnomusicology Archives.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Distinctive Collections and working in close collaboration with colleagues across Special Collections and the Libraries, the Rare Books Curator provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Rare Books and Book Arts Collection. Informed by emerging trends and developments in special collections, archives, and relevant scholarly fields, the Curator collaborates with library colleagues, academic departments, and local communities to ensure that collections, services, and programs align with professional best practices and effectively support teaching, learning, and research in an inclusive environment. A central component of this role is providing instruction including class sessions, workshops, and other hands-on engagements with primary materials.

The Curator leads the development, stewardship, and interpretation of the Libraries’ rare book collection, with strengths in book arts, the history of printing, nineteenth-century American literature, historical children's literature, and other areas. The position fosters partnerships and develops programming with faculty, students, and campus and community partners. Through exhibitions, guest speakers, seminars, digital humanities initiatives, and other collaborative projects, the Curator actively promotes engagement with the Libraries’ rare book, print, and archival collections. In addition, the Curator cultivates, maintains, and strengthens donor relationships to advance philanthropic support for rare books and book arts initiatives.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a deep, scholarly understanding of bibliography, history of the book, book arts and artist’s books, and the rare book market. This role also requires a collaborative, team‑oriented approach, with the ability to work effectively across organizational units, build strong professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of shared problem‑solving and open communication.

This position is not tenure eligible. This position is represented by SEIU 925 – Libraries. Please see the SEIU 925 UW Libraries 2026-2029 collective bargaining agreement for the Librarian promotion process.

This position is eligible for hybrid work (on campus and remote).

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• As a member of the curatorial team, carries out collection management, development, and acquisition of materials to support teaching and research; oversees purchasing for specific endowments and funds associated with the collections; serves as the unit’s fund manager on a rotating basis
• Provides research support along with additional specialized assistance to staff, researchers, students, and the public, drawing on deep subject expertise
• Cultivates and maintains productive relationships with antiquarian booksellers, the book arts community, and donors
• Manages correspondence, invoices, and gifts paperwork in a professional manner consistent with University and Libraries policies
• Develops and refines collecting priorities for rare books and the history of printing that anticipates future scholarly needs, incorporates a global perspective on book history, and reflects current professional discussions around ethical collecting and the diversification of collections
• Collaborates with Libraries and University colleagues, building strong partnerships with instructors, to advance teaching and research through the effective use of distinctive collections
• Provides evidence‑based instruction across disciplines and at all levels in an inclusive environment
• Evaluates backlog to inform curatorial and processing priorities
• Communicate rare book cataloging priorities and supports coordinated workflows across units
• Prioritizes and advises on the processing of archival collections
• Surveys the collection to inform rehousing decisions and conservation planning; works with the Preservation Services Department to review and recommend conservation priorities for printed books and works on paper
• Collaborates to curate exhibitions featuring rare books and book history from a global perspective; develops public programs and events that highlight contemporary relevance of the collections; promotes public awareness and engagement with the collections
• Collaborates with the curatorial team to develop collection strategies, activities, and programming aligned with the Libraries’ and University’s strategic priorities
• Participates in professional library organizations; maintains expertise in rare books librarianship
• Serves on departmental, Libraries, and University committees as appropriate

RANK

Position will be at rank of Associate Librarian, depending on qualifications and background. See the Rank, Status, Initial Appointments, Renewal of Appointments and Promotions of UW Libraries Librarians article in the SEIU 925 UW Libraries 2026-2029 collective bargaining agreement for librarian rank appointment criteria.

BENEFITS

Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) or the state’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 26 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax. A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found on our Benefits page. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

SALARY

The base salary range for this position will be $7,380-$8,080 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance.

ANTICIPATED START DATE

While we hope to fill the position in Fall 2026, we are happy to work with the successful candidate to explore opportunities for an earlier or later start date.

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree
• Minimum of five years post-MLIS professional librarian experience in an academic research library, special library, or museum
• Reading knowledge of at least one language other than English relevant to the collection, preferably Latin
• Deep knowledge in a specialized field (including literature, history, languages, etc.) related to collections
• Experience in collection development and management of rare book and manuscript collections
• Experience with donor relations and engagement
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including supervision of staff, students, interns, or volunteers
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and bring them to successful completion

Preferred

• Additional graduate degree in literature, history, or related discipline
• Reading proficiency in an additional non-Western language
• Specialized coursework or formal training in rare book and special collections librarianship
• Experience integrating technology into rare book programming, instruction, research, and outreach
• Proven sensitivity and care stewarding culturally or historically sensitive materials and making them accessible to all library users
• Evidence of ongoing professional growth and skills development
• Ability to adapt to change, navigate challenges, manage multiple priorities, and embrace new opportunities in a dynamic work environment

Instructions

Applications received by 8:59 p.m. PDT/11:59 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, will receive priority review. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling weekly basis at the discretion of the unit.

The following documents are required as part of your application for this vacancy:

• Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Director, Libraries Human Resources)
• Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary requirements)
• List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for this position, one of which must be your current supervisor (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses, and specify current supervisor)

For questions about this position, or questions regarding potential disability accommodations, please contact Laura Lillard at libjobs@uw.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.

Privacy Notice

Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.

Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.