This is a feature I’ve been meaning to start doing on a regular basis: post compelling job listings relevant to those of us who hold our crinkled, dog-eared, coffee-stained MFAs in our cramped hands. Thanks to Armand for getting me rolling on it with this job listing he culled from the Harvard University job boards.
Title: Curator of Poetry, George Edward Woodberry Poetry Room
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: BA and MLS or equiv.; Substantial/critical knowledge of contemporary poetry and poetics from the English-speaking world; Familiarity w/digital technology in conversion of collections/recordings; Min 3 yrs library and/or archival work exp; Basic knowledge of library systems/catalogs; standards word processing, database and spreadsheet software; OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: M.A. or other advanced degree in English or American Literature strongly pref; Digital audio workstation experience strongly pref; Strong written/oral communication skills; supervisory/project management skills; ability to work collaboratively w/wide variety of people, especially faculty/students; Exp operating analog/digital audio recording/editing/ playback equipment strongly pref; Ability to lift 40 lbs.
The Curator has primary responsibility for acquisition/preservation/access and use of collection that consists of approximately 15,000 monographs, 12,000 audio recordings, 500 video recordings, 200 periodical titles, 50 linear ft. of manuscript material, 200 broadsides, as well as ephemera, artwork and realia pertaining to contemporary poetry and poetics from entire English-speaking world, as well as poetic works in other languages translated into English; Serves as HCL’s principal liaison w/students, faculty, visiting scholars; Manages collections; in consultation w/Associate Librarian, establishes annual/long-range goals/priorities; supervises staff; manages departmental budget; supervises projects relating to collection; Develops collection through purchases/gifts; Promotes/provides access to collection through digitization; website enhancement; and public programs; Provides knowledgeable reference service to students/faculty/visiting researchers; handles requests for permission to copy/use materials; Recommends conservation/preservation measures/ priorities; Participates in developing HCL’s special collections of contemporary poetry.
The salary grade is “57″ which means the lowest it could pay would be $53,000.00 a year.
And there you have it. Perhaps a spanking new job for one of you. Keep your eye out for other academic and/or writing-relating jobs for you in your life after the MFA.