Curator, American Geographical Society Library

The American Geographical Society Library (The AGSL), America’s oldest, largest and most distinguished geographical research library, was established in New York City in 1851, and remained there until its transfer to Milwaukee in 1978. The Library’s breadth, size (well over one million items) and historical perspective attract both local and visiting scholars from a wide array of disciplines. The AGSL includes important collections of maps, atlases, books and periodicals, photographic images, as well as large collections of globes, pamphlets, and digital datasets. Since 1996, it has been the home of the Archives of the Association of American Geographers, North America’s foremost organization of professional geographers, and since 2011, the repository of the historic archives of theAGS. The AGSL is the largest library of its type in a university setting in North America. It sponsors several lecture series, is home to the Map Society of Wisconsin and supports two research fellowship programs that have, in the past decade, brought many scholars from across the globe. The Society, which remains in New York City, was central to the development of American geography, played a major role in world exploration and mapping, and served the U.S. Government in times both of war and peace, for well over a century.

Position Duties

We seek an experienced, creative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as our new Curator whose experience and professional contributions to the field demonstrate ability to shape and guide the AGSL, a nationally leading library, and expand its recognition worldwide. Under the direction of the University Libraries Director, this individual plays a key role in determining the direction of the AGSL and seeking resources in support of its research and educational services. The Curator directs the day-to-day activities of the AGSL, leads an experienced staff, and works closely with colleagues throughout the Libraries and university as a whole. The Curator is responsible for the senior management and administration of all AGSL operations, including ongoing grant-funded projects. This includes formulation of goals and policies, budget preparation, collection management, preservation and conservation, teaching and lecturing, grant writing, outreach program development (including lecture series, fellowships, exhibits, publications and user services), and liaison work with UWM Schools and Colleges, the American Geographical Society of New York and the Association of American Geographers. The Curator is engaged in numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly information. The Curator will also be responsible for contributing to the development and pursuit of overall UWM Libraries goals and policies, as well as for contributing to the rapidly evolving field of cartographic and geospatial librarianship (including digital cartographic resources) at the local, national, and international levels.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent in geography or other relevant field; minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a research library or equivalent institution; supervisory experience of at least 5 years; successful grant writing and fundraising expertise; knowledge of emerging technologies; demonstrated strong professional leadership and involvement; strong written and oral communication skills; experience with rare materials librarianship including conservation/preservation techniques; broad knowledge of library collections; knowledge of cartography, its history, and the history of geographical ideas; commitment to library leadership; initiative and resourcefulness in generating new ideas; and the ability to work collegially.

Preferred Qualifications

MLS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program; PhD orABD in geography, history or related field; accomplishments in research or scholarship; knowledge of two foreign languages; GIS experience.