Curator, Sherlock Holmes Collections & Upper Midwest Literary Archives

The University of Minnesota Libraries seeks an innovative, energetic and collaborative professional to fulfill curatorial responsibilities for two collecting areas-Sherlock Holmes Collections, and the Upper Midwest Literary Archives. Reporting to the Director of Archives and Special Collections, responsibilities include collection development and donor relations, research services, community outreach and programming, exhibits, and teaching. The department of Archives and Special Collections is a dynamic group of 16 distinct collecting areas devoted to preservation and access for rare books and archival materials. The Sherlock Holmes Collections is the largest in the country relating to the detective and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, comprising rare books, manuscripts, art, realia, and related materials. The Upper Midwest Literary Archive includes the papers of authors John Berryman, Robert Bly, Carol Bly, James Wright, Frederick Manfred, Bill Holm, and Trish Hampl, among others, as well as records of small and fine presses, including Milkweed Editions and Graywolf Press. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to scholarly inquiry, a deep understanding of archival and library principles, and a passion for connecting users with primary sources.

Responsibilities

Collection Development (20%)

• Cultivate in-kind donors, rare book dealers, and others to build and shape collections following established collection development policies. Review policies periodically to ensure collections will continue to support evolving research trends. Appraise collections being considered.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with donors, both in-kind and financial.
• Collaborate with Digital Records Archivist on preservation and access to born-digital materials acquired for the collections.
• Conduct basic conservation assessments and coordinate with preservation staff on specific treatments.
• Set cataloging and archival processing priorities.
• Manage collection funds efficiently, effectively, and in a timely manner.

Research Services (20%)

• Provide timely in-depth research support for a broad clientele, including students, faculty, and independent researchers from around the world on site and via email and phone.
• Coordinate with Digital Library Services to provide scans of collection materials for researchers who cannot do their research on site.

Teaching (20%)

• Establish partnerships with faculty to encourage use of collections by students. Provide classroom instruction as well as support for class projects that allow students to engage with rare and unique materials.
• Provide instruction for UMN undergraduate and graduate students, as well as students from other institutions of higher education, elder learners and high school students. Collaborate with other ASC curators on instruction.
• Using sound instructional design practice, develop learning materials and instructional sessions in a variety of formats that teach students to recognize information needs, create successful search strategies, and evaluate and effectively use information resources in all formats.

Community Engagement (20%)

• Provide programming on request for community organizations.
• Lead the Sherlock Holmes Collections Friends group, contribute to their newsletter, and develop programming.
• Help plan and execute events. Work closely with Libraries Communications Department on publicity for exhibits and events.

Exhibits (10%)

• Curate engaging physical exhibits that highlight varying aspects of the collections, celebrate anniversaries, support teaching and encourage research.
• When appropriate, convert physical exhibits into online exhibits.

Development (10%)

• Work with department director and Libraries Development Officer in engaging in-kind donors and fundraising.
• Monitor grant funding opportunities and prepare proposals as appropriate.
• Contribute to the knowledge base of the profession through research, publication, and professional engagement.

Required:

• American Library Association accredited Master's degree in Library/Information Science OR equivalent combination of advanced degree (e.g., M.A. or Ph.D. in such fields as English literature) and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Evidence of effective interpersonal, presentation, facilitation, and communication skills, with an ability to build rapport with people from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and viewpoints

Preferred:

• Experience working in a special collections, archives, or rare book library setting.
• Demonstrated experience in fostering relationships with colleges and faculty partners.
• Documented experience with collaborative program and service development.
• Documented experience developing services that emphasize access and inclusion.

Pay Range: $63,000 - $66,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Continuous-Track Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format in order to be consider for this position (DO NOT copy and paste.)

• Resume.
• Cover Letter (identify cover letter with UL486).

Review of application materials will begin October 1, 2025.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).