Curator, Avery Classics - Columbia University Libraries

The Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library is eager to recruit a new Curator, Avery Classics.

Reporting to the Avery Director, the Curator of Avery Classics provides leadership for the rare book collection, overseeing core collection-related activities at the highest professional level. The incumbent will develop and implement acquisition strategies, support course-integrated instruction, and collaborate with scholars from around the world. The position also manages departmental staff and oversees conservation, cataloging, and digitization initiatives that expand access to and preserve Avery’s collections.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collection Development and Acquisitions 

  • Identify and pursue new collecting areas

  • With supervisory support, develop and lead a rare book collecting program focused on architectural design and practice, urban planning, landscape design, and the allied arts. Align collecting activities with Avery’s overall collection policies and priorities.

  • Manage and monitor expenditures within designated collection budgets.

• Outreach, Instruction, and Research

  • Represent the department within the greater architectural and library communities through presentations, publications, and at professional conferences

  • Develop an instructional program for Classics supporting the teaching and research programs of the Department of Art History and Archaeology and the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) and the 

  • In collaboration with the Avery Director, respond to exhibition and loan requests, including review of proposals and selection of works, assignment of insurance values,  and preparation of objects for loans

  • Build partnerships with museums, foundations, libraries, and the international architectural community.

  • In collaboration with Avery and other Columbia University Libraries staff, and faculty develop public programs and events that promote the Classics collections and highlight the contemporary relevance of the collection’s holdings

• Supervision and Staff Development

  • Supervise and support the professional development of unit staff

• Collections Management & Patron Services

  • In collaboration with the Avery Director, set priorities for cataloging; care, storage, and conservation of materials; and digital projects

  • Respond to patron inquiries and provide research assistance and support  

• Professional Engagement

  • Participate in Columbia University Libraries and external professional committees and other professional development activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in relevant field

• Expertise in architectural history and theory

• Thorough knowledge of rare books and preservation practices

• Strong organizational skills, excellent collaboration and communication skills

Preferred:

• MLIS or PhD preferred

• Record of professional engagement with the field (publication record, presentations, professional society appointments, etc.)

• Familiarity with digital project development and management, digitization and web technologies 

For serious consideration, please apply online with your current CV and a letter of interest at: https://academic.careers.columbia.edu/