Assistant Curator for Estonian and Baltic Studies
The Assistant Curator for Estonian and Baltic Studies will have deep understanding of Estonian culture, and will bring to this position a thorough comprehension of all aspects of current research in this area, as well as close familiarity with Estonian academic, historical, political, and cultural institutions, and similar knowledge of the same aspects of the related Baltic States. The Assistant Curator should have native language proficiency in Estonian language and working knowledge of the languages of related Baltic States. This position includes liaison responsibilities on behalf of SULAIR, with the Museum of Occupations in Tallinn, Estonia, and its exhibition, publication, and educational programs. The Museum of Occupations operates within the broader network of historical museums in Estonia.
Functions:
• Manages social science and humanities collecting at the Stanford University Libraries on behalf of The Walter and Olga Ritso Kistler Collection and Exhibit Program on Estonia and related countries in the Baltic region, with particular emphasis on the following themes: Occupation, Resistance, Freedom, and Recovery.
• Collects all formats including video and electronic (e.g., databases), as well as unpublished primary resources. Targets for collection are materials in Estonian and other Baltic States’ languages.
• Prepares exhibits for Stanford University, the Museum of Occupations in Tallinn, Estonia (under the auspices of the Kistler-Ritso Estonian Foundation and the Estonian Ministry of Culture), and elsewhere as appropriate.
• Cooperates with cultural, academic, and governmental organizations (library and archival institutions, museums, government agencies, booksellers, and publishers) in Estonia and related countries in the Baltic region.
Responsibilities:
• Plans, develops, and manages the general, special, and reference collections primarily in the subjects of Estonian language, literature, history, social sciences, and area studies within the general guidelines of Stanford University Libraries’ collection development policies and procedures. In addition, plans, develops, and manages the general, special, and reference collections in the subjects of Baltic regional studies within the general guidelines of Stanford University Libraries’ collection development policies and procedures. Selects current and out-of-print books, rare books, serials, unpublished primary resources, microform sets, audio recordings, videos, and other materials.
• Maintains current knowledge of sources and procedures for acquisition of materials for the Estonian and Baltic regional collections. Sources include vendors, exchange partners and donors. Communicates with sources as necessary, in cooperation with the Acquisitions Department and the Gift & Exchange section.
• Develops and implements, in coordination with the Department of Special Collections, the Humanities & Social Sciences Group, the International & Area Studies Group, the Stanford Law Library, and the Hoover Institution at Stanford, as well as institutions in Estonia and other Baltic states, a program for the identification, solicitation, and acquisition of manuscript and rare book collections pertaining to Estonia and the Baltic region.
• Collaborates with other curators and selectors to assure coverage of multi-country material.
• Is responsible for selecting and developing digital resources and for working with appropriate SULAIR staff in developing the infrastructure for delivering such resources.
• Evaluates existing collections for appropriate preservation and conservation treatment.
• Maintains close contact with faculty and students of appropriate departments and programs.
• Prepares exhibits, both for Stanford University and for travel to the Museum of Occupations in Tallinn and other venues.
• Cooperates closely with Estonian institutions relating especially to library collections and exhibits.
• Maintains awareness of current museum practices relevant for preparing exhibits about Estonia and the Baltic region.
• Provides advanced reference, research assistance, and library instruction in the field of Estonian and Baltic regional studies. Prepares interpretive materials that enhance access to the collections, including resource pages for the SULAIR web site. Participates in training of reference staff of the Humanities and Area Studies Resource Center and the Information Center in the use of related reference materials.
• Participates as appropriate in development activities in support of the Libraries, working closely with the University Librarian, the Library Development Officer, and the Assistant University Librarian for Collection Development—Humanities & Social Sciences. Encourages and cultivates close relations with donors of funds and materials relating to the Estonian and Baltic regional collections.
• Contributes to planning, policy, and process in the International & Area Studies Group. Participates in the projects, programs, and services of the Group. Serves on Library committees and manages library projects as appropriate.
• Participates in appropriate professional activities and associations.
• Depending upon the needs of the Libraries, may undertake assignments in related fields with similar duties to those listed above.
Required Qualifications and Demonstrated Experiences:
• Substantial knowledge of and experience in academic or research libraries, historical museums, and/or the university research environment are required. MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or the equivalent in research, bibliographic training and experience is desired.
• A high level of research skills and knowledge of bibliographic and other information resources in print and online, demonstrated knowledge of the field of Estonian and Baltic Studies and of the distribution and sources of materials in this field, including digital resources.
• Demonstrated professional accomplishments relevant to the responsibilities of this position. These may include scholarly publications, teaching experience, professional museum and/or library-related experience, and library/museum-related publications and presentations.
• Experience with current technology and information systems, including Microsoft Office applications, online library and archival catalogs and bibliographic guides, as well as catalogs in print form.
• Native, or functionally native, level fluency in Estonian Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) level 5 in reading, speaking, listening and writing, or equivalent. Reading, listening and writing in English language is required. Reading knowledge of Russian is required. Good working knowledge of the languages of related Baltic States in reading, writing, and oral comprehension is highly desirable. Reading knowledge of German is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively and collegially with library and academic information resources staff as well as with faculty and students at Stanford, and with archival and museum colleagues in Estonia and other Baltic states. Ability to perform effectively in and contribute successfully to a diverse, multicultural workplace environment. Willingness and ability to travel frequently to Estonia and related Baltic States.
• Evidence of the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Initiative and judgment in problem-solving, interacting with vendors, working collaboratively with SULAIR staff, faculty, student workers, departments and programs, and in supporting donor stewardship.
Applicants should provide cover letter, resume or CV, and 3 references. Applications must be submitted electronically through http://jobs.stanford.edu