Rare Books Curator University of Washington

Rare Books Curator -- University of Washington

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Distinctive Collections and working in close collaboration with colleagues across Special Collections and the Libraries, the Rare Books Curator provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Rare Books and Book Arts Collection. Informed by emerging trends and developments in special collections, archives, and relevant scholarly fields, the Curator collaborates with library colleagues, academic departments, and local communities to ensure that collections, services, and programs align with professional best practices and effectively support teaching, learning, and research in an inclusive environment.

A central component of this role is providing instruction including class sessions, workshops, and other hands‑on engagements with primary materials.

The Curator leads the development, stewardship, and interpretation of the Libraries’ rare book collection, with strengths in book arts, the history of printing, nineteenth‑century American literature, historical children's literature, and other areas. The position fosters partnerships and develops programming with faculty, students, and campus and community partners. Through exhibitions, guest speakers, seminars, digital humanities initiatives, and other collaborative projects, the Curator actively promotes engagement with the Libraries’ rare book, print, and archival collections.

In addition, the Curator cultivates, maintains, and strengthens donor relationships to advance philanthropic support for rare books and book arts initiatives.

Successful candidates will demonstrate a deep, scholarly understanding of bibliography, history of the book, book arts and artist’s books, and the rare book market. This role also requires a collaborative, team‑oriented approach, with the ability to work effectively across organizational units, build strong professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of shared problem‑solving and open communication.

This position is eligible for hybrid work (on campus and remote).

Salary: $7,380-$8,080 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination