About AAS

Employment Opportunities

Curator of Books

The American Antiquarian Society is a learned society that supports a preeminent national research library of early American history and culture. Since 1812, staff and members of the Society have worked assiduously to build and preserve comprehensive collections of the printed record of what is now the United States and Canada from first European settlement through the year 1876. Today, these collections encompass three million books, pamphlets, newspapers, periodicals, graphic arts items, and manuscripts that are housed on twenty-five miles of shelves, including a recent addition built to accommodate a near-doubling of our present holdings. As a learned society, we offer a wide variety of innovative programs and services for diverse audiences including: professional scholars; pre-collegiate, undergraduate, and graduate level students and educators; professional artists and writers; genealogists; and the general public.

Responsibilities: As a member of a collaborative staff, the Curator of Books is chiefly responsible for acquiring pre-1876 American imprints by gift and purchase; for building our collections of secondary and reference resources; for helping to set priorities for the preservation and cataloging of book and pamphlet holdings; for providing reference services to readers and resident fellows; for assisting in the planning and execution of seminars, workshops, on-line exhibitions, and educational programs; and, from time to time, managing digitization and access projects for the book and pamphlet collections. The Curator of Books also serves as an effective ambassador of the Society to the communities of Americana collectors and dealers, and maintains active communication and visitation with these important constituencies.

Qualifications: Successful candidates will have excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, experience in collaborative decision making in a collegial environment, effective computer skills, and a strong commitment to enhancing the collections and reputation of the Society. A passionate interest in books both as physical objects and as sources for scholarship and knowledge of American imprints and their history — whether acquired through advanced academic study or experience in libraries or the book trade — are essential.

Compensation: This is a full time position, available on or about April 1, 2012. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and life insurance; retirement plan options; paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick leave; travel and other professional development opportunities.

To apply: Submit a letter of application and a resume electronically to cmackey[at]mwa.org with the subject line "Search Committee, Curator of Books." Please include contact information for three references. The American Antiquarian Society is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with applicable federal and state laws; minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

Director, Center for Historic American Visual Culture

The American Antiquarian Society is a learned society that supports a preeminent national research library of early American history and culture. Since 1812, staff and members of the Society have worked assiduously to build and preserve comprehensive collections of the printed record of what is now the United States and Canada from first European settlement through the year 1876. Today, these collections encompass three million books, pamphlets, newspapers, periodicals, graphic arts items, and manuscripts that are housed on twenty-five miles of shelves, including a recent addition built to accommodate a near-doubling of our present holdings. As a learned society, we offer a wide variety of innovative programs and services for diverse audiences including: professional scholars; pre-collegiate, undergraduate, and graduate level students and educators; professional artists and writers; genealogists; and the general public.

Responsibilities: As a member of a collaborative staff, the Director of the Center for Historic American Visual Culture (CHAViC) is responsible for programming that engages scholars in the use of visual materials, including annual conferences and seminars. The Director of CHAViC also serves as an effective ambassador of the Society to the communities of scholars in American studies, history, literature, and art history and maintains active communication and visitation with these important constituencies. Other responsibilities include assisting the Director of Academic Programs in the selection of visual culture fellows and the Director of Outreach with K-12 programs. The Society's Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Graphic Arts works with the CHAViC director on improving access to collections, website development, and electronic exhibitions.

Qualifications: Successful candidates will have excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, experience in collaborative decision making in a collegial environment, effective computer skills, and a strong commitment to enhancing the usefulness of collections and reputation of the Society. A PhD in American Studies, American History, or Art History and some experience in administration and teaching is desirable.

Compensation: This is a part time position, available on or about July 1, 2012. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid holidays, vacation, personal and sick leave; travel and other professional development opportunities.

To apply: Submit a letter of application and a resume electronically to cmackey[at]mwa.org with the subject line "Search Committee, CHAVIC Director." Please include contact information for three references. The American Antiquarian Society is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with applicable federal and state laws; minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

General Employment Information

Carol-Ann Mackey
Director of Human Resources
American Antiquarian Society
185 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA 01609
(508) 471-2162
Email: cmackey[at]mwa.org

The American Antiquarian Society is an equal opportunity employer