The University of Virginia School of Law seeks a collaborative, innovative, and dynamic individual to serve as Curatorial Specialist for the Arthur J. Morris Law Library. This is a new position. The University of Virginia School of Law is consistently recognized as one of the top law schools in the country, and the Law Library is critical to its mission and culture. The Arthur J. Morris Law Library supports the Law School’s mission of excellence in teaching, research, and publication. The environment at the Law School is both active and supportive, with a strong sense of collegiality among students, faculty, and staff and a commitment to excellence and service.
As a key member of the Law Library’s Special Collections department, the Curatorial Specialist will work closely with the Head of Special Collections, the Head of Digital Scholarship and Preservation, and the Law School Archivist to preserve and share the history of the Law School and its archival holdings. As the point-person for the Library’s oral history program, the Curatorial Specialist will plan and execute oral history projects, train project staff and volunteers, and ensure that all of the Law Library’s oral history work follows professional standards and best practices. The Curatorial Specialist will also serve as a valued member of the Law Library’s Special Collections Steering Committee, which coordinates the administrative operations of Special Collections.
Responsibilities include:
- Collection Development
- Work with Law Library curatorial staff to carry out purpose-driven acquisitions tied to institutional vision and mission.
- Cultivate relationships with Law School stakeholders, especially students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae, to accession, preserve, and provide access to archival collections that document a variety of histories and experiences.
- Oral History
- Plan and execute oral history projects documenting the experiences of individuals and community groups within the Law School.
- In consultation with Law School curatorial and archival staff, refine and implement a model process to conduct, process, and preserve oral histories and oral history projects.
- Ensure the Law School’s current and legacy oral history projects conform to professional standards and best practices.
- Provide research assistance to patrons who wish to access oral history collections.
- Facilitate close communication and collaboration with other University units engaged in oral history work to share workflows and improve access to oral histories.
Outreach
- Work with Law Library colleagues to plan and implement projects that promote the Law Library’s Special Collections materials and share the history of the Law School through physical and digital exhibitions, social media postings, programming, and reference services.
- Cultivate and sustain relationships with internal and external constituencies, such as Law School faculty, staff and students; community groups; other institutions and archives; educators; and researchers.
Administration and Professional Development
- Contribute as needed to the operations of Special Collections, including projects related to space planning, strategic planning, and collections management.
- Contribute to general Law Library administration through participation in regular staff meetings and on Law Library committees.
- Participate in professional development activities such as conferences, workshops, certificate programs, or other related opportunities.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree.
- At least two years of library experience, one of which is in oral history with demonstrated knowledge of oral history theory and practice.
- Commitment to special collections and archives public service, including a keen interest in promoting the use and appreciation of archival materials.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including listening, speaking, and writing.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to practices that foster inclusion and belonging.
- Demonstrated capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Ability to be flexible, navigate ambiguity, and adapt to change.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of professional standards and best practices relevant to oral history work.
- Experience in planning, conducting, editing, and completing in-depth archival oral histories.
- Familiarity with digital preservation best practices.
- Familiarity with project management.
- Experience supervising student employees, graduate assistants, or interns.
- Experience with externally funded projects and/or grant writing.
To apply and to learn more about position, please click here.
