Association of Academic Museums and Galleries

Curator, Drawings & Archives
Columbia University, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library
https://academic.careers.columbia.edu/#!/149637

As one of the world's leading research universities, Columbia University in the City of New York
provides outstanding opportunities to work and grow in a dynamic, multicultural, intellectual
community. The Columbia University Libraries comprises a diverse and engaged staff
committed to furthering the University's teaching and research mission through innovation,
collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
Columbia University’s Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library houses rich collection materials on
architecture, historic preservation, art history, painting, sculpting, graphic arts, decorative arts,
city planning, real estate, and archaeology, from all areas of the world and many time periods.
Avery Library also houses three distinct and special collections: Art Properties, Avery Classics
Collection, and Drawings & Archives.
The Curator for Drawings & Archives is responsible for leading and expertly maintaining the
fundamental collection-related activities of Avery's Drawings & Archives (D&A) Department;
collaboration with and outreach to Columbia University faculty and students; and engagement
with D&A’s international audiences of scholars and practitioners.
The Curator is also charged with:
 Managing departmental staff.
 Overseeing conservation, processing and digitization projects executed in collaboration
with other Columbia University Library employees.
 Strengthening core collecting areas and exploring new areas of collection growth,
including the development of born-digital collecting policies and Avery-specific born-
digital workflows.
 Providing course-integrated instruction for D&A, with emphasis on service to the
teaching and research programs of the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and
Preservation (GSAPP) and the Department of Art History and Archaeology.
 Collaborating with Avery’s Head of Exhibitions & Digital Asset Management in response
to external requests for exhibition loans; preparing objects for loans and assigning
insurance values.
 Representing the Department at external venues (e.g., professional conferences) and
within the greater architectural and library communities.
 Developing public programs and events in collaboration with Columbia University faculty
and Avery Library staff that promote awareness and understanding of D & A collections
and bring attention to the contemporary relevance of the collection’s holdings in diverse
ways.
Minimum Qualifications:
 Graduate degree in relevant field (MLIS/MSIS, MA, MS or PhD) and expertise in
American architectural history and theory, with an emphasis on architecture in the United
States.
 Ability to interpret architectural scholarship for the general public.
 Thorough knowledge of architectural records, archival materials, and preservation
practices.
 Strong organizational skills; excellent communication skills.

 Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with diverse groups, across a
complex organization.
Preferred Qualifications:
 Previous project management experience and experience building and stewarding
collections.
 Familiarity with digital project development and management, and digitization and web
technologies.
 Supervisory experience.
 Knowledge of online sources, databases, and sites relating to special collections.
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strongly
encourages individuals of all backgrounds and cultures to consider this position.
Application Instructions
For serious consideration, apply online with your current CV and a letter of interest at:
https://academic.careers.columbia.edu/
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Pay Transparency Disclosure
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including
but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses,
specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and
reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
College / School / Unit
Columbia University in the City of New York
Department
University Libraries
Location
Morningside
Salary Range
$80.950 – $92,920/year
Posted
Nov 8, 2024
Apply By
Open until filled