The Princeton University Library, one of the world's most respected research institutions, serves a diverse community of 6,600 students and 1,100 faculty members with more than 6 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, and 2 million nonprint items. The holdings in its central facility and 15 specialized libraries range from ancient papyri and incunabula to the most advanced electronic databases and digital collections. The Library employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support personnel, complemented by a large student and hourly workforce. More information can be found at the Library's Web site: http://library.princeton.edu
Description: As part of the Princeton University Library’s Islamic Manuscripts Cataloging and Digitization Project (a grant-funded initiative) the Library seeks a Near Eastern Studies specialist. The Manuscripts Division, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, holds approximately 9,500 bound Islamic manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and other languages of the Muslim world written in Arabic script. This constitutes the largest such collection in North America. The primary responsibility of the Islamic Manuscript Cataloger will be to create modern online records for thousands of manuscripts that are now described only in brief or nonstandard fashion. In addition, many other manuscripts have no records whatsoever and require original cataloging. Name authority work, including creating NACO records, is a major feature of the cataloging process. The Islamic Manuscript Cataloger also accessions new acquisitions (approximately 25-30 manuscript volumes per year). This is a challenging position for a Near Eastern studies specialist or librarian seeking to apply advanced skills in a unique research environment. The Islamic Manuscript Cataloger is a member of a project oversight committee of curatorial and technical services staff. The Islamic Manuscript Cataloger will supervise student workers as well as participate in committee work relating to bibliographic description, digitization, and other technical issues. This position reports to the Head of Technical Services for Special Collections.
Qualifications:
Required: Candidates must have excellent reading knowledge of Arabic and demonstrated working experience with either Persian or Ottoman Turkish. A strong academic background in classical Near Eastern Studies and familiarity with classical Islamic texts and paleography are essential. Candidates must be able to apply ALA-LC romanization tables. Demonstrated ability to meet production deadlines and to work collaboratively with technical services and curatorial staff.
Preferred: Advanced degree in Near Eastern Studies or equivalent education and experience, including scholarly or bibliographic work with premodern Islamic manuscripts, and ALA-accredited master’s degree in library science. Knowledge of other relevant languages. Technical services work experience in a research library using an integrated library system. Knowledge and awareness of current trends in the digitization of rare and unique original research materials, and of metadata formats such as MODS and METS. Familiarity with other relevant software tools such as OCLC Connexion, oXygen, Microsoft Access, and Archivists' Toolkit.
Term and Appointment: Funding for a one-year term currently available; longer term possible based on obtaining additional funding as well as mutual agreement of the parties. The successful candidate will be appointed to a professional specialist rank depending upon qualifications and experience for an initial term of one year with the option for annual renewal and will be a member of the Rare Books and Special Collections Department in Firestone Library.
Compensation and Benefits: Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and accomplishments. Two (2) vacation days per month, designated paid holidays. Annuity program (TIAA/CREF or Vanguard), group life insurance, health coverage insurance, disability insurance, and other benefits are available.
Nominations and Applications: Review of applications will begin on October 20, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications (cover letter, resume and the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of three references) will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton website: http://www.princeton.edu/jobs.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable EEO and affirmative action regulations.
