The National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) is looking for a dynamic and personable individual to join our team as the George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Curator of Library Collections. The position oversees the Library’s F. Ambrose Clark Rare Book Room, two Reading Rooms, and the Archives, and reports to the Executive Director. This position requires experience with researching, handling, and interpreting museum objects or rare books. This is a forward-facing role, representing the NSLM’s mission and the Library’s significant collections, with a focus on attracting broader communities.

Responsibilities include designing and presenting exhibitions drawing from the Library collections dating back from 1523 to the present, incorporating Museum holdings and exhibition themes when possible, with an emphasis on the quality and variety of fine examples in the NLSM’s rare book collection. Additionally, this position works with the Education department to create engaging adult and K-12 programs to foster sustainable engagement with Library materials for future generations.

Other important core duties include researching and conducting topical presentations, as well as developing and giving tours to a variety of audiences. The George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Curator of Library Collections plays an integral role in development efforts in the form of private tours to current and prospective donors, targeted outreach efforts, and special events.

The Curator of Library Collections hones internal policies and procedures to increase the visibility of collection materials to the public. The position leads the Library’s efforts to maintain object security, manage the reference desk, oversee interlibrary loans, and provide individualized research support to NSLM John H. Daniels Fellows and Library visitors.

In addition to encouraging in-person experiences, this position prioritizes digitization of unscanned works with a goal of broader collections access, from scholastic to browsing purposes. A book cradle digitization station, flatbed scanner, and camera, as well as training in or supervision thereof are available.

The Curator of Library Collections reaches out to rare books, equestrian, angling, and other field sport communities to encourage visits, promote the use of archival resources, and support scholarship which incorporates materials from the NSLM collections, providing both digital and in-person access.

Knowledge of cataloging standards and the ability to write bibliographically accurate descriptions of rare books, manuscripts, and related printed collectible materials for social media, membership communication, and other publications is preferred.

The Curator of Library Collections conducts cataloging into NSLM’s proprietary database, Soutron Global. Professional development will be provided to learn about and improve upon the current system.

The ability to write professional and engaging descriptions of collection items for social media, membership communication, presentations, newsletters, and other publications is required.

In conjunction with the Board of Directors, the Curator of Library Collections will work directly with the Library & Book Acquisitions Committee regarding book acquisitions, public programs such as lectures, the duplicate book sale, and exhibitions for the Forrest E. Mars, Sr. Exhibit Hall. The individual will work with rare book dealers and auction houses to achieve collection development goals. The position will oversee the John H. Daniels Fellowship Program and will contribute to grant writing efforts with the development, education, and curatorial teams.

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