We're Hiring!

Position Function:

Mississippi State University Libraries invites applications for an innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking Curator of Rare Books and Mississippiana. This is an exceptional opportunity for a librarian, archivist, public historian, or museum professional who is passionate about preserving cultural heritage while expanding access to unique collections through teaching, research, exhibitions, and public engagement.

As Curator, you will help shape the future of one of the nation's fastest-riding research libraries. Rather than simply maintaining established collections, you will play a central role in developing new collecting priorities, connecting distinctive resources with scholars and students, and creating innovative opportunities for discovery that advance Mississippi State University's research, teaching, and land-grant mission.

The Curator of Rare Books and Mississippiana will join an ambitious and collaborative faculty dedicated to building the next generation of research library services. This position offers and unusual opportunity to influence collection development, strengthen community partnerships, mentor students, contribute to scholarship, and help define the future of special collections at a university making substantial investments in research excellence and cultural stewardship.

This is a 12-month, tenure-track faculty appointment reporting to the Associate Dean of Archives and Special Collections. Faculty members contribute through librarianship, scholarship, and professional service while working in a collaborative environment that values innovation, intellectual curiosity, and student success.

Salary Grade:  UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

Mississippi State University is a Carnegie R1, land-grant institution committed to solving complex challenges through research, education, and service. As the newest member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Mississippi State University Libraries is undergoing a remarkable period of growth and transformation. Over the past several years, the University Libraries have reimagined spaces, expanded research support services, invested in new faculty and professional positions, strengthened digital scholarship initiatives, and elevated Archives and Special Collections as a strategic priority for the university.

MSU Archives and Special Collections is home to nationally and internationally recognized resources. These collections are increasingly integrated into classroom instruction, faculty research, public programming, exhibitions, and digital initiatives that serve researchers across the nation and around the world.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

August 16, 2026

Tenure Track Status:

Tenured or Tenure-Track 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Curator of Rare Books and Mississippiana will:
- Lead the development, stewardship, and long-term growth of the Rare Books and Mississippiana collections, including genealogy resources, historic newspapers, and microfilm collections.
- Provide research consultations, instructional sessions, and reference services that connect students, faculty, visiting scholars, and community researchers with primary source materials.
- Collaborate with faculty across disciplines to integrate rare books and special collections into teaching, learning, and original research.
- Develop exhibitions, public programs, and outreach initiatives that broaden awareness and use of the collections.
- Oversee collection management activities, including acquisition, preservation, description, access, and responsible deaccessioning.
- Supervise graduate assistants, student employees, interns, and volunteers.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the Libraries to advance digital scholarship, public engagement, and research support initiatives.
- Maintain an active program of scholarship and professional service consistent with a tenure-track faculty appointment.
- Contribute to the delivery of high-quality public services by participating in the Archives and Special Collections Reading Room back up service rotation.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Master's degree in library and information studies or doctoral degree in museum studies, public history, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Teaching experience, experience with exhibits, and/or experience supervising students and volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Knowledge of best practices and professional standards for the curation of rare books and archival materials (care/handling, cataloging, preservation, etc.)
- Must be detail oriented and have excellent communication skills (oral/written/interpersonal)
- Must have project management skills (organizing/planning/prioritizing/problem solving)
- Must be able to work well with deadlines; work independently; and work collaboratively with diverse colleagues and stakeholders
- Ability to meet promotion and tenure requirements as a library faculty member
- Knowledge of the history of the book, print as material culture, and/or Mississippi history
- Knowledge of book cataloging standards, best practices, and software (MARC, etc.)
- Knowledge of book preservation and stack maintenance standards

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment with no or very little physical effort or exposure to physical risk.

Instructions for Applying:

To be considered an applicant, you must apply online at Mississippi State University's website and submit the following in order for your application to be complete:
1. Cover letter addressing experience and qualifications;
2. a curriculum vitae; and
3. the names and contact information including phone numbers of at least three (3) professional references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.