Theresa Salazar Curator of The Bancroft Library Western Americana Collection - B

Position Overview Position title : Associate Librarian-Librarian, Career Status or Potential Career Status

Salary range : The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay at appointment. The current scale is linked here : A reasonable estimate is $94,277-$133,296.

Percent time : 100%

Anticipated start : As soon as Spring 2026 (exact start date negotiable).

Position duration : Full‑time career appointment.

Application Window Open date : December 16, 2025

Next review date : Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026 at 11 : 59 pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration.

Final date : Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 at 11 : 59 pm (Pacific Time). Applications after the review date are considered only if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description Job Summary The Bancroft Library seeks a Curator for its Western Americana collections to steward, develop, and interpret an exceptional collection of manuscripts, archives, rare books, photographs, and maps documenting the American West. The Curator will set strategic priorities, lead collection development, engage in teaching, curate exhibitions, build donor relationships, and participate in research services.

This role will work collaboratively with Bancroft colleagues to ensure equitable public access and provide intellectual guidance on acquisition and processing, while fostering inclusive engagement with diverse audiences.

Summary of the Collections The Western Americana Collection documents human activity in Western North America, with a focus on California from earliest days to present. Topics include Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican California; the Gold Rush; mining, transportation, agriculture, economics; land and water use; the environmental movement; labor, politics, and social movements; and religious and utopian communities.

The Environment UC Berkeley Library is a leading research and teaching facility with 20 campus libraries and a collection of over 12 million volumes. The Bancroft Library holds more than 800,000 volumes, 210 million manuscript items, 9 million photographs, 86 000 microforms, 9.4 million digitized files, and 25 000 maps. The library supports 30+ departments annually, mounts public exhibitions, and collaborates with research groups such as the Oral History Center and the Mark Twain Papers.

Job Responsibilities Collection Development and Stewardship : Collaborate to build and steward collections; identify gaps; appraise materials for acquisition; monitor legal and ethical issues; apply stewardship frameworks.

Donor and Community Relations : Establish and maintain dealer and donor relationships; collaborate with Friends, Development Office, and leadership to build philanthropic support.

Technical Services Collaboration : Work with Technical Services on priorities, contract terms, accessioning, cataloging, archival processing, and arrangement.

Research Services and User Support : Promote collection use by faculty, students, researchers, and the public; participate in fellowship selection; ensure excellent service.

Teaching and Instruction : Prepare and lead instruction sessions; develop lesson plans; collaborate on assignments; promote inclusive teaching practices.

Collection Interpretation : Highlight under‑researched materials; interpret for diverse audiences through exhibitions, lectures, tours, publications, and digital initiatives.

Outreach and Communications : Contribute to blogs, social media, publicity, and public events.

Internal Collaboration : Serve on curatorial team; participate in projects, committees, policy decisions, and strategic planning.

External Liaison Work : Liaise with other libraries, museums, and collecting institutions.

Professional Service : Represent Bancroft and contribute to professional organizations.

Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application) : Advanced degree or enrollment in an advanced degree program.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start) :

Advanced degree

3 years of collection development experience acquiring rare books, archives, or pictorial works

Preferred qualifications :

Advanced degree in a field related to the history and culture of the North American West (Ph.D. preferred)

MLS degree from an ALA‑accredited library school or equivalent

Deep understanding of Indigenous histories of the American West

Publication, exhibition, or academic coursework demonstrating knowledge of Western history

Experience with donor relations, copyright laws, ethical acquisition, negotiation of acquisition agreements, curating exhibitions, supporting academic programs, research and teaching trends, archival appraisal, and user‑centered services

Excellent analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

Commitment to the Library’s values; ability to work in languages other than English (Spanish preferred)

We encourage applicants who may not meet all preferred qualifications.

Application Requirements Document requirements :

Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

Reference requirements : 3–5 references (contact information only)

Apply link :

Help contact richard.brown@berkeley.edu

Job Location Berkeley, CA

J-18808-Ljbffr