VT University Libraries

Special Collections

a unit of the
digital library and archives

Gerrianne Schaad

Curator of Historical Manuscript Collections


In response to the advertisement below, University Libraries gathered an impressive list of applicants. A Search Committee of library faculty and staff as well as one external Virginia Tech faculty member, evaluated the candidates, conducted interviews, and made recommendations to the Dean of Libraries, Eileen Hitchingham. As a result, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Gerrianne Schaad beginning January 10, 2000.


University Libraries at Virginia Tech seeks an energetic, creative librarian who will participate in digital initiatives and promote online access and use of its manuscripts and rare book collections in the Special Collections Department. Collaborating with the department's 3.5 librarians and 2 library assistants, this librarian works in a team environment to build on existing strengths, particularly the International Archive of Women in Architecture, American Civil War, and Norfolk & Western Railway Archives. (see highlights)

The curator oversees over 7,500 linear feet of manuscript and archival records, 50,000 historical photographs, and 60,000 rare books; responsible for receiving, organizing, describing, interpreting, making available, and selectively digitizing; oversees conservation management and preservation of material in all formats; contributes to department policy making and planning for implementation of all aspects of manuscripts work. The position focuses on making special collection materials available; developing online and point-of-use reference and finding tools; coordinating departmental activities and staff who process collections, assign metadata, and scan; oversees on site and online preservation.

The curator reports to the Head Scholarly Communications and Special Collections Department. The position is a twelve month faculty appointment; salary/rank commensurate with experience and credentials. Librarians at Virginia Tech hold faculty continuing appointment.

Qualifications: Experience in providing public service and curating manuscript collections; ALA accredited MLS degree or equivalent; second master's degree preferred; knowledge of manuscript/archive administration including appraisal, processing (arrangement and description), preservation, outreach and donor relations; ability to apply electronic library technologies to the traditional functions of special collections, including access and instructional outreach. Excellent oral and written communications skills; prefer some foreign language skills, preferably German. Candidates must provide credentials and references that give evidence of the ability to work well independently and with colleagues in a rapidly changing and demanding academic environment. Finalists invited for interview must demonstrate communication skills and knowledge of manuscript collection issues through a presentation to library faculty and staff and members of the university community.

Benefits: Option of six different retirement plans or State of Virginia retirement plan, various choices of state health insurance care coverage through Trigon Blue-Cross/Blue Shield, choice of two sick leave/disability plans, life insurance coverage, 24 days annual leave, and tax shelter annuities available through payroll deductions.

The Virginia Tech Libraries is known for leadership and innovation in using technologies to provide services to its community of users. It is the home of the Scholarly Communication Project which includes electronic journals and the nationally funded ETD (Electronic Theses and Dissertations) project, ILLIAD a paperless interloan borrowing service, and NetBasics, a collaborative service with other Information Systems units to introduce students to technologies and resources for learning. The Libraries is one of the founding members of VIVA, the Virtual Library of Virginia, a consortia to increase academic access to electronic resources and to support collaborative collection development activities. Additional information can be found about the University Libraries at http://www.lib.vt.edu

Virginia Tech is the land grant university for the Commonwealth of Virginia with approximately 23,000 undergraduates and 3,300 graduate students. The university is located in Blacksburg, home of Blacksburg Electronic Village, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains accessible to several major metropolitan areas.

Virginia Tech has a strong commitment to the principle of diversity and is an affirmative action, equal-employment employer and encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Applications: Send letters of application, resume, and names, addresses (including email), and telephone numbers of at least three references to: Cathy Pillow, Personnel Services, University Libraries, Virginia Tech, P.O. Box 9001, Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should notify Ms. Pillow. Review of applications will begin August 10, 1999.


http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/staff/gailmac/Curator.html
June 28, 1999; updated Nov. 10, 1999 (GMc)