Inside Higher Ed
Theresa Salazar Curator of The Bancroft Library Western Americana Collection - B
Inside Higher Ed, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Position Overview
Position title: Associate Librarian‑Librarian, Career Status or Potential Career Status
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and salary point at appointment. A reasonable estimate for this position is $94,277–$133,296.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: As soon as Spring 2026 (exact start date negotiable).
Position duration: This is a full‑time career appointment.
Application window:
Open date
December 16, 2025. Review date
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Final date
Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after the review date will be considered only if the position has not yet been filled.
Job Summary The Bancroft Library seeks a Curator for its Western Americana collections to serve as a creative, user‑centered, and collaborative professional in stewarding, developing, and interpreting the library's exceptional collection of manuscripts, archives, rare books, photographs, and maps documenting the American West. The Curator will determine strategic priorities for the Western Americana collection, lead collection development, engage in teaching with the collections, curate exhibitions, build sustainable relationships with donors, and participate in research services activities.
Building on the existing staff, including a University Archivist, Curator of Latin Americana Collections, Curator of Pictorial Collections, and Curator of Rare Books and Literary Manuscripts, the Curator will ensure equitable and wide public access to newly acquired and existing collections, while offering intellectual guidance on acquisition and processing. The role requires demonstrated experience working with diverse racial, ethnic, religious, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach.
Summary of the Collections The Western Americana Collection at The Bancroft Library documents the history of human activity in Western North America, with the greatest emphasis on California, from the earliest days to the present. The collection provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore primary and secondary sources about the social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural development of the western half of the United States.
Topical strengths include materials documenting Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican California; exploration of the Pacific Coast and the American West; the California Gold Rush and subsequent settlement; economic development (mining, transport, lumber, agriculture, commerce); land and water use; the environmental movement; labor; urban development; politics and social movements; and religious and utopian communities.
Environment The UC Berkeley Library is an internationally renowned research and teaching facility at one of the nation's premier public universities. A highly diverse and intellectually rich environment, Berkeley serves a campus community of 33,070 undergraduate students, 12,812 graduate students, and 1,525 faculty. The library comprises 20 campus libraries, including The Bancroft Library, and offers extensive collections in all formats and robust services to connect users with the collections and build their research skills.
With a collection of more than 12 million volumes and a collections budget of over $15 million, the library maintains rare materials under the stewardship of the Bancroft Library, which holds more than 800,000 volumes, 210 million manuscript items, 9 million photographs and other pictorial materials, 86,000 microforms, 9.4 million digital files, and 25,000 maps.
Job Responsibilities
Collection Development and Stewardship: Work collaboratively to build and steward collections of lasting importance, relevance, and interconnectivity, identifying historic gaps and areas of strategic opportunity. Appraise and select materials for acquisition through donation or purchase across manuscripts, archives, visual materials, digital media, and all formats of print materials.
Donor and Community Relations: Establish and maintain dealer and donor relations. Foster collaborative relationships with communities and individuals whose histories are documented in the collections. Partner with Bancroft Library leadership, the Friends of The Bancroft Library, and UC Berkeley Library Development Office colleagues to build and nurture philanthropic support.
Technical Services Collaboration: Collaborate with Bancroft Technical Services on collection priorities, facilitation of contract terms and collection fund allocations, appraisal and accessioning, cataloging, archival processing, and appropriate levels of arrangement and description.
Research Services and User Support: Foster collection use by faculty, students, researchers, and the general public from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Participate in the fellowship selection committee. Ensure excellent service, friendly reception, and positive research interactions for researchers of all skill levels.
Teaching and Instruction: Prepare and lead instruction sessions, including material evaluation and selection, lesson plan development, and collaboration with faculty on assignments and learning outcomes. Promote inclusive teaching practices and accessibility in service and program development. Strengthen instructional collaborations across the university and integrate collections into new and existing classes and programs.
Collection Interpretation: Highlight under‑researched materials and broaden the scope of historical narratives through collecting, interpretation, and programming. Interpret collections for diverse audiences through exhibitions, lectures, public talks, tours, presentations, conferences, publications, and digital initiatives. Develop public programs and events in collaboration with Bancroft staff and library colleagues.
Outreach and Communications: Contribute to outreach activities, blogs, social media, library publicity, and public events.
Internal Collaboration: Function as part of a curatorial team sustaining collection development, scholarly and educational outreach, description, digitization, preservation, and research. Participate in library projects, committees, policy decisions, and strategic planning.
External Liaison Work: Serve as liaison with other library selectors, relevant library and academic departments, and other campus museums and collecting institutions.
Professional Service: Represent the Bancroft and contribute to professional organizations at local, regional, national, and international levels.
Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Advanced degree or enrolled 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
Understanding of the history, cultures, and multiple transnational migrations in the American West, and demonstrated cultural competencies in the histories and cultures of Indigenous North America
Record of publications, exhibitions, and/or academic coursework demonstrating significant knowledge of the history of the American West and current themes and areas of scholarship
Experience and success with donor relations
Awareness of copyright laws and permissions, legal, and ethical issues in acquiring cultural heritage materials
Demonstrated success in negotiating complex acquisition agreements and purchases
Experience in curating exhibitions, individually and as part of a team
Proven success in supporting academic programs of research, teaching, and public exhibitions
Experience with research and teaching trends, methods, and best practices related to special collections
Demonstrated familiarity with developments in the field relating to managing and stewarding archival materials, including archival appraisal, accessioning, and processing
Demonstrated dedication to user‑centered services, with experience working respectfully and effectively with diverse communities
Excellent analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, proactively, and constructively
Commitment to positive, solution‑driven responses to challenges; ability to work as a member of a team
Demonstrated commitment to the Library's values
Ability to work in languages other than English (Spanish preferred)
Application Requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference requirements
3–5 references (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05229
Help contact: richard.brown@berkeley.edu
Job location: Berkeley, CA
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's affirmative action and nondiscrimination policies and the UC anti‑harassment policies.
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. The applicable UC policies include UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy, and APM‑035 (Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment).
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Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and salary point at appointment. A reasonable estimate for this position is $94,277–$133,296.
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: As soon as Spring 2026 (exact start date negotiable).
Position duration: This is a full‑time career appointment.
Application window:
Open date
December 16, 2025. Review date
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Final date
Thursday, Apr 30, 2026 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after the review date will be considered only if the position has not yet been filled.
Job Summary The Bancroft Library seeks a Curator for its Western Americana collections to serve as a creative, user‑centered, and collaborative professional in stewarding, developing, and interpreting the library's exceptional collection of manuscripts, archives, rare books, photographs, and maps documenting the American West. The Curator will determine strategic priorities for the Western Americana collection, lead collection development, engage in teaching with the collections, curate exhibitions, build sustainable relationships with donors, and participate in research services activities.
Building on the existing staff, including a University Archivist, Curator of Latin Americana Collections, Curator of Pictorial Collections, and Curator of Rare Books and Literary Manuscripts, the Curator will ensure equitable and wide public access to newly acquired and existing collections, while offering intellectual guidance on acquisition and processing. The role requires demonstrated experience working with diverse racial, ethnic, religious, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach.
Summary of the Collections The Western Americana Collection at The Bancroft Library documents the history of human activity in Western North America, with the greatest emphasis on California, from the earliest days to the present. The collection provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore primary and secondary sources about the social, political, economic, environmental, and cultural development of the western half of the United States.
Topical strengths include materials documenting Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican California; exploration of the Pacific Coast and the American West; the California Gold Rush and subsequent settlement; economic development (mining, transport, lumber, agriculture, commerce); land and water use; the environmental movement; labor; urban development; politics and social movements; and religious and utopian communities.
Environment The UC Berkeley Library is an internationally renowned research and teaching facility at one of the nation's premier public universities. A highly diverse and intellectually rich environment, Berkeley serves a campus community of 33,070 undergraduate students, 12,812 graduate students, and 1,525 faculty. The library comprises 20 campus libraries, including The Bancroft Library, and offers extensive collections in all formats and robust services to connect users with the collections and build their research skills.
With a collection of more than 12 million volumes and a collections budget of over $15 million, the library maintains rare materials under the stewardship of the Bancroft Library, which holds more than 800,000 volumes, 210 million manuscript items, 9 million photographs and other pictorial materials, 86,000 microforms, 9.4 million digital files, and 25,000 maps.
Job Responsibilities
Collection Development and Stewardship: Work collaboratively to build and steward collections of lasting importance, relevance, and interconnectivity, identifying historic gaps and areas of strategic opportunity. Appraise and select materials for acquisition through donation or purchase across manuscripts, archives, visual materials, digital media, and all formats of print materials.
Donor and Community Relations: Establish and maintain dealer and donor relations. Foster collaborative relationships with communities and individuals whose histories are documented in the collections. Partner with Bancroft Library leadership, the Friends of The Bancroft Library, and UC Berkeley Library Development Office colleagues to build and nurture philanthropic support.
Technical Services Collaboration: Collaborate with Bancroft Technical Services on collection priorities, facilitation of contract terms and collection fund allocations, appraisal and accessioning, cataloging, archival processing, and appropriate levels of arrangement and description.
Research Services and User Support: Foster collection use by faculty, students, researchers, and the general public from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Participate in the fellowship selection committee. Ensure excellent service, friendly reception, and positive research interactions for researchers of all skill levels.
Teaching and Instruction: Prepare and lead instruction sessions, including material evaluation and selection, lesson plan development, and collaboration with faculty on assignments and learning outcomes. Promote inclusive teaching practices and accessibility in service and program development. Strengthen instructional collaborations across the university and integrate collections into new and existing classes and programs.
Collection Interpretation: Highlight under‑researched materials and broaden the scope of historical narratives through collecting, interpretation, and programming. Interpret collections for diverse audiences through exhibitions, lectures, public talks, tours, presentations, conferences, publications, and digital initiatives. Develop public programs and events in collaboration with Bancroft staff and library colleagues.
Outreach and Communications: Contribute to outreach activities, blogs, social media, library publicity, and public events.
Internal Collaboration: Function as part of a curatorial team sustaining collection development, scholarly and educational outreach, description, digitization, preservation, and research. Participate in library projects, committees, policy decisions, and strategic planning.
External Liaison Work: Serve as liaison with other library selectors, relevant library and academic departments, and other campus museums and collecting institutions.
Professional Service: Represent the Bancroft and contribute to professional organizations at local, regional, national, and international levels.
Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Advanced degree or enrolled 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
Understanding of the history, cultures, and multiple transnational migrations in the American West, and demonstrated cultural competencies in the histories and cultures of Indigenous North America
Record of publications, exhibitions, and/or academic coursework demonstrating significant knowledge of the history of the American West and current themes and areas of scholarship
Experience and success with donor relations
Awareness of copyright laws and permissions, legal, and ethical issues in acquiring cultural heritage materials
Demonstrated success in negotiating complex acquisition agreements and purchases
Experience in curating exhibitions, individually and as part of a team
Proven success in supporting academic programs of research, teaching, and public exhibitions
Experience with research and teaching trends, methods, and best practices related to special collections
Demonstrated familiarity with developments in the field relating to managing and stewarding archival materials, including archival appraisal, accessioning, and processing
Demonstrated dedication to user‑centered services, with experience working respectfully and effectively with diverse communities
Excellent analytical, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, proactively, and constructively
Commitment to positive, solution‑driven responses to challenges; ability to work as a member of a team
Demonstrated commitment to the Library's values
Ability to work in languages other than English (Spanish preferred)
Application Requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Reference requirements
3–5 references (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05229
Help contact: richard.brown@berkeley.edu
Job location: Berkeley, CA
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's affirmative action and nondiscrimination policies and the UC anti‑harassment policies.
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. The applicable UC policies include UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy, and APM‑035 (Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment).
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