Exhibits Librarian

Job Description Summary

The Exhibits Librarian works as part of the library-wide exhibits program to deliver thoughtful, accessible, and well-executed public displays that highlight the holdings of Penn Libraries. Reporting to the Director of Exhibits, they coordinate the planning, scheduling, and execution of physical exhibitions. This role is responsible for maintaining exhibit spaces, preparing and organizing exhibit records, images, and tasks associated with installation and deinstallation of exhibits including both physical and virtual library spaces.

The Librarian also participates in meetings with curators and the exhibit committee, maintaining documentation and records, conducting preliminary research on exhibit concepts and materials, and assisting with graphics preparation and coordination with vendors. This position plays a hands-on role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Libraries' robust and dynamic exhibits program. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate the planning, scheduling, and execution of physical exhibitions across library spaces - develop relationships and effective stakeholder communication including prioritization of tasks and deadlines, assist with design and implementation of both physical and virtual components.
• Maintaining exhibit spaces across Penn Libraries, engaging with stakeholders as needed.
• Create and update documentation and records for the exhibits program, including the work of the exhibits committee. Track exhibit tasks, assignments, deadlines, and progress; specifications and images of selected objects; and other related information. Maintain records of completed exhibits.
• Participate in physical installation and deinstallation of exhibits as well as associated digital content.
• Basic printing, cutting, mounting graphics and any associated digital content.
• Coordinate vendor relationships as needed.
• Conduct preliminary research and design: on concepts or themes in support of exhibit development process, materials and methods for minor exhibit fabrication.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• A Master's degree and 0-1 years of relevant experience in a related field (such as art history, museum studies, library science, visual culture, or a similar discipline), or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
• 0 - 1 years of experience supporting exhibitions, collections-based projects, or public-facing cultural programming in a library, museum, archive, or similar setting.

Preferred

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfort working hands-on with exhibition materials and in public-facing spaces.
• Experience using project management or documentation tools (e.g., Airtable, shared file systems, collections or request-management systems) or willingness to learn.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with curators, librarians, students, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Application Requirement

A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

University Library

Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $65,000.00 Annual Rate