Librarian: Special Collections / Artist Books (AD09) at University of the Witwatersrand

Purpose

• Work with the Director of the Book Arts Centre and WAM curators to acquire, catalogue, store, exhibit, research and make accessible the special artists’ books collection at the Jack Ginsberg Centre for Book Arts at WAM. 

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Develop, promote and take care of all the components of the special collection including artists’ books, items about the artists book art form, art monographs, and related items
• Catalogue and house items according to accepted protocols, including custom-making necessary storage containers, applying preventative conservation, maintaining the bespoke database and digitizing the collection
• Develop and implement related public engagement programmes
• Provide a reference inquiry and information retrieval service for researchers
• Create exhibitions programme and curate material selected according to conceptual framework
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Brief Description        
Requirements

• A Bachelor degree or equivalent diploma in art or similar disciplines and at least two years work related experience.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies would be an advantage
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Practical skills pertaining to handling artists books and their case
• Demonstrable interest in the arts and museums

Personal attributes

• Excellent time management and organisational skills, ability to multi-task and prioritise effectively
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a small, busy, passionate and dedicated team
• Basic computer literacy with specialist collections database ability; 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; 
• Strong service orientation; ability to work closely with University academic staff and students under pressure

Application closing date: 13 February 2026