Employment Information Package
Curator of Islamic Collections
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Job Title:
Curator of Islamic Collections
Grade:
Assistant Keeper Grade I
Reports to:
Head of Collections
Location:
Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dublin, Ireland
Date:
April 2017
The Chester Beatty Library
The Chester Beatty Library contains a world famous collection of manuscripts, prints, miniature
paintings, early printed books and objets d’art from countries across Asia, the Middle East,
North Africa and Europe. The Collection is principally focused on the written word and its
associated painted and printed images.
The Chester Beatty Library is one of Ireland’s national cultural institutions. It is a public
charitable trust established under the will of the late Sir Alfred Chester Beatty and is governed
by a Board of Trustees. Our mission is to maintain and preserve the Library’s collections and to
make them available in the most appropriate ways for the use and enjoyment of the public and
for scholarly study and research, in order to promote a wider appreciation and understanding
of the international cultural heritage embodied in the collections and to foster relations
between Ireland and the peoples whose cultures are represented in the collections.
The Islamic Collections include over 6,000 individual items, mainly manuscripts in Arabic,
Persian and Turkish and single-page paintings and calligraphies, supplemented by a small
assortment of objects, dating from the late eighth to the early twentieth century. They include
some of the greatest documents of Islamic art and culture ever produced.
The Library’s Islamic manuscripts are amongst the finest in existence and are internationally
renowned for the overall high quality and scope of the material. Together they illustrate in
exquisite form and detail the history and development of all aspects of the Islamic book:
calligraphy, illumination, miniature painting and bookbinding.
For more information on the Chester Beatty Library, its holdings and a full schedule of events
and activities please visit www.cbl.ie.
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Summary Job Purpose
The Library is seeking an experienced senior professional to curate and manage the Islamic
Collections of the Library and to implement the Library’s strategic priorities relating to these
Collections; to engage with relevant research communities; to understand user needs and
reflect these needs in content development and interpretation.
The CBL is a collegial organisation and the holder of the post will be expected to work in close
consultation with his/her professional colleagues.
The Curator will report directly to the Head of Collections and sit on both the Collections Team
and Management Team of the Library. There is currently no assistant curatorial post in this area
of the Collection.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
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develop, coordinate and rotate displays in the permanent exhibition galleries
develop, curate and project manage special temporary exhibitions
assist colleagues with co-ordination of outgoing loans and act as a courier when required
facilitate access to the collection for visiting researchers and special interest groups
keep abreast of research trends and the changing needs of researchers in relation to the
collections, including attendance at relevant conferences
make a personal contribution to the CBL’s research and publishing reputation
oversee ongoing, and develop new, projects for the publication of aspects of the Islamic
Collections
continue ongoing documentation of the Islamic Collections in the collections management
database (Adlib)
manage the Library’s Arabic Manuscripts Project for the production of a catalogue of more
than 2,600 manuscripts
manage the Library’s Islamic Seals Database
respond to queries from the scholarly community and general public in relation to the
Islamic collections and the cultures they represent
give public lectures on relevant aspects of the Collection
collaborate with the Education Department in the generation of educational material and
special events and provide training of volunteer guides
advise on the prioritisation of the Collection for conservation and digitisation
contribute to the implementation of internal audit recommendations
engage with marketing colleagues in relation to PR and media queries on the Islamic
Collections
such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Head of Collections or
Director.
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Required Skills
Essential
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The minimum requirement for the post is the possession of a postgraduate university
degree in the area of manuscript studies related to the Islamic Collections, or related
discipline
Demonstrated research interest in one of the areas covered under the Islamic Collections
Good spoken and written Arabic and/or Persian
Experience (minimum five years) of working in a museum, research library, academic or
other relevant environment
Understanding of the ethical issues associated with collections care
Ability to manage complex workloads and to meet deadlines under pressure
Excellent English verbal and written skills
Good computer skills are necessary as is experience with Adlib or a comparable collection
management system
Flexible approach, able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and on own initiative
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate diplomatically and effectively at
all levels, both internally and with external contacts
An interest in and commitment to the work of the Chester Beatty Library
Desirable
 Proven record of academic publication in the field of manuscript studies
 Knowledge of the collections of the Chester Beatty Library
 Experience of exhibition development
 Experience of effectively overseeing the delivery of projects
 Experience of successfully exploring and developing collaborations with both the museum
and academic sectors
 Good professional network
 Understanding of new developments in digitisation and new and emerging research trends
and methodologies
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Salary
In line with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on public
service pay, the salary for this position will differ for new entrants from outside the Irish
public/civil service and for existing Irish civil/public servants.
New Entrants outside the Irish public/civil service:
An incremental salary scale applies and all new entrants from outside the Irish public/civil
service will be required to commence employment at the minimum point of the scale which is
€61,523 per annum. They will also be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
Existing Irish public/civil servants:
For existing Irish public/civil servants, the salary scale of €58,534 to €65,793 applies, subject to
approval of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. However the entrant will be
required to commence employment at the minimum point of the scale €58,534 per annum.
Annual Leave
The annual leave allowance will be 29 working days a year, subject to the usual conditions
regarding the granting of annual leave, is on the basis of a five day week and is exclusive of the
usual public holidays.
Application Instructions
To apply, interested candidates should submit a cover letter expressing interest in the position
and outlining relevant experience, together with a complete curriculum vitae and the names
and contact information (mail, e-mail and telephone numbers) of three professional referees
to:
Mary Corless
Human Resources Manager
Chester Beatty Library
Dublin Castle
Dublin DO2 AD92
Ireland
Or by email to: [email protected] with “Curator” in the subject line
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 19 May 2017
Canvassing will disqualify.
Referees will not be contacted until the search committee has informed the candidate of doing so.
The Chester Beatty Library is an equal opportunities employer.
Please note: All data received relating to the application will be held in line with the Library’s record retention policy.
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