Reference and Archives Librarian

About the role

Provides reference and instruction services for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visiting scholars. Processes collections using archival accessioning techniques; provides services to researchers; identifies archival materials needing repair and conservation; ensures use of proper preservation techniques; shelves materials; prepares information and collections for web-based use; and performs any other function necessary to the operation of the University Archives.

Responsibilities

• Staffs scheduled hours at the main reference desk, providing in-person and virtual reference/instruction assistance to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visiting scholars.
• Manages the day-to-day activities of the University Archives, including supervision of student assistants.
• Buils and manages university archive record groups and unit-related digital collections.
• Applies and promulgates standards and best practices in providing access to archival and manuscript collections through finding aids, catalog records, and other descriptive means; provides hands-on support for the arrangement and description of archival and manuscript collections, and provides reference, consultation, and instruction services related to University Archives collections.
• Develops methods for maintaining and tracking statistical records of unit operations and use of collections, particularly student use of primary source materials; creates and coordinates exhibitions, public programs, and publications that promote the University and the use of the University Archives, and pursues grant funding and development opportunities to support University Archives activities.
• Consults with area institutions to assist with their archival programs.

Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library and information science program or equivalent accredited graduate archives management program. A candidate without the required master’s degree must currently be enrolled in an accredited program and demonstrate a plan to complete the degree within 18 months of hire.
• Solid knowledge of library and archival computer applications.
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Three (3) years of experience in a library and working with archival materials.

Skills and Abilities

• Handle highly confidential material, understanding that all University information should only be disclosed to others who have a need to know, for legitimate business reasons.
• Exercise and apply sound judgment and decision making skills as well as the ability to maintain integrity and confidentiality of data.
• Commitment to academic programs of distinction serving undergraduate and graduate students by providing notable library services and learning resources to support learning, instruction and the pursuit of academic achievement.
• Distinct knowledge of archival descriptive cataloging principles, experience working with archival database applications, web-based technologies, digitization technologies and standards.
• Knowledge of archival theory, methods and practices; knowledge of preservation techniques; skill in deciphering deteriorated or poor quality printed matter, handwritten manuscripts, photographs, or film; ability to understand the content of documents and the context in which they are created.
• Collaborates in setting policy determining preservation practices, reproduction and usage fees, research use of the collections, and copyright issues involved in digitization.
• Provide reference and retrieval services for students, faculty and other researchers.
• Educates faculty and students in use of primary research material by in-class presentations to illustrate materials available for public use, develop pride in the University through understanding of its history and changing role, and explain the purpose and function of the University Archives.
• Collaborates with departments and program units in the University to achieve the University’s strategic goals.
• Ability to analyze projects and proposals; develop policy; and ability to shift quickly between several tasks without loss of continuity while balancing priorities to accomplish assigned tasks within the required time frame.

Supplemental Functions

Other duties as assigned or as identified by employee.

Benefits

• Full Benefit package
• 403b Retirement Plan + 10% Employer contribution after 2 years
• Health Insurance with $250 Wellness card
• Dental Insurance
• Employer Paid Life insurance
• Short-term Disability
• Employee Paid Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free access to campus fitness center
• 2 free Division 1 Men’s Basketball Season tickets
• Golf course membership discount
• Other National and Local discounts available