University Archivist - West Virginia & Regional History Center, WVU Libraries
About the role
The University Archivist will lead the development of a comprehensive University Archives program at West Virginia University, housed within the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC).
Responsibilities
Develop strategic priorities and plans for the West Virginia University archives.
Serve as the primary point of contact for university units, including administrative offices, academic departments, and student organizations, as well as individual donors, such as faculty, alumni, and students, regarding the appraisal and transfer of archival records.
Conduct site visits to assess, appraise, and document potential accessions in alignment with the WVU Record Retention Policy & Schedule, including both physical and born-digital materials.
Determine appropriate steward of records and help ensure representation of faculty and student research outputs in the Institutional Repository.
Coordinate physical and digital transfer logistics, including preparing materials and assisting with scheduling.
Prepare and document donor agreements and records transfer documentation.
Coordinate accessioning, processing, and digital archiving priorities and operations to ensure efficient arrangement and description of university records.
Prepare and support accurate and up-to-date donor files, accession records, and finding aids in appropriate databases.
Select and recommend university archives for preservation and/or digitization.
Collaboratively develop and maintain policies, procedures, and workflows related to university archives in compliance with professional standards.
Develop and implement assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of University archives services, resources, and initiatives.
Lead areas under direction in proactively identifying and responding to emerging trends in university archives, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs and expectations of WVU’s students, faculty, and researchers.
Qualifications
A Master's degree from an ALA accredited program for library and information science (or equivalent); concentration in archival studies preferred.
Three (3) or more years post-MLS experience working in an archival repository or special collections unit.
Demonstrated knowledge of archival processes and standards in appraisal, arrangement, and description.
Knowledge of national standards and best practices for the description of archival materials (DACS, EAD), authority control, and other data content and structure standards relevant to archival control.
Working knowledge of standards related to electronic records, digital objects, and metadata (Dublin Core), and knowledge of various digital content formats and standards.
Demonstrated project planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong oral and written communication and critical thinking skills.
Ability to work in a collaborative and collegial manner.
Experience providing outreach to students, faculty, or community groups.
Cultural competency and interest in participating in discussions and initiatives that reflect the WVRHC’s commitment to expanding and supporting a diverse historical record.
Record of engagement with professional groups and activities and/or contributions to the profession.