Processing & Instruction Archivist

HIRING NOTE:
The duties, qualifications, and preferences listed in this posting are intended to give applicants an understanding of the core responsibilities of this role, as well as the types of experience and skills that may be beneficial as we grow our program offerings. Candidates need not possess every one of the preferred skills listed or perform all of the duties with equal proficiency on day one. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about supporting our mission to apply, including those from historically underrepresented groups or who have followed less traditional paths to archival work. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to communicate in their cover letter how their experiences fulfill the required qualifications in ways that may not be obvious. This position will be hired at the University of Richmond Pay Grade 7 (Hiring Salary Range $54,413-$69,999)

SUMMARY:

As a member of the Book Arts, Archives, & Rare Books team, the Processing and Instruction Archivist will provide efficient processing and effective instruction services for archival and rare book materials. This position will establish physical and intellectual control over the library’s most distinctive collections through archival processing, creating and editing finding aids, and creating appropriate description based on established archival policies and procedures. This position is also responsible for developing and delivering instruction sessions with those materials within the University and external community to enhance collections and their use with students, faculty, staff, and community researchers. The position may include supporting current and emergent reference and outreach work, including tours, exhibits, presentations, and social media contributions for the department as required. This position may serve on library, university, and community committees. Additionally, this position potentially works a need-based flex schedule that may require some weekends and evenings.

This position reports to the Head of Book Arts, Archives, & Rare Books; it is considered a staff position with the potential for faculty status depending upon qualifications. Faculty status allows both voice and vote in university faculty meetings, eligibility to serve on faculty committees, and to serve as a student advisor; and it acknowledges that those individuals play an active role in the intellectual activities of the University. Faculty status does not carry with it eligibility for tenure or sabbatical, nor does it automatically carry with it faculty rank (Professor, Associate, Assistant Professor, or Instructor), since faculty rank is in a specific academic department, nor does it carry eligibility for other benefits normally assigned to full-time teaching faculty.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Processing and Description:

• Complete arrangement and description of manuscript collections by applying knowledge of appropriate best practices and standards to process archival materials, including arrangement, preservation, description, and access for all record formats within each collection.
• Create EAD finding aids and maintain an accurate and complete collection descriptions and inventories in the collections management system and in other appropriate systems.
• Assist in the development and application of strategies for preservation of materials in the collection.
• Identify records suitable for digitization and/or exhibits and records requiring reformatting.
• Collaborate with library colleagues and divisions to ensure accessibility of physical and digital resources by assisting with metadata creation/application and transfer of digital resources for preservation and access.

Instruction & Outreach:

• Provides instruction with rare book and archival materials as requested, including undergraduate and graduate courses, Osher Life Long Learning Institute courses, and assisting in other division instruction and course design.
• Assists with public service and outreach efforts of the department, including exhibits, tours, blogs, social media, and other projects as requested
• Collaborates with liaison librarians in order to identify current and emerging scholarly projects, areas of inquiry, and pedagogical trends.
• Serves on library, university, and community committees as assigned.
• Pursues opportunities for engagement with the broader professional community and professional development.

Reference:

• Provides in-person reference and research assistance to students, faculty, staff and community patrons using rare book and archival materials, including assisting in staffing open hours in the reading room and tracking requests and usage.
• Provides other research and reference assistance regarding access, handling, and use of rare book and archival materials to a wide variety of patrons including students, faculty, staff, community patrons, and other researchers via mail, email, and phone contacts.

Training & Supervision:

• Assists in training students on best practices, procedures, and systems in support of departmental goals and needs
• May supervise departmental student employees, including hiring, training, scheduling, project management, and support paperwork
• Maintaining a course of personal professional development through active participation in rare book, manuscript, and archives professional associations or other professional activities external to the Libraries.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with best practices and locally-defined procedures for processing, preservation, and use of rare books and archival materials
• Strong research skills in working with historical and archival materials, involving locating and evaluating relevant materials
• Experience in classroom instruction and community engagement with archival and rare book materials
• Interest in or experience with promoting archival collections and historical content via exhibits, social media, blogs, etc.
• Familiarity with library metadata formats used in digital libraries (TEI, Dublin Core, EAD)
• Experience working with digital materials and content management platforms (ArchivesSpace, BePress, Preservica, etc.)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal Skills:

• Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and advanced problem-solving
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment on self-directed projects independently and in collaboration with others
• Ability to be flexible and accommodate faculty and student needs
• Strong public service orientation

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Required Education & experience:

• A.L.A. accredited M.L.S./M.L.I.S. or M.A. in Public History, History, or related field with graduate level education and training in archival and preservation theory and practice.
• At least one year of related library experience and/or training

Preferred Education & experience:

• A second advanced degree (M.A./M.S.) or other additional graduate level education
• Strong working knowledge of ArchivesSpace, Preservica, and/or Alma/Primo
• Demonstrated experience in teaching with primary sources and/or designing instruction-based learning experiences with archival and rare book materials.
• Experience working with and supervising student workers

WORK HOURS:

• Full-time, exempt position
• Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 7.75 hrs./day; 38.75 hrs./week

SALARY STRUCTURE:

Pay Grade 7 (Hiring Range $54,413.00 to $72,093.00 annually)

ABOUT UR:

At the University of Richmond, we’re creative, inclusive, and determined. We’re Spiders, and our mission is to create positive change in the UR community and beyond. Located minutes from downtown Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond (www.richmond.edu) blends the intimacy of a small college with exceptional academic, research, and cultural opportunities usually found only at large institutions. There’s only one place like Richmond.

UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE