University Archivist

We intend to hire for one position at either the Specialist Librarian classification (PLB2/4A) requisition #22001175 or the Expert Librarian classification (PLB3/5A), requisition #22001173, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your cover letter the classification level (Specialist or Expert) you wish to be considered for or indicate both. See required qualifications for more information on classification level requirements.

The University of Iowa Libraries seeks a forward-thinking and service-oriented archivist to serve as University Archivist. Under the general direction of the Director of Special Collections & Archives, the University Archivist develops, manages, promotes, and makes accessible the University Archives, including official records and faculty papers; advises on and implements accessioning and delivery of born-digital materials; serves as a resource on the history of the University and its archives for the public; is involved in instruction and outreach activities; and assists in the development of digitization and digital collections projects in accordance with the Libraries’ strategic plan.

As a member of the Special Collections & Archives collections group, the University Archivist collaborates with curators and archivists in other repositories—Special Collections, the Iowa Women’s Archives, and the Archives of the Avant-Garde—and plays an active role in departmental policy-setting and management. The Archivist works with digital preservation staff to ensure preservation of and access to digitized and born-digital materials, and with public services staff to ensure prompt responses to questions around University Archives collections. They collaborate with other processing staff to advise on and maintain efficient and consistent practices in accessioning, ArchivesSpace DACS-compliant metadata, and stacks management. They also work with Libraries staff outside of the department to contribute to successful project planning and management in such units as Cataloging-Metadata, Conservation & Collections Care, and Digital Scholarship & Publishing. As a member of the University’s Records Management Committee, the Archivist identifies records series eligible for permanent retention. The Archivist is active professionally, both on and off campus, and will have a public presence on campus.

The Archivist supervises two full time positions: the Community and Student Life Archivist, and the Archives Assistant.

Duties:

  • Lead the University Archives in collection development work, including work with transferring units, donors, and prospective donors of record groups and papers.
  • Oversee and implement appraisal decisions, organization, and description of collections according to current best practices.
  • Supervise and oversee the activities of the Community and Student Life Archivist and the Archives Assistant.
  • Liaise with financial donors and prospective donors, in coordination with the Director of Special Collections & Archives and the Libraries’ Director of Development.
  • Support the department’s instruction and outreach program, including working with university faculty to increase usage of resources in support of learning and research, and creating exhibits, publications, and programs that highlight collections.
  • Advise on and adhere to the Department’s collection development policy and other policies.
  • Maintain the Archives’ record of provenance and accessions.
  • Contribute to grant proposals as appropriate based on departmental and Libraries priorities.
  • Provide reference assistance via email, phone, and in person at the reading room desk.
  • Collaborate with colleagues working in areas of collection development, archival and manuscript processing, preservation, digitization, and instruction
  • Keep abreast of developments in archival standards and trends, applying new rules, interpretations, and techniques as appropriate.
  • Actively supports the University of Iowa Libraries commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) in the workplace.
  • Additional job duties as assigned based on individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Application Details:

In order to be eligible for interview, applicants must upload the following and mark them as “relevant files” when you upload the documents:

  • Current resume
  • Cover letter that clearly addresses how you meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
  • Statement regarding diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. The University of Iowa Libraries welcomes and serves all, including people of color from all nations, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+, and the most vulnerable in our community. We safeguard the human right to access information. We offer educational resources that promote diversity, equity, access, and inclusion, and we strive to build collections that reflect all points of view on current and historical issues. Include an applicant statement to include examples of ways you have advanced diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in the workplace or community or provide other evidence of your demonstrated commitment to diversity.


The Libraries will be filling this position at one of two levels. The Specialist Librarian classification salary range is $52,500 – $65,000, and the Expert Librarian classification salary range is $55,000 – $85,000. You must indicate in your cover letter the level of classification (Specialist Librarian and/or Expert Librarian) you wish to be considered for or indicate both.

This position will be posted through at least February 21st and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and degree verification.

Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

Required Qualifications

Education:

  • A graduate degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent, archival studies, or a related field with a focus on archives management.

Experience:

  • For Specialist Librarian: a minimum of two years of full-time experience in archives, preferably at an academic institution, is required.
  • For Expert Librarian: a minimum of four years of full-time experience in archives, preferably at an academic institution, is required.
  • Knowledge of and experience in implementing current trends and best practices in the archival field, including familiarity with technologies and best practices in core functions such as appraisal, description, digitization, preservation, and access.
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and with internal and external constituencies, such as students, faculty, staff, researchers, and members of the public at large.
  • A record of accomplishment in the area of scholarship and/or professional service activities.
  • Understanding of the value of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, particularly as they pertain to the appraisal and description of information resources.

Preferred:

  • Archival certification including but not limited to the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA), the Society of American Archivists (SAA), or substantial coursework in archives or records management.
  • A second graduate degree in the humanities.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • An interest in the history of the University of Iowa.
  • Experience working with tools and technologies such as ArchivesSpace, institutional repositories (IR), and Aeon.

Additional Information
Classification Title: Expert Librarian
Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
Schedule: Full-time
Compensation
Pay Level: 5A
Starting Salary Minimum: 55000
Starting Salary Maximum: 85000
Contact Information
Organization: Libraries
Contact Name: Andrea Rost
Contact Email: andrea-rost@uiowa.edu
https://uiowa.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/university-archivist-17805

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