University of Mississippi Libraries
University Archivist and Assistant Professor
Location: University, MS, US, 38677
Department: Library (10000816)
Employee Designation: Regular Full-time (Benefits Eligible)
Note for Current UM Employees
Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu
Position Description
The Department of Archives and Special Collections at the University of Mississippi Libraries seeks applicants for the position of University Archivist and Assistant Professor. Reporting to the Head of Archives and Special Collections, this twelve-month, tenure track, assistant professorship provides an opportunity to contribute to an initiative of strategic importance to the UM Libraries.
This position manages the archives of the University of Mississippi community, including materials of enduring, historical value warranting permanent preservation, such as the official papers of the University’s senior leadership, as well as student, faculty, and alumni organizations, among others. In order to achieve a more complete record of the University and its myriad activities, one that focuses on diverse voices and experiences, the University Archivist will understand the need for and lead the effort to fill gaps in the institutional history record by seeking materials documenting student life, the university’s place and role in the larger social and cultural context within Mississippi and the world, and most critically, to seek and collect evidence of individuals and groups who are underrepresented in the archive. The University Archivist will understand that collection efforts will seek all formats including born-digital materials, will collaborate with colleagues across the Libraries to ensure appropriate stewardship of them, and will participate in digital projects and initiatives related to the University Archives.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Masters of Library and/or Information Science from an ALA accredited program or a Certified Archivist (Academy of Certified Archivists) holding a master’s degree in a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges and opportunities associated with starting a university archives program.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and collaborative manner across library departments and campus wide and to develop relationships with a wide range of users and constituencies including faculty, staff, alumni, and the public to support the acquisition and use of holdings.
• Ability to work with diverse groups and contribute to a climate of inclusion.
• Knowledge of best practices in digitization, metadata, storage, and management of tangible and digital assets and ability to maintain awareness of trends and development in the field of archives management.
• Ability to work with born digital material and to preserve digital formats, such as posts on social media and other online media.
• Excellent project management skills, as well as outstanding interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Position Description Continued
Job Responsibilities:
• Prioritize the identification, selection, and acquisition of University-related materials.
• Collaborate, as needed, to develop and implement necessary protocols for handling collections relocated to Archives and Special Collections from other university entities.
• In collaboration with colleagues, the archivist will establish priorities for processing as well as make determinations for the level of processing for both incoming transfers and donated material.
• Arrange and describe archival collections of organizational records and personal papers, perform rehousing and other basic preservation needs, and prepare guides in accordance with local and national standards.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure access to important and historic institutional content.
• While growing the collection, the archivist will also work toward improving discoverability of material in a collection backing.
• Analyze current condition of materials and implement appropriate preservation measures for use and long-term storage.
• Provide archival related reference services. Serve research and scholarship by making available and encouraging use of its collection by members of the University and the community at large.
• Participate in department-wide reference, instruction, exhibition, and outreach functions as well as other curatorial functions in Special Collections as needed.
The University of Mississippi Libraries recognize the importance of a diverse workforce and a supportive educational and professional environment that actively affirms the value of cultural diversity. We encourage applications from candidates who are traditionally underrepresented in academia and from all candidates who are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. (https.//libraries.olemiss.edu/diversity/) Applicants will be asked to include a letter of application, vita, and the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three current professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Position Details
Appointment (12 Month)
Assignment Type (Tenure Track)
Application Procedures
Combine the documents into two individual documents and utilize the "cover letter" and "resume" upload feature.
About the University of MS & Oxford, MS
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.
Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.
Nearest Major Market: Oxford Mississippi
https://careers.olemiss.edu/job/University-University-Archivist-and-Assistant-Professor-MS-38677/969982300/