Vanderbilt University

Project Archivist for Lamar Alexander Papers in Nashville, Tennessee
Position Announcement: Project Archivist for the Lamar Alexander Papers

Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt Libraries are in an exciting time of transformation. With new leadership at the Chancellor, Provost and University Librarian levels, the Libraries are re-envisioning the future of library services at Vanderbilt. Through radical collaboration we seek to deepen student and faculty engagement with the libraries, equip students for life-long information proficiency, increase faculty research impact, create more opportunities for interdisciplinary experimentation, and optimize access to collections and resources, including marginalized and hidden histories and cultures.

We are seeking a project archivist for a period of one year to help us complete the processing of Vanderbilt’s largest manuscript collection and make it accessible to a global audience. The archivist in this position will arrange and describe the U.S. Senate papers of retired U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander. This collection contains a significant number of paper and electronic records and will be added to Alexander’s records from before his election as U.S. Senator in 2002.

The Project Archivist for the Lamar Alexander Papers will be part of Vanderbilt’s Special Collections and University Archives. The mission of the Special Collections and University Archives is to collect, preserve, and provide access to Vanderbilt University’s impressive collection of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, memorabilia, and institutional archives. The Special Collections and University Archives team supplies primary resource material to a variety of local, national, and international scholars.

Duties and Responsibilities

Arranges and describes a voluminous and diverse collection of historic documents in paper and electronic format according to standard archival practices.

Edits and adds to a DACS-compliant finding aid using ArchivesSpace.

Processes electronic records and ensures that the materials are securely deposited into a digital preservation system and appropriately linked and/or described in the finding aid.

Assists in the creation of access standards for paper and electronic materials in accordance with the Deed of Gift.

Provides metrics for regular updates to the donor on processing status.

Provides reference as required.

Maintains confidentiality while working with sensitive documents.

Contributes to a collaborative environment by working constructively with a fellow project archivist, supervising graduate student workers, and reporting to the Curator of Manuscripts.

Qualifications

One of the following is required: Master’s Degree in History of Political Science, Certification through the Academy of Certified Archivists, Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited institution, or current enrollment in a Library or Information Science Master’s program with evidence of active progress toward completion of degree.

At least one year of experience processing archival collections is required.

Ability to work collaboratively with librarians, faculty, administrators, and other university personnel is required .

Good written and oral communication skills are required.

Capacity to thrive in a changing environment of a major research institution is required.

Ability to learn new technologies is required.

Demonstrated project management skills are required.

Ability to work independently is required.

Working knowledge of EAD-XML Schema, DACS, and metadata schemas is preferred.

Familiarity with ArchivesSpace, JSTOR Forum, Aviary, and Archivematica is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
https://vanderbiltuniversity.dejobs.org/nashville-tn/project-archivist-for-lamar-alexander-papers/74850332356B4D5088233207D88E57B5/job/