Library Positions

Technical Services Archivist

Special Collections Division

NOTICE OF VACANCY:

January 7, 2008

To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 p.m., April 11, 2008.

The Special Collections Division is the Libraries' major resource for rare and archival materials covering a broad range of topics, formats, and periods. Research strengths include the history of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Western Canada; architecture; book arts; 19th century American literature; photography; and historical children's literature. Special Collections also houses the official Archives of the University of Washington.

Under the general supervision of the Head, Technical Services, Special Collections Division, manages the Division's processing program. Plans and oversees the arrangement and description of manuscript, University Archives, and visual material collections.

• Analyze unprocessed incoming and legacy manuscript and record collections and develop arrangement and description plans for these collections.



• Ensure adherence to national and local processing standards across collections. Make certain standards are applied.



• Work with Curators and the Head of Special Collections Technical Services to determine processing levels and methods for collections.



• Prepare and review new finding aids. Guarantee created finding aids meet national and local content standards, particularly EAD (Encoded Archival Description) encoding.



• Revise existing finding aids to conform to national and local content standards and convert legacy finding aids to EAD.



• Establish and ensure efficient processing workflows and production standards, including incorporating changes in archival standards and processing protocols.



• Hire, train and supervise student staff and lead other staff carrying out arrangement, rehousing, and description of collections.



• Manage relationships with conversion vendors for collection materials, including shipping and receiving converted materials, execute day to day work with vendors.



• Create collection-level records for processed collections in MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging) format.



• Maintain awareness of archival standards, including Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), XML (Extensible Markup Language), DLXS (Digital Library Extension Service) and PREMIS (PREservation Metadata Implementation Strategies).



• Identify materials requiring preservation measures and coordinate accomplishment of appropriate treatments with curators and conservation staff.



• Collaborate with Special Collections, Digital Initiatives and Curators in selecting possible items for digitization.



• The Technical Services Archivist serves on the Special Collections Reference Desk. Weekend or evening work may be scheduled on occasion in this position.



• Assist in the development and management of grant projects.



• Contribute actively to the University of Washington Libraries and to the profession.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate degree in archival studies, history or a comparable field of study with relevant archival or library training.



2. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.



3. Minimum two years experience in a research library or archival setting



4. Experience processing large, complex archival collections



5. Supervisory experience



6. Ability to work creatively in a rapidly changing complex environment and to set priorities



7. Ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and work in a team



8. High tolerance for ambiguity



9. Technological expertise, including knowledge of computer applications in libraries, US MARC format, and EAD (Encoded Archival Description)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience documenting procedures



2. Familiarity with Microsoft Access and/or other database management software



3. Knowledge of standards applicable to library and archival collections such as Dublin Core, DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), XML, and PREMIS (PREservation Metadata Implementation Strategies)



4. Knowledge or experience working with audio/visual materials

SALARY:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits and generous vacation and sick leave. No state or local income tax.

APPLY TO:

University of Washington Libraries Home Page is http://www.lib.washington.edu.
The Special Collections Division Home Page is http://lib.washington.edu/specialcoll/

The University of Washington, an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, is building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from female and minority candidates.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment authorization of each new employee.

Library Positions

University Libraries
libpers@lib.washington.edu
Modified: January 14, 2008