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.

Among the largest academic research libraries in North America, the University of Washington Libraries has a collection of more than seven million cataloged volumes, an equal number in microform format, more than 50,000 serial titles, and several million items in other formats. Students and faculty recognize the value provided by the Libraries and rank the Libraries as the most important source of information for their work. The Libraries also receives the highest satisfaction rating of any academic service on the surveys of graduating seniors conducted by the Office of Educational Assessment. The Libraries was commended in the University's 2003 accreditation review for its rich collection, well-qualified staff, and "exceptional service to students, staff development, and a commitment to planning and assessment of service."

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.



• Assumes other responsibilities as assigned; performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree



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:

$44,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and background.

Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF, The Vanguard Group, and/or Fidelity Investments) on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax.

APPLY TO:

Charles E. Chamberlin
Senior Associate Dean
University of Washington Libraries
482 Allen Library
Box 352900
Seattle, Washington 98195-2900

Applicants should submit a letter of application, a full resume, including a work telephone number and e-mail address, salary requirements, and the names, mailing addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who are knowledgeable of the applicant's qualifications for this position.

University of Washington Libraries Home Page address is:

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