NOTICE OF VACANCY
January 7, 2008
TITLE: Technical Services Archivist
LOCATION: Special Collections Division
THE
LIBRARIES:
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.”
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:
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.
THE POSITION:
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.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
* 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.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
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:
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.
BENEFITS: 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, full resume including a
work telephone number, e-mail address, salary requirements, and the names,
addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who are
knowledgeable of the applicant's qualifications for this position.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00
p.m., Friday, April 11, 2008.
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.