For online notice of vacancy, see:
http://www.lib.washington.edu/about/employment/
NOTICE OF VACANCY
April 16, 2010
TITLE: Labor Archivist
THREE YEAR TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT
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.
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS:
The Special Collections Division is the Libraries' central location for rare
materials and a major center for the study of Pacific Northwest
Architecture, Book Arts, 19th-century American Literature, 20th-century
American and English Literature, the Pacific Northwest, Photographs and
Travel and Exploration. The collections encompass a broad range of subjects
and geographic areas with a particular emphasis on the Pacific Northwest.
The Division is the Libraries' main repository for books from the hand press
era, fine printing, and books of interest because of their physical
attributes, such as their bindings.
Special Collections also is home to extensive manuscript collections.
Letters, speeches, minutes, reports, writings, and other primarily textual
materials document the history and culture of Seattle and the Pacific
Northwest. Papers represent the work of members of Congress, pioneer
settlers, citizen activists, civic and communal leaders, the forest products
industry, labor and environmental organizations, ethnic and other special
communities and major cultural figures.
Finally, the University's Memory-the University Archives-resides in Special
Collections. It contains permanent public records of the University of
Washington that document the University's development; papers of teaching
and research faculty and professional staff that reflect the academic and
administrative life of the University; University Publications and Imprints
and records of student life as well as guidance on recordkeeping and
procedures for transferring records to the Archives.
THE POSITION:
Under the direction of the Associate Dean of University Libraries for
Special Collections and Museum Collaborations, and with the guidance of the
Harry Bridges Chair of Labor Studies, the Labor Archivist is responsible for
developing, processing, and managing the Special Collections' Labor
Archives. In keeping with the collecting policies of Special Collections and
the interests and activities of the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies,
responsibilities include acquisition, accession, arrangement, and
description of archival materials documenting the local, regional, national,
and international dimensions of the Labor Movement in the Pacific Northwest.
The Labor Archivist serves as principal selector for the Labor Archives,
coordinating activities with those of other curators and selectors,
especially those concerned with Pacific Northwest or labor-related material.
The Curator also implements appropriate digital projects and may participate
in the Libraries' Digital Initiatives program. The Labor Archivist is
responsible for contributing to the achievement of Libraries' objectives and
the fulfillment of the Libraries' strategic plan.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
* Develop and maintain extensive relations with a variety of clientele,
including and especially national, regional and local members of the labor
community.
* Initiate and contact prospective donors, negotiate transfer and
disposition of collections, as well as deeds of gift, and manage
administrative and donor records for all labor collections.
* Analyze unprocessed incoming and legacy manuscript and record collections
and develop arrangement and description plans for these collections.
* Acquire materials in all formats. Review gift collections, decide on the
disposition of these materials. Contribute to access and use of the
collections.
* Perform preliminary appraisal, and provide any special processing
instructions/information for major manuscript accessions as necessary.
* Select manuscript collections to be processed and process them in
consultation with the Division's Technical Services staff.
* Conduct classes and orientations, sponsor presentations, mount exhibits,
and initiate other outreach activities to promote and facilitate use of
holdings by University, scholarly and labor communities.
* Maintain liaison with Labor Archives Advisory Board, appropriate faculty,
collection users, and current and potential donors. Coordinate with the
Associate Dean for Special Collections & Museum Collaborations, the Harry
Bridges Chair of Labor Studies, and the Libraries' Director of Advancement
as appropriate. Publicize the collection in the University and
non-University communities as appropriate.
* Provide reference service and user education programs as part of the
Libraries' public service programs.
* Maintain an awareness of current developments and uses of digital
information technologies and their uses in special collections. Participate
in the development of digital collections. Participate in the Libraries'
Digital Initiatives Program.
* Prepare grant proposals, reports, studies or surveys as required.
* May supervise and train students and volunteers.
* Contribute to the development of Special Collections policies, programs,
and services; and to the achievement of Divisional objectives.
* Participate in library committees and meetings as appropriate.
* Assume other responsibilities as assigned; perform other duties as
required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
* Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library
Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies
degree.
* Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the
contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.
* Minimum two years experience in a research library or archival setting.
* Knowledge of labor history and current issues in labor relations.
* Experience processing archival material.
* Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills including
demonstrated ability to work with staff and users.
* Ability to work creatively in a rapidly changing complex environment and
to set priorities.
* Ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and work in a team
environment.
* High tolerance for ambiguity.
Preferred:
* Experience working with archival labor material.
* Supervisory experience.
* Familiarity with Microsoft Access and/or other database management
software.
* 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).
* Technological expertise, including knowledge of computer applications in
libraries, USMARC format and Encoded Archival Description (EAD).
* Knowledge of cataloging and records management systems such as
III/Millennium and standards applicable to library and archival collections,
such as Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) and Descriptive
Cataloging of Rare Materials [Books] (DCRM [B]).
SALARY: $45,000/year 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.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply for this position, please submit the following information to
[log in to unmask]:
* Cover letter
* Curriculum vitae or resume
(include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary
requirements)
* List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for
this position
(include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses)
Please use "Librarian Application" in the subject heading.
PDF format is preferred (MS Word and text will also be accepted). If
possible, please submit all three components in a single, multi-page pdf
document. All submissions will be maintained in a secure, password
protected online file space.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00
p.m., Friday, June 4, 2010.
University of Washington Libraries Home Page is
http://www.lib.washington.edu.
The Special Collections Division Home Page is
http://www.lib.washington.edu/specialcoll/.
The Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies Home Page is
http://depts.washington.edu/pcls/index.html
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.
