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.