University Archivist - Arcadia University
Glenside, PA
About the Job
Job Description: The University Archivist is primarily responsible for the appraisal, accession, description, access, and preservation of the University's records of enduring historical value and Special Collections, as well as supporting and promoting their use by campus constituents, including students, faculty, staff, administrative units, alumni, and researchers. Additionally, the University Archivist ensures reliable and secure access to the university archives and special collections materials through the development and implementation of sound policies and procedures, the creation of patron in-person and online access points, and the provision of reference and instruction services for the archives. This essential role requires proven leadership and vision in archival policies, preservation, acquisition, research, engagement, and exhibition.
Location: Glenside
Responsibilities:
- Manages all aspects of the University Archives and Special Collections area of Landman Library, including maintaining current inventories, processing collections and developing finding aids, and providing patron access and reference services
- Provides counsel and leadership for the stewardship of all art and historic object collections, and collaborates with departments on organizing and exhibiting collections
- Formulates written policies and procedures for all aspects of the University Archives and Special Collections; evaluates and assesses archival practices and services; and develops improved policies, procedures, and workflows
- Describes, preserves, and makes accessible University records of enduring historical value; creates EAD and DACS-compliant finding aids, subject guides, web exhibits, and other means of discovery for records and materials from the University Archives
- Leads all University Archives and Special Collections projects and initiatives, with support and counsel from the Director of the Library and University faculty and staff
- Provides public service functions for the University Archives and Special Collections through patron reference and research services
- Trains and supervises archives volunteers, student workers, and graduate assistants
- Responsible for producing University Archives and Special Collections exhibits on an annual cycle
- Promotes curricular and co-curricular use of University Archives and Special Collections, including course instruction and guest lecturing
- Participates in weekly library meetings and other library-led initiatives including outreach, planning, and assessment; participates in University service and committees
Qualifications:
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of projects and tasks in a complex and dynamic environment, and to work effectively with all levels of the University community, including a record of accomplishment in archival policies and practices, collection management, description, preservation, research, access, rights, loans, exhibition display, reference and instruction, and event planning
- Knowledge of descriptive cataloging principles and metadata standards, including familiarity with bibliographic standards such as MARC, RDA, DCRM(b), EAD, DACS, TEI, and Dublin Core; experience working with archival database applications; knowledge of digitization and digital asset management technologies and standards
- Possess strong analytical, communication, and writing skills; ability to organize large amounts of information and write clear instructions for its retrieval and use; ability to complete projects within an established time frame as well as work collaboratively
- Demonstrable achievement in administrative responsibilities, including the ability to supervise an archive's daily operations; grant administration and management; hire, train, schedule, and appraise the work of archive volunteers and student employees
- Possess a clear understanding of archival and records management protocols and procedures, as well as a clear awareness of current relevant best practices and professional standards
- Familiarity with privacy and copyright issues as these relate to archival collections
- Professional experience with reference services and research practices in an archival setting for both the student and professional researcher
- Demonstrated continued professional growth and a record of scholarly accomplishments
Education and Experience:
- ALA-accredited masters in library or information science with a focus in archives
- Minimum of three to five years of professional experience in archival practices within an academic setting, and management of multiple collections of varied types
- Experience teaching for-credit courses and familiarity with art collections preferred
Application Instructions:
- Please upload a cover letter along with your resume.
- Applications must be submitted online through Arcadia's Human Resources portal to receive full consideration. Please do not email application materials to the hiring manager. Due to the volume of applications received, communication will generally be limited to candidates selected for additional consideration.
- Application review will begin immediately. Posting will be removed from the website once we've established a sufficient talent pool for consideration.
Arcadia University is a top-ranked private University in Greater Philadelphia that provides a values-based educational experience by placing students at the center. The Institute of International Education has ranked Arcadia first nationally in study abroad for 10 of the last 13 years, and the Princeton Review has ranked Arcadia among the "Best in the Northeast" for eight consecutive years. The University's Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant programs are nationally ranked in their respective categories by U.S. News & World Report, which cites Arcadia for being among the top study abroad programs and among the "most innovative," and "best value" colleges. Arcadia promises a distinctively global, integrative, and personal learning experience that prepares students to contribute and lead in a diverse and dynamic world. Through its community of practice and commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and to combating anti-Black Racism, Arcadia has made facilitating a safe and welcoming environment a priority. Learn more about our vibrant community at www.arcadia.edu.
Our belief and experience is that there is strength in diversity and we are committed to building a welcoming and inclusive environment for students and employees alike. We are a community built on varied experiences and perspectives that benefits from open-minded discussion and cultural humility. Guided by our University's values, we are committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, and we are working towards dismantling anti-Black racism/white supremacy and other forms of interpersonal and systemic discrimination and oppression.
We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community. The successful candidate will demonstrate examples of ways they will incorporate our values. in their work.
At Arcadia University, our JEDI principles (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) are the foundation of our highly regarded, values-based learning community, which reflects the world in which we want to live. As such, Arcadia actively seeks and welcomes candidates of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Arcadia prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, age, gender identity, military or military veteran status, disability, family medical or genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. All offers of employment are conditional based on the successful completion of a background check. Employment may not begin until the University accepts the results of the background check.
Position Code: AC280A