Description

The University of Chicago Library is seeking two experienced archivists for three-year term appointments, with the possibility of renewal, to process selected large and complex archival and manuscript collections, especially collections of academic faculty.

Under the direction of the Head of Archives Processing and Digital Access, Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center (HHGSCRC), the Projects Archivist provides intellectual access and processing for archives and manuscript collections. Collaborates and contributes to the development and implementation of strategies, standards, and programs for making available collections in all formats. Manages one to two student staff. Participates in establishing priorities for the archives and manuscripts unit. Supports collection development activities; participates in programs of the Special Collections Research Center.

Essential Functions:

Processing and Intellectual Access for Archives and Manuscripts Collections:

• Arranges, describes, and catalogs collections in all formats
• Contributes to development of strategies for streamlining processing to increase access to collections
• Prepares finding aids and other descriptive access tools
• Sets processing priorities in accordance with established goals
• Appraises content of collections
• Develops processing plans and defines levels of description for individual collections
• Assures appropriate housing and storage of collections and refers items for preservation treatment as needed
• Participates in planning for space and facilities for collections
• Hires, trains, and assesses performance of student staff; sets goals for staff to achieve processing priorities; ensures that goals are met, resolves issues that arise.

Other Functions:

• Contributes to HHGSCRC and Library goals
• Reports on processing and other projects
• Supports and participates in Special Collections donor relations activities for archives and manuscripts collections
• Participates in Special Collections programs, including reference services
• Serves on Library committees and groups as appropriate
• Maintains and develops knowledge of current developments in archival processing, metadata standards, electronic records management, and preservation.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school or another relevant degree with certification in Special Collections/Archives, or related field with equivalent experience
• Minimum of two years of related archival and manuscript experience
• Demonstrated experience processing large and complex archival or manuscript collections, especially of personal papers

Preferred:

• Ability to meet processing goals and deadlines
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, subject research skills and interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Familiarity with descriptive and metadata standards for archival description, including Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), Encoded Archival Description (EAD) and Dublin Core
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development.

Physical Demands: Ability to lift a 40-pound box

Application Instructions

To Apply: Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and reference contact information online through the University of Chicago's Academic Recruiting website:http://apply.interfolio.com/111649. Review of applications will begin after September 15, 2022. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Salary and Benefits: Appointment salary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include retirement plan, insurance, and paid time off.

Questions: Contact Library Human Resources at Libraryhr@uchicago.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.