William Henry Seward Project Archivist, Department of Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation, University of Rochester River Campus Libraries, Rochester NY

Posted February 26, 2014

POSITION TITLE: William Henry Seward Project Archivist
POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Library Professional I
DEPARTMENT: Rare Books, Special Collections and Preservation
STATUS: 3-year, Full-time Term Appointment
DATE: February 25, 2014

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Seward Project Archivist has the exciting opportunity to introduce the University’s flagship collection to a new generation of scholars. Under the direction of the Manuscript Librarian, and in consultation with Rare Books Special Collections and Preservation (RBSCP) Director and with Seward Family Editorial Project staff, the Processing Archivist is responsible for arranging, processing, and partially rehousing a physical collection of approximately 400 linear feet to reflect new opportunities for discovery; and for revising existing legacy collection descriptions to facilitate new avenues of scholarship; and making available online a single standards-compliant finding providing researchers access to all Seward-related material in RBSCP.

DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:
– Finding aid revision and creation (60%)

Create an inventory of collection locations and describe items stored in each location
Create new finding aid that adheres to current archival metadata standards
Assist with integrating item level description from Seward Family Editorial Project inventory into finding aid
Assist with linking metadata for manuscripts, pamphlet and broadside collections across the finding aid and library catalog records, and for linking metadata to online transcriptions, where available

– Conservation and preservation review (20%)

Assure appropriate housing and storage
Identify and refer items necessary for preservation treatment, and for digitization as part of the Seward Family Editorial Project

– Reference and curricular support (15%)

Respond to select reference, patron, and Seward Project staff requests
Develop opportunities to connect collection to University curriculum, in consultation with curators

– Other related duties as assigned (5%)

EDUCATION / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library, information, or archival program strongly preferred. Knowledge of current archival theory and practice required. Knowledge of EAD, DACS, XML, or other descriptive standards or codes strongly preferred. Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills. Ability to participate in a team project, to follow
technical instructions and to resolve problems. Must work with accuracy and with attention to detail. Good computer skills essential. B.A. in American History, and coursework or background in the field of archives and manuscripts, rare books, or descriptive bibliography preferred. Must have the ability to carefully handle fragile books, manuscripts, museum objects, and archival collections. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, three-year position, reporting to the Manuscript Librarian. Salary is commensurate with background and experience. Excellent benefits include choice of retirement programs including TIAA/CREF.

University of Rochester, established in 1850 is a private, Carnegie I research university with approximately 7000 students and approximately 1000 faculty. Library programs and initiatives have established it
as a recognized campus partner in student learning and faculty research and teaching. Library memberships include: OCLC, ARL, CRL, CNI, TEI.

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE AT:

http://www.rochester.edu/working/hr/jobs/

Reference Job Opening ID: 183006

Application deadline is March 28, 2014

Please ALSO send a cover letter, resume and the names, addresses and phone numbers of three references to:

Kelley Kitrinos, HR Administrator
Rush Rhees Library
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 14627-0055
Email address: [email protected]