Thursday, November 18, 2010

Project Archivist, Divinity Special Collections: Divinity Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT

Rank: Librarian I-II

www.yale.edu/jobs


Fixed Duration: One (1) year from date of hire, non-renewable


Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week); Standard Work Week (M-F, 8:30-5:00)


Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and growth in New Haven, Connecticut. Conveniently located between Boston and New York, New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural resources that include two major art museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools of Architecture, Art, Drama, and Music.


THE UNIVERSITY AND THE LIBRARY


The Yale University Library, as one of the world's leading research libraries, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to and services for a rich and unique record of human thought and creativity. It fosters intellectual growth and is a highly valued partner in the teaching and research missions of Yale University and scholarly communities worldwide. A distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including more than 12.5 million volumes and information in all media, ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. The Library is engaged in numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly information. Housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and twenty school and departmental libraries, it employs a dynamic, diverse, and innovative staff of over 500 who have the opportunity to work with the highest caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees, and are involved in other areas of staff development. For additional information on the Yale University Library, please visit the Library's web site at http://www.library.yale.edu/.


YALE DIVINITY LIBRARY

The Divinity Library has world-renowned collections documenting the history, thought, and life of Christianity. The primary strengths of the Library are in the history of missions, Christian doctrine, Biblical literature, and church history. The Yale Divinity Library contains more than 500,000 volumes, 250,000 microforms, and 4,000 linear feet of manuscript and archival material.



POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Divinity Special Collections Librarian, the Project Archivist will have responsibility for the processing of the University Christian Movement archives and other collections as time permits. The processing project will include arrangement, description, and preservation activities.

The Divinity Library Special Collections department advances teaching and research by making primary source materials available for study and is open to the public. Over three decades, the department has assembled more than 4,000 linear feet of manuscript collections, donated by individuals and organizations, which document Protestant mission activity, religious work among college and university students, and other aspects of American religious history.


RESPONSIBILITIES

Researches and records information concerning ecumenical student groups in the United States to support the arrangement, description, and use of the collection. Analyzes preliminary inventory of materials to determine content and the appropriate level and type of arrangement and description needed, and reviews and updates preliminary plans for accomplishing the work. Responsible for the arrangement and description of the collection in accordance with departmental standards and approved plans, screens for potentially sensitive material, weeds extraneous material, recommends appropriate preservation and conservation procedures, and coordinates the copying or reformatting of materials for preservation and access. Prepares a finding aid for processed materials, including a historical statement, scope and content note, and appropriate listing of materials. Prepares or updates catalog records in accordance with archival and library standards for entry into national and local databases. Coordinates the preparation of collection materials for storage. May be required to assist in disaster recovery efforts. May be assigned to work at West Campus location in West Haven, CT.


QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program for library and information science and/or graduate degree in history or related discipline. Appointment to the rank of Librarian II requires a minimum of two years of professional archival experience and demonstrated professional accomplishments appropriate to the rank.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively in a team setting with administrative, professional, and support staff. Demonstrated ability to work collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations. Ability to lift materials and push heavy book trucks.


Preferred:

Formal archival training or education and/or demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice. Experience in appraising, arranging, and describing personal papers and/or organizational records related to American religious history. Experience in using the Archivists’ Toolkit for accessioning, collections management, and finding aid creation. Familiarity with archival automation and description standards. Knowledge of MARC cataloging and EAD finding aids for manuscripts collection. Familiarity with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections. Ability to plan, manage, and coordinate complex projects; demonstrated record of devising and bringing projects to a conclusion in a timely fashion.


SALARY AND BENEFITS

We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country's great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with a wide variety of insurance choices, liberal paid time off, fantastic family and educational benefits, a variety of retirement benefits, extensive recreational facilities, and much more.

Applications consisting of a cover letter, resume, and the names of three professional references should be sent by creating an account and applying online at www.yale.edu/jobs for immediate consideration - the STARS req ID for this position is 11574BR. Please be sure to reference #11574BR in your cover letter. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.


BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

All external candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. Internal candidates may be subject to a motor vehicle or credit check for this position based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent on successful completion of the required background check. Please visit http://www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.


Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Yale values diversity in its faculty, staff, and students and strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented minority groups.