Arrangement and Description Archivist Manuscripts & Archives
Sterling Memorial Library
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Rank: Librarian II
www.yale.edu/jobs
Fixed Duration: Three (3) years from date of hire
Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week); Standard Work Week (M-F, 8:30-5:00); Occasional weekend and evening hours
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/.
Manuscripts and Archives
Manuscripts and Archives in the Yale University Library is a major center for historical inquiry and also serves as the documentary memory of Yale University. The repository holds 64,000 linear feet of material. Half of the holdings is comprised of more than 1700 collections of personal and family papers and organizational records that document a variety of subject and geographical areas, and half is comprised of the Yale University Archives. The repository also preserves and services 4000 testimonies from the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies. Each year the materials are consulted by more than 1000 Yale faculty as well as students and scholars from the United States and throughout the world. The staff of the repository consists of fourteen professionals, two managers, ten support staff, and fifteen student assistants and occasional temporary positions. They are responsible for the selection, acquisition, arrangement, description, and preservation of manuscript and archival collections and for providing reference services for in-person and long-distance research, services to University offices, and teaching assistance in the use of the collections. Please visit us online for additional information at http://www.library.yale.edu/mssa/.
Position Description
Reporting to the Head of Arrangement and Description, the Arrangement and Description Archivist is responsible for the selection, appraisal, arrangement, and description of manuscript and archival materials, particularly those requested by Yale faculty for use in instruction and research. In addition, the Arrangement and Description Archivist has specific responsibility for coordination of accessioning activities for the department's manuscript collections and institutional archival records, and provides technology support for unit operations.
Please include cover letter and professional references with your application.
Responsibilities
Responsible for arrangement and description of manuscript and archival material in all formats. Coordinates accessioning activities for the department's manuscript and archival collections, which may include assisting in the surveying, packing, and transporting of materials. Working with the Head of Digital Information Systems, provides technology support for all operations in the Arrangement and Description Unit. Assists in advancing the unit’s use of technology to increase efficiency. Assists in research services functions of the department through weekly service on the reference desk and involvement in primary source instruction to the Yale community. Trains and supervises staff and student assistants assigned to arrangement and description.
Contributes to the planning, development, execution, and documentation of the Arrangement and Description Unit’s policies and procedures. Makes recommendations on personnel selection, staffing requirements, and equipment and supply needs. Engages actively with professional organizations and literature; keeps abreast of archival trends and developments. Participates in and contributes to library long-term planning, including service on various committees and task forces. May be required to participate with 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 Master's degree in history or related discipline; and a minimum of two years of professional archival experience; and demonstrated professional accomplishments appropriate to the rank, as well as ongoing engagement in professional development, research, or services. Formal archival training or education and/or demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice.
Demonstrated proficiency in archival processing and archival appraisal in the application of minimum or basic processing strategies. Demonstrated proficiency in the use, maintenance, and support of automated archival collections management systems (such as the Archivists' Toolkit, Archon, and ICA-AtoM). Demonstrated proficiency in the use of bibliographic information systems (such as Voyager). Demonstrated proficiency with DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, AACR2, and other data content and structure standards relevant to the archival control of collection materials. Familiarity with XML schemas and the use of XML editors, such as XMetal or oXygen. Familiarity with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively independently and 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 on a frequent basis.
Preferred:
Experience with systems and processes for accessioning archival materials. Experience in using the Archivists’ Toolkit for accessioning, collections management, and finding aid creation. Education or experience in the description and management of born digital materials and digital surrogates. Proficiency in data extraction and manipulation, such as with the use of style sheets. 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 11010BR. Please be sure to reference #11010BR 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 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.
