Project Archivist, Historical Sound Recordings, Yale University

Project Archivist, Historical Sound Recordings
Irving S. Gilmore Music Library
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Rank: Librarian I-II

Fixed Duration: Approximately 18 months from date of hire, 30-June-2011 end date
Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours); Standard Work Week (M-F, 8:30 – 5:00)

The University and the Library
One of the world's leading research libraries, Yale University Library is a full partner in teaching, research, and learning at Yale and is visited by scholars from around the world. A distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including approximately thirteen million volumes and information in all media, ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. The Library is engaging in numerous projects to expand access to its physical and digital collections. Housed in twenty-two buildings including the Sterling Memorial Library, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, and the new Bass Library, it employs a dynamic and diverse staff of nearly six hundred who offer innovative and flexible services to library readers. To learn more about Yale University Library and its collections and services, visit www.library.yale.edu.


Historical Sound Recordings Collection
The purpose of the Yale Collection of Historical Sound Recordings (HSR) is to collect, preserve, and make available for study historical recordings of performers important in the fields of Western classical music, jazz, American musical theater, drama, literature, and history (including oratory). The collection, found by Mr. and Mrs. Laurence C. Witten II with their collection of early vocal recordings devoted to styles and practices of nineteenth-century singing, considered among the finest of such collections, has been extended into other subjects areas mentioned. The recordings in HSR now number over 160,000, in a variety of formats. They document performance practice from the beginning of the recording era (ca. 1890) to the present day. The Collection holds a large library of printed materials and microforms which provide information about composers, performers, and the recording industry and include discographical data useful for locating and dating recordings. The books have been cataloged in Orbis. Staff-accessible finding aids have been prepared for many of the recordings. Beginning in 2006 with generous funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, HSR and sound archives at New York Public Library and Stanford University undertook to provide full-level cataloging of 78-rpm (pre-LP) recordings. For more information on the project, along with links labels cataloged and selected recordings, see Unlocking Historical Sound Recordings.

Position Description
Historical Sound Recordings (HSR) seeks an early career professional with processing experience and knowledge of classical music, jazz, and/or American literature to process selected collections of archival audio, video, and paper materials in HSR. Reporting to the Curator of Historical Sound Recordings, the Archivist will assist with the development of appropriate processing plans for the various collections, and will have primary responsibility for processing identified collections. In addition, the Archivist will supervise an Archives Assistant in processing and related activities, implement standard preservation measures when necessary, and work with the Curator of HSR to provide access to the in-process collections.

PLEASE NOTE: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities
In consultation with the Curator of Historical Sound Recordings, develops appropriate processing plans for various special collections within HSR. Arranges and describes audio, video, and paper materials from the various collections (approximately 500 linear feet) in accordance with established plans, timetables, and departmental procedures, including implementation of necessary preservation procedures. Prepares finding aids and catalog records for the collections in accordance with departmental guidelines and archival and library standards, using Archivists’ Toolkit and other XML-based encoding tools for finding aids. Supervises the processing and description activities of an Archives Assistant. Engages actively with professional organizations and literature; keeps abreast of archival trends and developments. 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 related master’s degree in music, history, or literature. Appointment to the rank of Librarian II requires two years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated professional accomplishments appropriate to the rank.

Formal archival training or education and/or demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice. Demonstrated archival processing experience. Familiarity with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections and audio formats. Familiarity with DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, AACR2, and other data content and structure standards relevant to the archival control of collection materials. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Preferred: Experience directing the efforts of clerical or student workers; Familiarity with Archivists’ Toolkit.

Salary and Benefits
Rank and competitive salary will be based upon the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. Full benefits package including pro-rated 22 vacation days; 18 holiday, recess and personal days; comprehensive health care; TIAA/CREF or Yale retirement plan; and relocation assistance. 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 8768BR. Please be sure to reference #8768BR in your cover letter.

Background Check Requirements
All external candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment screening. All offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check.