Project Archivist, Princeton University Archives Processing Project

Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library
Princeton, New Jersey
2 year term position
Requisition # 1000163

The Princeton University Library, one of the world's most respected research institutions, serves a diverse community of 6,600 students and 1,100 faculty members with more than 6 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, and 2 million nonprint items. The holdings in its central facility and 15 specialized libraries range from ancient papyri and incunabula to the most advanced electronic databases and digital collections. The Library employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support personnel, complemented by a large student and hourly workforce. More information can be found at the Library's Web site: http://libweb.princeton.edu/

Available: Immediately
Description: The Project Archivist will work at the Princeton University Library's Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, a unit of the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. This library houses the Princeton University Archives (current holdings of approximately 15,000 cubic feet) as well as a major collection of 20th-century public policy papers (current holdings of approximately 20,000 cubic feet).

The Princeton University Archives Project Archivist will works towards the completion of a number of processing, description, and digitization projects. Top priorities include work on the library's Princetoniana Collection, collections related to theater at Princeton, collections of audiovisual and photographic material, and various university record groups. This position will supervise a team of several student workers, and will be expected to produce finding aids, catalog records, and other access tools. The position will also participate in the reference activities of the Mudd Manuscript Library and work relating to EAD development, digitization, and related technical issues. The Project Archivist will report to the Assistant University Archivist for Technical Services.

Qualifications: Required: Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program with a concentration in archival management, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience processing archival records, including large collections of institutional records. Demonstrated ability to appraise historical records. Experience with pragmatic and efficient processing procedures such as those outlined in Greene and Meissner's “More Product, Less Process.” Fluency with relevant standards for archival description including DACS, EAD, and MARC, and familiarity with other metadata standards. Knowledge and awareness of current trends in the digitization of unique and rare scholarly resources for access and preservation. Strong decision-making, project management and supervisory skills. Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred: Experience working in, and providing reference services within an active university records program. Knowledge of principles and techniques for managing electronic records. Knowledge of Princeton University history or the history of American higher education.
Term and Appointment: Funding for a two-year term currently available; longer term possible based on obtaining additional funding as well as mutual agreement of the parties. The successful candidate will be appointed to a professional specialist rank depending upon qualifications and experience for an initial term of one year with the option for annual renewal.

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and accomplishments. Twenty-four (24) vacation days a year, plus eleven (11) paid holidays. Annuity program (TIAA/CREF or Vanguard), group life insurance, health coverage insurance, disability insurance, and other benefits are available.

Nominations and Applications: Review of applications will begin April 30, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications (cover letter, resume and the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of three references) will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton website: http://www.princeton.edu/jobs

Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable EEO and affirmative action regulations.