Project Archivist (11 months): Columbia University, Union Theological Seminary, New York, NY

The Burke Library at the Union Theological Seminary (Columbia University) seeks an experienced Archivist to process the New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) Archives, the Lindquist Collection of Native American Photographs, and related collections at the Burke Theological Library. Working under the Burke Library Director, the archivist will be responsible for arranging, describing, and preserving these archival collections.

The archivist will be responsible for the physical processing of part of the NYTS Archives, and the Lindquist Native American photographs to professional standards of arrangement and description in coordination with the Union Theological Seminary archivist, graduate student interns, other colleagues, and assistants. Additional duties include providing reference and reader services for the NYTS and other archival collections at the Burke Library, developing online exhibitions and other outreach resources related to the NYTS archives, answering reference inquiries, and providing research assistance. The incumbent will supervise students as needed.

The Burke Library, one of the largest theological libraries in the world, contains rich collections for theological study and research. With holdings of over 700,000 items, the Library is recognized as one of the premier libraries in its field, and includes extensive holdings of unique and special materials.

The mission of The Burke Library is to identify, acquire, organize, provide access to, interpret, and preserve information in the field of theology and contextually related areas of study. The Library supports the specific instructional and research needs of Columbia University, Union Theological Seminary, and New York Theological Seminary, providing resources for the broader scholarly community in theology and related disciplines.

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply by July 2, 2010. Please visit academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=53336 to apply.

Schedule: 30 hours/ week. This is an eleven-month temporary position, with possible extension. This position is not benefits eligible.

Required: ALA accredited MLS with formal course work in archives administration or an MA in archival management, and two years experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Specific: excellent organizational skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; must be able to lift and carry heavy boxes and must be able to climb ladders and stairs; knowledge of DACS and demonstrated experience with professional standards and techniques for archival processing; demonstrated initiative, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Preferred: knowledge of American and New York social history; working knowledge of historical research methodology; experience with standard bibliographic tools for historical and religious studies; reading knowledge of at least one foreign language