Project Archivist: The Burke Theological Library (Columbia University)
The Burke Theological Library (Columbia University) seeks a full-time project archivist to arrange and describe the Missionary Research Library and William Adams Brown archival collections at The Burke Library. The Missionary Research Library (MRL) Archives contain many unique collections from missionaries and missionary organizations from six continents in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with special strength in early twentieth century China, Japan, and Korea. The William Adams Brown (WAB) Ecumenical Archives contain collections initiated in 1945 at Union Theological Seminary as a source for the documentation and study of modern ecumenism. Today the WAB Archives include records of national and international ecumenical organizations, research reports from New York City associations of religious communities, and records from ecumenical conferences that have shaped global Christianity, including Protestant and Roman Catholic dialogue.
Duration of temporary assignment: funding for the position is through June 30, 2014 (with possibility of extension).
Responsibilities:
The archivist will develop and implement a processing plan for the collections, ensure appropriate housing of archival material, identify materials for conservation treatment, write and edit finding aids and other descriptive access tools utilizing DACS standards, and maintain schedules and deadlines for the grant-funded project. In addition, the archivist will submit regular reports and maintain metrics on manuscript and archival processing, and will support other staff in MARC cataloging of manuscript and archival holdings. The archivist will train and supervise the work of students who may be assigned to assist with the arrangement and description of the material. The archivist will also participate in providing reference services for The Burke Library, including staffing the reference desk, serving as reading room manager, and answering remote reference queries for a combined total of approximately five hours per week
Required Qualifications:
MLS from ALA accredited library school or graduate degree in history, theology, or related discipline; two or more years arranging and describing archival collections (or equivalent combination of education and experience); familiarity with DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, AACR2, and other LC cataloging standards; familiarity with automated library information management systems, such as Endeavor/Voyager and online union catalogs such as OCLC; knowledge of basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections; a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a production-oriented team environment; ability to work quickly, efficiently, and meet project goals and deadlines
Preferred Qualifications:
Graduate degree in History or Theology; experience arranging large, complex collections; successful supervisory experience.
The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary is world renowned, containing rich collections for theological study and research with holdings of over 700,000 items including unique and special materials. Throughout its long history, the Burke Library has maintained its commitment to the needs of both teaching and research, serving the faculty, students, and staff of Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University, as well as a wide spectrum of national and international scholars and researchers. For more information, please visit: http://library.columbia.edu/indiv/burke.html
One of the world's leading research universities, Columbia provides outstanding opportunities to work and grow in a unique intellectual community. Set in the Morningside Heights academic village, Columbia also presents the unmatched dynamism, diversity and cultural richness of New York City. The University Libraries, grounded in collections of remarkable depth and breadth, are also building extensive electronic resources and services. The Libraries at Columbia are committed to collegiality, professionalism, innovation and leadership.
Columbia University Libraries/Information Services is one of the top five academic research library systems in North America. The collections include over 10 million volumes, over 100,000 journals and serials, as well as extensive electronic resources, manuscripts, rare books, microforms, maps, graphic and audio-visual materials. The services and collections are organized into 22 libraries and various academic technology centers. The Libraries employs more than 550 professional and support staff.
To submit an application, please visit: academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=54559
