Special Collections Librarian for Labor Studies

Description

The University of Maryland Libraries is seeking dynamic and innovative applicants for the position of Special Collections Librarian for Labor Studies. The successful candidate will create and implement a vision for all labor collections holdings in Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA), including the AFL-CIO archives. These rich collections encompass the history of labor in North America, national and international labor unions, as well as Maryland-related labor movements and issues. Particular collection strengths include, but are not limited to, the AFL-CIO; the Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America; the Bakery Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers; the Cigar Makers International Union; and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. With the recent acquisition of the AFL-CIO archives, the University of Maryland Libraries has established a premier collection for labor research.

The Special Collections Librarian for Labor Studies will develop a robust program of collection development, research services, digitization, and scholarly activity to support labor collections, including print and archival materials. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment within SCUA and within the University of Maryland Libraries.

For duties and responsibilities, please see the full position description using the following URL: http://www.lib.umd.edu/hr/employment-opportunities/staff-faculty-positions

Minimum Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library/Information Science with an emphasis on formal archival education and training; OR a graduate degree in history, American studies, or other relevant discipline with experience in archives, archival course work, or archival certificate.
• Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in an academic, collegial setting.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects from scoping to delivery; ability to set timetables, meet deadlines, or manage budgets.
• Demonstrated experience with major outreach initiatives which promote use of special collections.
• Must possess a strong service orientation and demonstrated ability in assisting researchers in a special collections setting.
• Demonstrated experience with digital initiatives or digital humanities projects.

Preferences:

• Advanced degree in American labor history, labor studies or related disciplines (in addition to a Master of Library/Information Science degree from an ALA-accredited program.)
• Two years or more prior work experience at the professional level in an archival repository.
• Demonstrated experience working with special collections related to labor history.
• Demonstrated experience with records management and creation/maintenance of records retention and disposition schedules.
• Demonstrated experience with professional and archival collection management software.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing digital projects and initiatives, including HTML/XML skills, SQL database knowledge, Javascript programming, project management, etc.
• Knowledge of current preservation and conservation practices.
• Knowledge of current trends and research in labor history and/or labor studies.
• Demonstrated experience in finding aid preparation; and knowledge of electronic access tools including HTML, Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and MARC records.
• Demonstrated experience with donor cultivation or fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience with collection development or planning initiatives.
• Prior experience supervising student assistants, volunteers, and support staff.

Additional Certifications:
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in an academic, collegial setting.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated project management and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience with major outreach initiatives which promote use of special collections.
• Demonstrated experience with digital initiatives or digital humanities projects.
• Knowledge of collection development and planning.
• Knowledge of donor cultivation or fundraising.
• Must possess a strong service orientation and demonstrated ability in assisting researchers in a special collections setting.