University Archivist

Description

The University of Virginia library seeks an energetic and enthusiastic individual, who will have responsibility for building UVA's University Archives and who will articulate a vision for collecting opportunities beyond the official records of the institution. In order to achieve a more complete record of the University of Virginia and its myriad activities, one that focuses on diverse voices and experiences, the archivist will understand the need for and lead the effort to fill gaps in the institutional record by seeking material documenting student life, the university's place and role in the larger social and cultural context within Virginia and the United States, and most critically, seek and collect evidence of individuals and groups who are underrepresented in the archive. The University Archivist will understand that collection efforts will seek all formats of material, and will pay special attention to email, websites, and other types of digital records. The archivist may have opportunities to directly supervise student assistants and interns.

Responsibilities:
Collection Development- Reporting to the AUL for Archives and Special Collections and located within the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, the University Archivist will provide leadership for the selection, transfer, description, and preservation of official University Records of enduring value. In doing so, the University Archivist will collaborate with a number of individuals, including the University's Records Manager, University Administration, library colleagues, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The University Archivist may work with a variety of individuals to acquire personal papers and organizational records that document the University of Virginia's history in a broad context.

Access and Discovery-The University Archivist will arrange and describe newly transferred records and papers, including digital material, using ArchiveSpace. In collaboration with colleagues, the archivist will establish priorities for processing as well as make determinations for the level of processing for both incoming transfers and donated material. While looking forward to building the collection, the archivist will work toward improving discoverability of material in a collection backlog. The archivist will maintain consistency and uniform application of processing policies and standards, and will keep an eye on emerging trends and best practices.

Instruction-The University Archivist will be an enthusiastic promoter of using primary source materials in the classroom, and will work with other Special Collections staff and with faculty on developing archival and primary source literacy among students. The archivist will develop resources to support the objectives of classes that focus on collections held in the University Archives, and will seek effective ways to evaluate and assess engagement and learning outcomes.

Outreach-The University Archivist will be the primary promoter and representative of the archives to the University community and to external organizations and individuals. The archivist will collaborate with other staff to curate University history-centered exhibitions, and prepare University-history focused content for a variety of outlets including social media and websites.

Public Service-The University Archivist will have regular hours at the reference desk and will work alongside colleagues in assisting students, faculty, fellows, and scholars with the discovery of appropriate resources for their research needs. The archivist will serve as the primary contact for research inquiries pertaining to University history.  

Qualifications, Required
• ALA- accredited MLIS/MIS in library and information science or advanced degree in a relevant discipline with applicable experience
• Minimum of four years of experience in an archival or special collections environment working directly with collections
• Experience in appraisal, processing, reference, and outreach activities
• Ability to work with born digital material and to preserve digital formats
• Excellent project management skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Microsoft Office

Qualifications, Preferred
• Experience working with University Archives, web archiving, and digital repositories
• Supervisory experience
• Experience with instruction
• Archival certification
• Knowledge of Archivematica or similar digital archiving tool
• Knowledge of ePADD
• Knowledge of Avalon media system
• Knowledge of basic records management best practices 
• Experience with ArchivesSpace (or Archon, Archivists Toolkit) and Aeon
• Experience with Archive-It or similar web archiving tool

Applicants must apply through the University of Virginia online employment website at https://jobs.virginia.edu/. Search by posting number 0622811, complete the application, and attach a cover letter and resume with contact information for three professional references. For assistance with this process contact Charlotte Albright, Human Resources Business Partner, at (434) 243-3509.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  

Best,
Lauren Work

Digital Preservation Librarian
University of Virginia Library