Librarian for Archival Arrangement and Description, New
York University Libraries
Description:
New York University Libraries seek a creative and
collaborative Librarian for Archival Arrangement and Description to oversee its
archival processing and description program. The position is based in the Archival
Collections Management Department (ACM) of Knowledge Access and Resource
Management Services (KARMS). Reporting to the Head of ACM and in close
collaboration with the Accessioning Archivist and Digital Archivist, this
position will play a leadership role in the newly formed ACM department, a
unified technical services department supporting NYU’s three archival
repositories: Fales Library, Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor
Archives, and New York University Archives.
The position will help to reshape the way NYU Special
Collections arrange, describe, manage, provide access to, and facilitate
discovery of NYU’s rich archival collections in support of research, teaching,
and learning in the libraries. The successful candidate will be committed to
providing excellent support to our researchers by leading the Special
Collections Processing Team, overseeing the processing and description work of three
FTE professionals, grant-funded and project-based staff, and multiple student workers; directing the
ongoing application of thoughtful archival arrangement and descriptive
practices; contributing to policies, procedures, and workflows for productive
and efficient processes; performing
hands-on collections processing as needed; ensuring a user-centered,
access-driven approach in all arrangement and description work; and seeking out opportunities for innovation
in all of these endeavors. This position
will also closely collaborate with other librarians and archivists throughout
the Division, especially colleagues in Special Collections and the Preservation
Department. Librarians are expected to
serve as partners in the educational mission of NYU by establishing strong relationships
with faculty and students and providing responsive and innovative information
services.
Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the Head of Archival
Collections Management, the successful candidate will:
Oversee the arrangement and description program, including
supervising all archival arrangement and description work in the unit by
professional, project and student staff; setting policy and best practices for
processing and descriptive work; developing program goals and metrics to
evaluate work; developing processing plans; and helping to plan and prioritize
large-scale processing projects.
Arrange or oversee arrangement of archival records in
accordance with accepted archival standards. Describe or oversee description of
archival collections according to archival standards in the collections
management database (Archivists’ Toolkit / ArchivesSpace) and publish EAD-encoded
finding aids on the web. Aid in creation and be responsible for maintenance of
documentation and policies for arrangement and description.
As a member of the senior staff and in close collaboration
with the Head of ACM and the Accessioning Archivist, assist
in implementing professional standards and best practices and setting
priorities for collection management, processing, description, digitization,
and discovery. Collaborate with Curators and Special Collections Public
Services colleagues to ensure that descriptive tools and products are
responsive to research needs and priorities.
Participate in general planning and policy development in the support of
ACM strategic directions; assist in project development for fundraising
activities as appropriate; plan and manage specific library projects.
Collaborate with the Digital Archivist to develop tools and
workflows for the arrangement and description of born-digital materials and in
the ongoing administration of and workflow for imaging and ingest of
born-digital materials within existing collection holdings. In collaboration
with colleagues from the department of Knowledge Access Design &
Development, coordinate strategies and workflows for integrating EAD records
into NYU’s primary discovery portal.
Collaborate with colleagues in the Preservation Department
to ensure proper handling and housing methods for archival collections and the
integration of good preservation assessment practice within the processing
program. Identify preservation needs and priorities for materials in all formats
during processing work and consult with Conservator for recommendations on
treatment.
Participate in unit-wide meetings and planning; contribute
to department reference services by providing reference assistance in person
and remotely; serve on relevant library-wide committees. Actively contribute to
the profession through professional service, research and publication.
Qualifications:
Minimum one graduate degree (master’s level or higher)
required for consideration. A second
graduate degree will be required to obtain tenure. One of the two graduate
degrees must be an ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent.
Five or more years of professional experience in archival arrangement
and description, preferably within an archive or special collections in an academic
or research library. At least 3 years
successful supervisory experience required. Significant experience providing
reference and research support to archival and special collections users is
highly desirable.
Demonstrated proficiency in archival theory and practice,
especially accessioning, processing and description, including minimal and
basic processing strategies.
Demonstrated experience as lead processor on large-scale and/or complex processing
projects, managing multiple processors, setting and meeting goals, and
developing metrics to measure progress throughout a project. Familiarity with
current approaches to accessioning and processing and description of
born-digital holdings preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure
standards related to the archival control of collection materials and proficiency in the use and application of
DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, LCNA; strong working knowledge of EAD and XML, including
experience with XML schemas and the use of XML editors and the manipulation of
metadata across systems and platforms. Demonstrated proficiency in the use,
maintenance, and support of automated archival collections management systems
(Archivist’s Toolkit and its successor ArchivesSpace).
Knowledge of basic preservation and conservation issues as
they relate to archival collections. Knowledge of rights administration and
management issues for archival collections.
Superior written and verbal communication skills; excellent
analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills; excellent
interpersonal skills and experience
working collaboratively with varied groups within a complex organization and
team environment. Flexibility and the capacity to thrive in a rapidly changing
environment. Great attention to detail; demonstrated ability to manage time and
tasks and complete projects in a timely manner.
New York University Libraries:
Libraries at New York University serve the school’s 40,000
students and faculty and contain more than 5 million volumes. The Libraries
supports NYU’s vision to become the first true Global Network University by
collaborating and providing services to our 11 global academic centers and
“portal campuses” in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.
New York University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research
Libraries, the OCLC Research Library Partnership, and the HathiTrust. The
Libraries participates in a variety of consortia and collaborates closely with
Columbia University Libraries and the New York Public Library through the
Manhattan Research Library Consortium. For the NYU Libraries Mission and
Strategic Plan go to http://library.nyu.edu/about/Strategic_Plan.pdf
Knowledge Access and Resource Management Services
facilitates the teaching, learning, and research endeavors of the Libraries’
user communities through processes and services in program areas that include library
acquisitions, serials and electronic resource management, knowledge access
design and development, archival collections management, and metadata
production and management. In collaboration with our colleagues in Collections
and Research Services, Public Services, Libraries IT Services, and Digital
Library Technology Services, KARMS has primary leadership responsibility for
knowledge access via the Libraries’ dynamic, integrated discovery and access systems.
In addition to serving NYU’s central libraries, institute libraries, and global
sites, KARMS provides selected services to Research Library Association of
South Manhattan member libraries and other affiliated libraries.
Salary/Benefits:
Faculty status and attractive benefits package including
tuition remission and generous time off. Salary commensurate with experience
and background.
To Apply:
To ensure consideration, send resume and letter of
application, including the name, address and telephone number of three
references to: Enrique Yanez, Director, Human Resources, New York University
Libraries, 70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012 or via email to jobs@library.nyu.edu.
NYU’s Division of Libraries embraces diversity and is
committed to attracting qualified candidates who also embrace and value
diversity and inclusivity.
NYU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
