Archivist, Arts Library Special Collections - Yale University, Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library, New Haven, CT
Location: New Haven, CT
Salary: $70,000 – $80,000
Employment Term: Full time
Required Experience: A minimum of two years professional experience in an academic or museum library, with formal training in archival theory
and practice.
Employer Contact: Heather Gendron (hgendron@yale.edu)
Position Focus:
The Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library at Yale University seeks a
service-focused and collaborative Archivist, a position that provides
opportunities for growth and professional development in one of the
country’s largest academic arts libraries. Reporting
to the Associate Director of Arts Library Special Collections (ALSC),
the incumbent is responsible for archival processing, acquisitions, and
research services. The Archivist for ALSC processes and catalogs
archival and manuscript materials representing the
visual arts and design. Prepares finding aids according to relevant
standards and established local practice, including using ArchivesSpace.
Assists the Associate director in overseeing staff who support the ALSC
service desk and reading room. The archivist
participates in the acquisitions process by managing the Yale Bookplate
Collection and making recommendations to the Associate Director.
Assists in the preservation assessment of collections and in the
selection of materials for conservation treatment. Collaborating
with other special collections units within Yale University Library
(YUL) system, responsible for assuring that policies and procedures
governing the use of the collections follow the YUL’s security
standards. The ALSC Archivist provides special collections
reference and research services support and may collaborate with the
Associate Director and other library colleagues to deliver library
instruction. The ALSC archivist assists with the planning and execution
of exhibits in the William H. Wright Special Collections
Exhibition Area and online.
The incumbent contributes to strategic planning in the Arts Library.
Completes special projects as assigned. Contributes to Yale University
Library and University-wide initiatives and is active professionally.
This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian
2 (Grade 24) or Librarian 3 (Grade 25). Librarian ranking information
is available at http://bit.ly/YULRanksPromotions
Essential Duties
- Assumes a variety of responsibilities related to Special Collections/Restricted materials in all formats (including born-digital). This includes selection, appraisal, arrangement and description, preservation, access, outreach, and security.
- Manages all aspects of ALSC archival processing in paper or electronic format, including: accessioning, arrangement and description, and preservation and rehousing.
- Improves accessibility to archival collections by preparing and publishing EAD encoded finding aids. Creates collection level records and assists other staff in preparing such records for inclusion in the online library catalog.
- Oversees ALSC collections management, particularly stacks maintenance and LSF processing.
- Serves as the primary selector for the Yale Bookplate Collection and participates in ALSC collection development, including: research and selection, dealer and donor relations, and acquisitions negotiations across a broad range of materials relating to the visual arts, design, and the dramatic arts.
- Collaborates to deliver instructional sessions and reference support in the use of Arts Library special collections by the Yale community and the broader public. Collaborates with other librarians, archivists, and faculty to integrate ALSC materials into courses.
- Assists in the creation and maintenance of online research guides and other support tools.
- Participates in the creation of Arts Library exhibition, outreach and instruction programs, and events. This includes the Bibliographical Press and working with other campus partners to draw new and diverse audiences to the Arts Library and the Press.
- Assists with reading room operations that includes patron requests; reference services to patrons in person, by telephone, and via email; reproduction requests; compliance with security procedures; training library staff, student assistants, and interns.
- Creates documentation to support training and excellent customer service.
- Collaborates with Arts Librarians to manage current and future special collections digitization efforts.
- Participates in setting priorities, planning workflows, recommending changes to procedures and policies; resolves problems, interprets policies, generates statistics and reports, carries out projects.
- Serves on library committees, working groups, and task forces, and engages in professional development outside the library. Monitors developments and best practices elsewhere to help ensure the excellence of Yale's collections and research support services.
- Assists, if necessary, with disaster recovery efforts.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
- Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library school and an undergraduate degree in the visual arts, art history, design, or a closely related field.
- A minimum of two years professional experience in an academic or museum library, with formal training in archival theory and practice.
- Experience processing manuscript and archival collections.
- Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems.
- Demonstrated experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and special collections.
- Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion.
- Experience with providing research support, instruction, and public services for special collections.
- Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability, and the ability to provide exceptional customer service to a diverse clientele.
Required Skill/Ability 1:
Demonstrated proficiency in archival appraisal, arrangement and description practices and standards and demonstrated knowledge of the issues related to the acquisition of born-digital materials.
Required Skill/Ability 2:
Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials. Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems, and familiarity with tools that create EAD finding aids and platforms such as ArchivesSpace.
Required Skill/Ability 3:
Demonstrated ability providing public services for special collections. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment.
Required Skill/Ability 4:
Commitment to an inclusive workplace. Ability to engage with diverse audiences (age, gender, nationality, race/ethnicity, profession, sexual orientation, etc.).
To Apply:
