Project Archivist, Special Collections - Yale University, New Haven, CT

Position Focus:

The Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library at Yale University Library qualified candidates to apply for our two-year Arts Library Special Collections Project Archivist position. Under the supervision the Archivist for Arts Library Special Collections (ALSC), the incumbent will process and catalog archival and manuscript materials in accordance with national and Yale Library special collections standards and using Yale Library collections management and access systems. Projects will include processing Yale School of Drama and other art and design manuscripts and/or archival collections as well as enhancing finding aids for other under-documented arts acquisitions. The Project Archivist prepares finding aids;  works with the ALSC Archivist to determine project goals and outcomes; develop project plans and documentation; implement work plans; collaborate with additional departments and staff in the Library as appropriate based on project needs; and may train and supervise student assistants.

This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 1 or Librarian 2. Librarian ranking information can be found at http://bit.ly/YULRanksPromotions .

Essential Duties

1. Assume a variety of responsibilities related to manuscript and archival material in all formats, including selection, appraisal, arrangement and description, preservation, and access and outreach. 2. Work in libraries across university campuses to meet the needs of local, national, and international teaching and research communities. 3. Assist with management of printed collections, as assigned. 4. Assist, if necessary, with disaster recovery efforts. 5. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

1. Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree, with formal training in archival theory and practice. In selected instances, a post-graduate degree in museum studies or a related discipline in the humanities or social sciences may be substituted for a master’s degree in library science. 2. Experience arranging and describing or providing public services for manuscript and/or archival collections. 3. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment. 4. Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice may be substituted for formal training. 5. Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials. 6. Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems. 7. Demonstrated job or school experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections. 8. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability. 9. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion. Yale University assigns ranks to librarian positions based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments (see range assigned to this description as noted in the posting position title). Librarian ranking information can be found at: http://www.library.yale.edu/about/departments/lhr/rank.html

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Demonstrated knowledge of archival appraisal, arrangement and description practices and standards, including those related to born-digital materials.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Demonstrated familiarity with archival and library management systems and with tools that create EAD finding aids and platforms such as ArchivesSpace.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Demonstrated logical and enthusiastic approach to work; careful attention to detail; proven initiative and follow-though.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of tasks and multiple priorities.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Academic degree or strong background in the visual arts, art history, design, or a closely related field. A master’s degree concentration in archives.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift materials up to 40 lbs and push heavy book trucks.