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The NYU Libraries - Librarian for Archival Arrangement and Description

Location: USA - NY - New York

Position Announcement
Librarian for Archival Arrangement and Description, New York University Libraries

New York University Libraries is seeking a creative and collaborative Librarian for Archival Arrangement and Description to oversee archival processing and description. The position is based in Archival Collections Management (ACM) of Knowledge Access and Resource Management Services (KARMS). Reporting to the Head of ACM, 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. The successful candidate will provide support to our researchers by leading the Special Collections Processing Team; overseeing processing and description work; directing the ongoing application of archival arrangement and descriptive practices; contributing to policies, procedures, and workflows; performing processing as needed; ensuring a user-centered, access-driven approach; and seeking opportunities for innovation. This position will also collaborate with other librarians and archivists throughout the Division, especially within Special Collections and Preservation departments. 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.

Under the general supervision of the Head of ACM, the successful candidate will:

  • Supervise all archival arrangement and description work in the unit by professional, project and student staff; develop program goals and metrics to evaluate work; developing processing plans; and help plan and prioritize large-scale processing projects.
  • Arrange archival records and describe archival collections in accordance with accepted archival standards using the Archivists’ Toolkit/ArchivesSpace. Publish EAD-encoded finding aids online. Aid in creation and be responsible for maintenance of documentation and policies.
  • Assist in implementing best practices and setting priorities for collection management, processing, description, digitization, and discovery. Collaborate with colleagues to ensure that tools and products meet research needs. Participate in planning and policy development to support strategic direction; assist in project development for fundraising as appropriate; plan and manage library projects.
  • Collaborate with the Digital Archivist to develop tools and workflows for the arrangement and description of born-digital materials and in the administration of and workflow for imaging and ingest of materials within existing collections. In collaboration with colleagues, 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.
  • Provide 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 of one graduate degree required for consideration. A second graduate degree will be required to obtain tenure, one of which must be an ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent.
  • 5 or more years of professional experience in archival arrangement and description, preferably within an academic or research library. 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 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, 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 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, analytical, critical thinking problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; experience working collaboratively with varied groups within a complex organization and team. 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.

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 cover letter, 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 [email protected].

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.