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Community Archivist

Employer
University of California Santa Cruz
Location
California, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Date posted
Jul 8, 2021

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Community Archivist


The University Library at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), is pleased to invite applications for the new position of Community Archivist in the Department of Special Collections & Archives. The Community Archivist will partner with local stakeholders to promote the acquisition, preservation, and use of archival materials that document the communities of Santa Cruz County employing a variety of community-centered approaches including, but not limited to, developing and advising oral history projects, pursuing post-custodial collection models, and conducting community outreach.

Despite serving a particularly diverse undergraduate population, UCSC Special Collections holdings do not adequately reflect the histories of marginalized communities of the campus or the region. In 2021 the Heads of Special Collections (HOSC) of the UC System issued a Statement on Inclusion and Equity in Special Collections, Archives, and Distinctive Collections in the University of California Libraries. In direct support of the HOSC statement, the Library at UCSC is developing a new Community Archiving Program to elevate the narratives, perspectives, and expertise of historically underrepresented populations in Santa Cruz County.

Under the direction of the Head of Special Collections, the Community Archivist will define and establish this new program. The successful candidate will partner with historically underrepresented and immigrant communities in the region, including but not limited to, Latinx, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Indigenous populations. The Community Archivist will identify, preserve, and provide access to archival collections documenting community histories, cultures, and experiences through a variety of formats. We seek a creative, collaborative, and forward-looking colleague who can complement, strengthen, and expand partnerships across library departments, with colleagues across campus and the larger community. We welcome applications from early career professionals looking to further develop their expertise and help shape the development of this exciting program.

In collaboration with colleagues in the Processing Unit, the Community Archivist will undertake the acquisition, arrangement, and description of archival collections that reflect historically underrepresented communities and cultures in Santa Cruz County. Additionally, the Community Archivist will advise campus and community partners in developing oral history projects documenting local communities. The Community Archivist will work to foster partnerships with communities and cultural institutions in Santa Cruz County to develop community-centered projects, including post-custodial models of stewardship. In consultation with the Head of Special Collections, the Community Archivist will lead collection development in relevant areas, as assigned. The Community Archivist will curate exhibits and develop curriculum-integrated programming and outreach focused on historically underrepresented communities. As part of the Special Collections team, the Community Archivist will participate in departmental instruction and reference programs, providing specialized community-centered research assistance and primary source literacy instruction.

In addition to the basic qualifications listed below, applicants with any of the following qualifications or professional experience are strongly encouraged to apply:
  • Formal coursework or training in oral history.
  • Formal coursework or training in archival management and theory including understanding of the principles of post-custodial archival stewardship.
  • Project management experience, including grant management.
  • Experience providing reference service, preferably in a library or archives setting.
  • Experience balancing multiple assignments and projects.
  • Knowledge of communities in the Central Coast region.
  • Experience working with community engagement, outreach, and collection development in a library or archival setting.
  • Working knowledge of a language other than English that is represented amongst the communities of Santa Cruz County, including but not limited to Spanish.
  • Knowledge of anti-racist archival theory and description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and recognize that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our preferred qualifications listed.

UCSC values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to hiring faculty and staff who share these values. UCSC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution with a high proportion of first generation students. To be considered, candidates must understand the barriers facing historically oppressed groups in higher education, and, through education, teaching, research, professional activity and/or creative practice, demonstrate effective strategies which support the success of underrepresented groups in creative, professional, and/or scholarly fields. Activities promoting equity and inclusion at UC Santa Cruz will be recognized as important university service during the Librarian review process.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Librarians Association of the University of California (LAUC). Research, publication, and/or service to the University and profession are expected for continuing advancement. More information can be found at https://lauc.ucop.edu/.

Interested applicants are invited to attend an informational webinar to learn more about the position, the campus, and the University Library. Please register using the links provided below:
  • Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from noon - 1:00 pm PT (registration)
  • Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm PT (registration)

The attendee list will be hidden to ensure confidentiality. Live captioning will be provided.

Inquiries and nominations may be directed to Teresa Mora, Head of Special Collections & Archives (tmora1@ucsc.edu).

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.


To apply, visit https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01099



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