University Archivist

Job Title

University Archivist

Department

Libraries-General

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Job Description

Professional Responsibilities (70%)

• In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Distinctive Collections and working with colleagues across Spencer Research Library, KU Libraries, and campus, oversees the selection, appraisal, description and preservation of official university records of enduring value in all formats.
• Participates in developing and delivering instructional and outreach programming and activities including the classes, tours, and other programming; physical and virtual exhibits; and articles for Spencer Library’s shared blog.
• Supervises and mentors a full time archivist associate, and oversees the supervision and mentoring of student assistants.
• Develops relationships across campus to increase knowledge of records retention and to ensure appropriate records are transferred to the archives.
• Shares in providing specialized reference support for research inquiries; may also staff the reading room on a rotating or as-needed basis.
• Identifies candidates for digitization and, as part of a team, designs and helps implement project plans.
• Contributes to cultivation and stewardship of prospective donors.
• Initiates and contributes to grant development, work plans, and budgets as appropriate.

Research (20%)

• Contributes to the profession’s collective knowledge by engaging in scholarly research activity.
• Research may involve the publication of articles, books, book reviews, grant-supported inquiry, or editorial work (see Discipline Expectations for Librarians at KU, July 2014).

Service (10%)

• Engages in service to the Libraries, the University and to professional organizations by participating in committee work, projects, and other contributory achievements.

(Service and research percentages may not ordinarily be less than 5% each, and will generally total between 10% and 20%)

Req ID(Ex: 10567BR)

19542BR

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 West Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY 9for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).

Contact Information to Applicants

Mike Broadwell, mikebr@ku.edu

Position Number

00007845

Required Qualifications

1. ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent from a foreign institution by time of appointment. In the closely related, specialized field of archives, a graduate degree (may be master’s or Ph.D. depending on position requirements) in an appropriate field OR archival certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists may be considered for a recognized exception.
2. Three (3) years’ experience working in an archival institution.
3. Knowledge of current archival theory and accepted best practices as evidenced by application.

Employee Class

F-Faculty

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with education and experience

FTE

1.0

Preferred Qualifications

1. Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and a desire to work in and foster a collaborative, respectful culture.
2. Preparation and commitment to engage in scholarly activity and service consistent with a faculty appointment.
3. Capacity and commitment to engage independently in continuing professional development.
4. Leadership experience in a university archives or archival institution.
5. Experience with grant writing and grant management.
6. Experience with development and fundraising.
7. Experience directing records management programs and establishing digital records archiving processes.
8. Knowledge of and experience with archival IT solutions for preservation, processing and description, assessment, and access.
9. Project management experience.

Position Overview

The University of Kansas Libraries (KUL) seeks a creative and enthusiastic archivist to become the fourth university archivist since the archives were established in 1968. The University Archivist will have responsibility for building KU’s archives and will articulate a vision for collecting opportunities beyond the official records of the institution. The archivist will become an expert on KU history and traditions, sharing their passion for university history with the campus community, alumni and advocates around the world. The university archivist will enable research and instruction with primary sources that document the history of the University and experiences of Jayhawks.

University Archives maintains official records of enduring value, including the chancellor and other administrative offices, academic departments, associated programs and committees, as well as selected papers of faculty and staff. KU Libraries is committed to amplifying diverse voices in our collections, and this extends to the Archives, with a special emphasis on building collections that represent the experience of students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented groups.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Distinctive Collections, the position supervises one associate archivist and forms part of a team dedicated to the mission of Spencer Research Library: archivists, curators, public service and technology specialists, catalogers, conservators, and student assistants. The archivist will work closely with university leadership and information professionals on issues related to records management, digital archiving, and other initiatives as well as projects involving more traditional formats with the goal of preserving the collections in the University Archives and making them more accessible.

This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian.

See the Libraries Criteria for Academic Ranks document: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/criteria-academic-ranks-library-faculty

Additional information about the Libraries promotion and tenure procedures can be found at the following website: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/promotion-and-tenure-procedures-faculty-university-kansas-libraries

Reg/Temp

Regular

Application Review Begins

12-Aug-2021

Anticipated Start Date

15-Nov-2021

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete online application includes:

1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
2. Resume.
3. Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).

An online application must be completed to be considered for this position.

Application review begins Thursday, August 12, 2021. To ensure consideration, apply no later than Wednesday, August 11, 2021.