Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist

Department
Forsyth Library

Job Posting Title
Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist

Job Description

Fort Hays State University and Forsyth Library invite applications for a special collections librarian and university archivist responsible for the acquisition, organization, preservation, and research use of a wide range of primary sources. In consultation with the coordinator of special collections, the librarian is responsible for recommending policy, acquiring, processing, and preserving materials for Forsyth Library special collections, and supervising assigned staff. The librarian collaborates closely with the digital curation librarian and the coordinator on selection of materials for digitization, exhibition, and promotion / outreach. As part of the campus records management team, the librarian fills the role of university archivist and is responsible for the long term retention of historical university records deposited with special collections. This is a 12-month tenure-track faculty position with an appointment and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, and an anticipated start date in November 2022.

Minimum Qualifications:

• American Library Association-accredited Master’s degree (e.g., MA/MLS/MLIS/MIS).
• Certificate or concentration in archives or equivalent work experience as determined by the Dean of Library Services.
• Experience processing archival and/or special collections, either professionally or as part of an internship, practicum or other relevant student experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated through the application and interview process.
• Strong affinity for public service and research assistance as demonstrated through coursework or work experience.
• Potential to contribute to archival librarianship through professional service and scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with climate and environmental standards for archival facilities.
• Society of American Archivists awards or certificates (e.g. Digital Archives Specialist, Academy of Certified American Archivist).
• Experience using metadata standards such as RDF, Dublin Core, EAD, METS, MODS, PREMIS, or DACS.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends, issues, workflows, and best practices associated with digital and digitized content in an archival environment.
• Two or more years’ hands-on experience utilizing preservation/conservation standards associated with a variety of formats (e.g. born digital or reformatted digital objects.
• Experience navigating the legal and ethical issues affecting privacy, content restrictions, digital rights management, and access to archival materials.
• Experience engaging diverse communities through the planning and implementation of programing and the curation of exhibitions.
• Experience with relevant technology platforms associated with special and archival collections (e.g., ArchivesSpace, ArchiveIt, institutional repository software, Omeka).
• Record of professional engagement, including service to archivist organizations, presentations at conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and implement projects, independently and with teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to user-focused services and collections.
• Experience supervising the work of student employees.

Rank: Assistant Professor, 12-month tenure track faculty position

Appointment Date: November 2022

Priority Deadline: Preference given to applications received by September 12, 2022.

Salary: $48,000-$58,000, c ommensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits: Competitive benefit package http://www.fhsu.edu/humanresourceoffice/Prospective-Employees/

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acquires, organizes, curates, and provides intellectual and physical access to rare books, manuscript, historical documents, and university records;
• Creates finding aids using best practices and standards including DACS and EAD for online patron research;
• Implements basic preservation and conservation methods to extend the life of physical and digital materials;
• Works with Dean to ensure appropriate climate and environmental standards are developed and maintained;
• Works with a records management team to provide a university records retention schedule and user training;
• Advises and assists researchers in the use of archival materials in research activities;
• Interacts with donors of archival collections both internal and external to the organization;
• Appraises potential collection additions and makes recommendations;
• Participates in development and implementation of policies and standards relevant to special collections.
• Hires, supervises and trains student employees, staff, volunteers, or interns;
• Promotes collections through physical and online exhibitions, publications, presentations, instruction, teaching, and other outreach activities;
• Maintains professional knowledge base and skills through continued professional development and research;
• Provides support for faculty and student success as a library liaison to assigned disciplines;
• Engages in professional activities and participates in various University or Library committees and groups.
• Fulfills the requirements and expectations for scholarship and service as defined for library faculty.

Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit https://fhsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CAREERS . Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents: All application documents should be submitted in one PDF that includes a letter of application addressing the qualifications listed above, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three professional references able to speak to the candidate’s archival and special collections experience and qualifications. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Name: Ginger Williams

Email: ghwilliams@fhsu.edu

Phone: 785-628-4539

ABOUT FORSYTH LIBRARY:

Forsyth Library has been allocated funding and is in the planning process for a major building remodel, including the establishment of the Fenwick Reading Room. Expected completion will be fall 2026.

Forsyth Library fosters learning, scholarship, and enduring connections to history, culture, and heritage as the foundation for knowledge and skills that enrich academics, work, and life. We are the experts our learners and scholars seek first for the acquisition, discovery, application, creation, and curation of high quality information and research and for the preservation of university and regional history and heritage. The library has 18 full time staff members, and over 150 research databases. The library is also home to the university special collections whose collection areas include university history, classic children’s literature, and Great Plains history; rich digital collections ( http://contentcat.fhsu.edu/ ); an institutional repository ( http://scholars.fhsu.edu/ ) for research scholarship; and collections of state, federal and international government documents. More information is available on our web site ( http://www.fhsu.edu/library ).

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.