Archives & Special Collections Research Services Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

The UConn Library seeks a customer service-focused Archives & Special Collections (ASC) Research Services Coordinator (Library Assistant 2). Reporting to the Head of Archives & Special Collections, the ASC Research Services Coordinator coordinates research and reference services at the UConn Library’s John P. McDonald Reading Room. This position provides users with excellent in-person and online research and reference services, supervises the Reading Room, retrieves archival materials for researcher use, and ensures user standards and ethics of the University and UConn Library are maintained. This position works closely with Archives and Special Collections colleagues to identify and implement policies, procedures, and workflows to create a positive user experience.

As an active member of the Library and guided by our Strategic Framework of Connect, Empower, and Engage and our core values of kindness and trust, curiosity and inquiry, equity and inclusion, and having fun, the successful candidate will make positive contributions to a culture of inclusion and respect in all interactions within the Library and across the University and will actively exemplify the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice (DEIAJ) in their daily work.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as the primary point of contact for archival research and information requests, delivering excellent DEIAJ-informed customer service, and assisting users in-person and via telephone, email, and other virtual modalities. Provides research and reference services in the John P. McDonald Reading Room, locates and retrieves materials for patron use.

Supervises a team of student employees, including hiring, training, scheduling, and setting and managing priorities and workloads.

Works with Archives & Special Collections colleagues to identify and implement policies, procedures, and workflows that directly support creating a positive user experience.

Performs work related to collections maintenance, including shelving, sorting, shelf reading, and retrieval of material; assists Archives & Special Collections colleagues in carrying out collection projects.

Manages digital reproduction services, including transfers of large and batch requests to Conservation & Digital Imaging.

Identifies, collects, and reports statistics relating to Archives & Special Collections operations, programs, and events.

Conducts special projects to support the goals and priorities of Archives & Special Collections and the research, teaching, and learning mission of the University.

Shared Expectations for Student Supervisors

Hires, schedules, trains, and supervises student employees.

Determines work assignments and provides feedback to each student employee.

Approves student timecards and resolves time reporting and/or student payroll issues in a timely manner.

Ensures student payroll expenditures remain within the approved budget.

Maintains current student employee personnel records.

Adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the UConn Library Student Employee Handbook and the UConn Student Employment Guide.

Shared Expectations for All Staff

Applies the principles of the Library's core values and Strategic Framework through active contribution and cooperation in achieving Area and Unit priorities and operational goals. Demonstrates reliable and effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrates active learning in and communication of ongoing trends and developments related to professional and positional responsibilities.

Works effectively in current applications, software, and communication tools as employed by the UConn Library and UConn.

Exhibits appreciation of, sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse working environment, inclusive of all backgrounds and identifications.

Performs duties parallel to position responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of three years of related professional experience.

Demonstrated commitment to customer service and strong interpersonal oral and written communication skills.    

Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice.

Solid creative thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to recommend and implement workflow processes and patron-experience services.

Current direct experience working with archival management programs and digital repository software.

Ability to learn and work effectively in current office applications, software, and communication technologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated success in managing an archival management program, such as Aeon or ArchivesSpace.

Experience supervising student employees.

Experience working with rare or fragile collections and materials in a professional capacity with a strong understanding of archival processes, procedures, and resources.

Experience working with an active research community of researchers, including faculty, staff, and students in a higher education setting.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time position based on the UConn Storrs campus. The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary is dependent upon education, qualifications, and experience. This position is covered by the University of Connecticut Professional Employee’s Association, please see Career Paths for information on position classifications and salary bands.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

About UConn

UConn is one of the top public research universities in the nation, with more than 30,000 students pursuing answers to critical questions in labs, lecture halls, and the community. Knowledge exploration throughout the University’s network of campuses is united by a culture of innovation. An unprecedented commitment from the state of Connecticut ensures UConn attracts internationally renowned faculty and the world’s brightest students. As a vibrant, progressive leader, UConn fosters a diverse and dynamic culture that meets the challenges of a changing global society.

The main 4,400-acre campus is set in a university town located in the rural heart of Connecticut; approximately a half hour’s drive from Hartford, 90 minutes from Boston, and 3 hours from New York. Storrs offers New England village charm, with outstanding recreational facilities and open space initiatives, farm to table agricultural communities, and excellent public schools.

UConn is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The diversity of students, faculty, and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians, and salutatorians who make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top public research universities.

UConn’s faculty and staff are a critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural, and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs , Staff Positions, Search #498353 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. 

Nominations and inquiries can be sent in confidence to [email protected] . To ensure full consideration, inquiries and applications should be submitted by end of day on May 24, 2024.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on May 24, 2024.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.