University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian

Overview of position

Are you passionate about archives and special collections? Denison University Libraries is seeking our next University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian. Apply to help us preserve, protect, and promote Denison’s history, in alignment with the Libraries’ mission and the University’s strategic plans.

Reporting to the Director of Libraries, you will lead, develop, and manage University Archives’ collections, Special Collections, and Denisoniana, all of which include physical and digital materials. This role oversees day-to-day research and collection operations, and provides long-term strategic visioning and information literacy instruction for primary source and archival literacy learning. You will evaluate and assess workflows and procedures to stay current with best practices, including records management. You will also supervise assigned staff and produce departmental reports. You will apply knowledge of standard archival theory and practice, preservation methods, local research tools and finding aids, and use born-digital archival preservation best practices. Most importantly, you will collaborate with key offices on campus to help make all of this possible.

Required Knowledge and Skills

–Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program, in Library Science, or equivalent, with an emphasis in archival studies
–3-5 years work experience in archives, special collections, records management, or historical collections
–Experience with archival descriptive standards (like DACS, EAD) as well as library standards like Dublin Core; and experience with ArchivesSpace or similar archival collection management software for accessioning and finding aid creation
–Experience with digital preservation best practices and procedures
–Expert-level analytical and critical thinking, written and oral communication skills
–Ability to coordinate and administer programs/project activities and protocols
–Advanced technical, computer, and software skills
–Demonstrated desire to seek professional growth
–Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

–Additional Master’s degree in a related field
–Certified Archivist (ACA)
–2-3 years experience with decision-making for archival or special collections policies, procedures, and management
–Experience with digital collections and third-party software platforms for management and preservation, such as Preservica or similar preservation software
–Experience teaching information literacy
–Supervisory experience

We’re looking for an innovative, collaborative, flexible, and service-oriented professional who is comfortable establishing and maintaining relationships to serve in this role. We recognize that candidates may not possess all of the preferred qualifications; however, the ideal candidate will bring many of them, and we are committed to helping our future colleague develop these preferred skills.

For full job description and to apply, see https://employment.denison.edu/postings/4720 . Applications received by April 30, 2024 will be assured full consideration; the position is open until filled. Please ensure that your cover letter addresses the essential duties and responsibilities of the role, and addresses your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism. This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt, salaried position working on campus Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours.

About Denison

Denison is an increasingly diverse, highly selective, residential liberal arts college enrolling approximately 2,300 students from across the nation and around the world. The college is located in the village of Granville, 30 minutes from Columbus, Ohio, the state capital, which hosts a wide range of cultural and artistic opportunities. Granville offers an excellent public school system and easy access to outdoor activities. Denison is committed to attracting and supporting academically and culturally diverse professionals and is committed to providing a work and learning environment free from discrimination. To achieve our mission as a liberal arts college, we continually strive to attract and hire candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Denison fosters a campus community that recognizes the value of all persons regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression and identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background. For additional information and resources about diversity at Denison, please see our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and antiracism (IDEA) at https://denison.edu/campus/denison-forward .

About the Libraries

Denison Libraries are committed to connecting people with ideas, and to creating an intellectual and cultural commons where students, faculty, and staff can experience the power of sharing information. You will be joining a staff of 10 professional librarians and 12 support staff members. Along with library staff, the building is home to our Center for Learning and Teaching, the Writing Center, and the Multilingual Learning Office.

Thanks to a generous donation from a Denison alum, the building went through significant renovations from 2018-2022, resulting in more spaces for students and other patrons to study, collaborate, and create. Throughout our 7 floors, the library has a variety of spaces that support quiet study as well as collaborative work. During a typical semester, we are open 104 hours a week. We ordinarily employ dozens of students each semester; students learn hands-on skills they can add to their professional portfolios. The library is there for our patrons virtually, as well. While we hold over half a million volumes in our building, we also have strong consortial partnerships that allow ready access to a network of 120 higher education members of OhioLINK, proffering 46 million resources. We offer access from wherever you are to over 700 databases and 26 million electronic articles, making our reach greater than that of many larger schools.

If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (740) 587-6299 or by email at [email protected].