Collections Archivist

The University of Iowa Libraries seeks to hire an organized intellectually curious and collaborative archivist to serve as Collections Archivist for University Archives. Under the general direction of the University Archivist and Lead for Archival Technical Services the Collections Archivist accessions processes manages and makes accessible archival collections representing a wide variety of formats including paper audiovisual and born digital within the University Archives. Priorities for this positions work will include helping to develop strategies for addressing legacy descriptive and arrangement practices and to improve discoverability of collection materials. The Collections Archivist will contribute to effective collections management by collaborating with staff in areas of digital preservation cataloging and metadata and collections care. They will also work with colleagues within and outside of the Special Collections and Archives department toward larger departmental goals such as the establishment of born-digital workflows and policies. They will supervise student employees and participate in reference services and outreach activities related to the University Archives.

Key Areas of Responsibility and Specific Job Tasks

Select Acquire Organize Preserve and Provide Information Resources and Services

• Accession arrange and describe University Archives collections in all formats according to archival standards.

• Create standards-compliant finding aids using the collection management software ArchivesSpace.

• Coordinate with Conservation and Collections Care staff and the University Archivist to assess the preservation needs of materials and identify solutions.

• Work with the University Archivist to manage the physical transfer of new collection material including the facilitation of on-campus pickups and shipping and transportation and preparation of materials prior to transfer.

• Participate in the Special Collections and Archives Processing Group and actively engage with colleagues to develop and update shared processing workflows and documentation including born-digital workflows.

• With other departmental staff coordinate location and shelving decisions to effectively manage storage space.

• Coordinate with colleagues within and outside of the department to effectively manage University Archives materials and work together to develop and update workflows and documentation and to support larger departmental goals related to collection management.

• Support digitization workflows in collaboration with staff in areas of collections care digitization cataloging and metadata.

• Additional job duties as assigned based on individual knowledge skills and abilities.

Instruction Consultation and Research Services

• Support day-to-day operations in the department including serving at the reference desk in the reading room.

• Provide reference services on a variety of topics related to University Archives materials.

• Participate in University Archives-related outreach activities.

Leadership/Staff and Resource Management/Financial Responsibility

• Train and oversee student employees in processing and related activities.

• Contribute as appropriate to the development of grant narratives work plans and budgets.

• Contribute to department-level planning and the formulation of new policies and procedures.

Continuous Learning & Skills Development

• Stay informed about developments in archival standards and trends applying new rules interpretations and techniques as appropriate.

Professional Contributions

• Contribute to the profession through service research publishing and/or teaching.

• Participate in and contribute to relevant library and university-wide activities and committees.