Reference Archivist (Librarian), Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology

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ABOUT PITTS THEOLOGY LIBRARY

Pitts Theology Library the premier theological library in North America is one of Emory Universitys six instructional libraries. It holds a distinguished collection of theological materials in a beautiful 60000 square-foot facility. With active instructional and outreach programs and over 650000 volumes including over 155000 volumes in its Special Collections the library provides rich resources and services for the Candler School of Theology Emory University and the broader community.

Reporting to the Head of Special Collections the Reference Archivist (RA) works with Special Collections materials and provides reference and research services to researchers which may include Emory students and faculty visiting scholars and members of the public and may also provide outreach on behalf of the Pitts Theology Library. The Reference Archivist also processes archival materials and creates descriptive metadata including catalog records and finding aids for material in all formats including digital. The RA is responsible for recruiting training mentoring and supervising 2-3 graduate and/or undergraduate students to assist with reading room duties and archival processing creating meaningful learning and employment experiences for Emory University students. Administrative responsibilities include contributing to unit and division annual planning and reports. Finally the Reference Archivist is expected to contribute to the library and professional community through committee service conference presentations and/or scholarship.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

REFERENCE

Serves as primary source of reference assistance in Special Collections.
Provides reference and research consultation services in-person and virtually for primary source research methods. Work with Emory students and faculty visiting scholars and the public as needed and assigned.
Guides researchers through the completion of online registration for Aeon and shows researchers how to request Special Collections materials in Aeon.
Provides primary oversight at Pitts Theology Library of the Special Collections Request System (Aeon) for Emory students and faculty visiting scholars and the public as needed.
Maintains physical order of Special Collections stacks and assists with retrieval and reshelving of materials.
Oversees reading room security by monitoring use of materials in the reading room as well as working with researchers to explain the rules of care and handling for special collections material.

ARRANGEMENT AND DESCRIPTION

Arranges and describes archival collections.
Performs high-level collection analysis to assess intellectual and institutional value of collections and develops work plans outlining documentation arrangement timelines and project decisions.
Conducts appraisal of material within collections a process by which the permanent archival value of materials are evaluated.
Determines appropriate levels of arrangement and description based on collection condition local policy and practice and professional judgment.
Determines and performs basic preservation work such as removing rusty metal hardware unfolding and flattening documents and transferring material to new acid-free folders and boxes.
Coordinates with the conservation unit regarding preservation issues with Special Collections materials.
Creates finding aids for collections within ArchivesSpace including biographical notes scope and content notes and detailed container inventories.
Creates MARC format bibliographic record for collections which are included in both WorldCat and the librarys local catalog.

OUTREACH AND PUBLIC PROGRAMMING

Coordinates with the Digital Assets Librarian regarding the digitization of Special Collections materials.
Writes blog posts about archival collections or other topics related to the Special Collections department.
May collaborate with Pitts staff regarding the planning curation and design of exhibitions.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
Supervises students to arrange and describe archival materials in accordance with current library and archival standards.
Prioritizes work according to unit departmental library and university needs.
Contributes relevant input and suggestions to inform decision making during annual processing planning.
Makes recommendations on personnel selection staffing requirements and equipment and supply needs.
Performs other duties as needed to accomplish the goals of the unit and library.
Acts as a resource for fellow staff regarding procedural issues and archival theory.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Participates in appropriate professional and scholarly associations and organizations including maintaining membership and/or accreditation; attending meetings conferences workshops; and serving in appointed or elected positions.
Maintains up-to-date professional knowledge and skills in areas related to primary job assignment as well as maintains general knowledge of current trends in higher education academic libraries and information and educational technology.
Provides reference assistance to Emory students and faculty visiting scholars and the public as needed and assigned.
Participates in library and campus committees as appropriate for service purposes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

ALA-accredited masters degree in Library and Information Science or Archival Studies OR equivalent education and experience (relevant subject expertise combined with professional library education and/or experience).
One to two years demonstrated experience in appraising accessioning arranging and describing manuscript collections preferably in a special collections library in an academic environment.
Demonstrated knowledge of issues relating to rare books archives and manuscripts.
Demonstrated knowledge of current national archival and descriptive standards and best practices including working knowledge of MARC format EAD DACS and other archival descriptive standards.
Ability to lift 40-pound boxes and to work in a dusty environment.
Evidence of analytical organizational communication project and time management skills and demonstrated ability to set priorities meet deadlines and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget and in accordance with task/project parameters.
Commitment to fostering a diverse educational environment and workplace and an ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty and student population.
Capacity to thrive in an ambiguous future-oriented environment of a major research institution and to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities.
Demonstrated knowledge of current trends and issues in academic libraries and higher education.
Ability to build and sustain effective interpersonal relationships with library staff faculty and students off campus faculty and administrators campus administrators etc.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin disability protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions educational programs or employment including recruitment hiring promotions transfers discipline terminations wage and salary administration benefits and training. Students faculty and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act and applicable executive orders federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination equal opportunity and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance 201 Dowman Drive Administration Building Atlanta GA 30322. Telephone: (V) (TDD).

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