University Archivist
The University of Maryland Libraries are committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We support university and library efforts to create a more just campus environment, understanding the unique, interdisciplinary focus of libraries and archives as collectors and curators of the historical, literary, artistic, and scientific record. We provide collections, services, and programs that reflect the diversity of our community, heighten cultural awareness, and incorporate the histories, experiences, and expressions of those who have been historically marginalized and/or underrepresented. We work to ensure equitable access to our facilities, resources, and services.
The collections and services of the University of Maryland Libraries' Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) are at the heart of the research and teaching mission of the university. Collection strengths include labor history, Maryland history and culture, modern Japanese history, mass media and culture, history of the book, women's history, historic preservation, American and British writers and poets, and the history of the University. Collection highlights include the National Public Broadcasting Archives, the Library of American Broadcasting, the George Meany Memorial AFL-CIO Archive, the Gordon W. Prange Collection, and the Katherine Anne Porter Collection. The University of Maryland Libraries is also home to important special collections in the performing arts, including the International Piano Archives at Maryland. The SCUA staff is committed to reaching out to the research community at large, facilitating access to these world-class collections that document key aspects of the human experience at the university, local, state, national and international levels.
The University Archivist is responsible for the University of Maryland collection area within SCUA and oversees reference services, collection development, donor outreach and stewardship, outreach, and instruction activities. Collaborating with other staff, this position also provides input into the
overall direction for accessioning, arrangement, description, cataloging, digitization, and preservation of university archives materials.
The University Archivist builds, maintains, interprets, and provides access to the University Archives and assesses collection needs, establishes priorities, and represents the collection area to the University of Maryland community and external organizations and individuals. The successful candidate for this position will:
- Lead the University Archives as an organizational innovator, facilitating the ongoing development of a flexible work environment focused on strategic priorities, project orientation, a work culture that is both fluid and accountable, and an excellent staff.
- Demonstrate creativity in identifying and allocating resources through donor relations, fundraising, grants, partnerships, budgeting, and flexible staff
deployments. - Develop and articulate a vision for the University Archives in the 21st century that takes into account new collecting opportunities while seeking to document under-represented groups in the campus community.
- Develop and articulate a vision for services that transcends collection management and incorporates dynamic activities in the areas of discovery, teaching, preservation, digital presentation to online communities, outreach to new audiences, off-campus partnerships, and alliances with the teaching faculty, students, and colleagues on the library faculty.
- Promote the University Archives to campus and off-campus partners, including the University administration, Intercollegiate Athletics, the Alumni Association, University Relations, and other entities.
Best Consideration Date is JUNE 2
Background check is required if offered the position.
QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, skills, and abilities): Must have thorough knowledge of archival theory and practice. Must be able to work effectively with others in a team setting. Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills and in assisting researchers in a special collections setting. Must be able to manage a broad variety of tasks in response to varying time pressures with shifting priorities and changing constraints. Ability to understand and plan for work with born digital material and to preserve digital formats. Must possess a strong service orientation and the potential for professional contributions.
EDUCATION:
REQUIRED: Master's degree in Library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or a non-USA equivalent; or a graduate degree in history, American Studies, or other relevant discipline, with experience in archives, archival course work, or archival certificate.
EXPERIENCE (Be specific, indicate the minimum years of experience and skills needed):
Required: At least two years of professional archival experience. Early career archivists encouraged to apply. Experience demonstrate ability and initiative in reference, instruction, and outreach