Primary Function:
The Instruction and Outreach Archivist is responsible for archival instruction and outreach to the University of the South students, faculty, staff, and the local community. This individual promotes the Archives as the University’s liberal arts laboratory. In so doing, they lead archival instruction initiatives and collaborate with faculty and staff to create related primary source instruction and hands-on opportunities with archival and special collections resources. In addition, this individual works to increase the visibility and use of Archives collections and exhibits across campus, foster relationships with University projects and programs, and create community outreach and engagement opportunities. They also actively participate in general Archives support activities.
Position Appointment Details:
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Career Band: 2C
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Full-Time
Typical Duties & Responsibilities:
Education and Instruction
Develop and lead general orientations to the University Archives and Special Collections.
Collaborate with faculty to design and teach customized archival instruction sessions
Work with faculty to develop archival projects within classes or to integrate archival materials into classes
Design instructional materials, such as LibGuides, for frequently researched topics or for class use
Schedule, plan, and organize class sessions at the Archives
Work with the Digital Archivist to help determine materials for digitization and online exhibits useful for University classes and general outreach
Outreach and Community Engagement
Strengthen outreach and connections to University programs, departments, projects, and student organizations
Promote awareness of Archives through various outlets, including social media
Plan special events, tours, workshops, etc., related to archival resources
Enhance and increase engagement with archival exhibits by creating activities for University classes or school groups upon request
Actively participate in general Archives and Special Collections support activities
Assist with reference services
Contribute to exhibit research, production, and installation
Collaborate on ensuring resources are easily discoverable and accessible to users
Participate in departmental planning, policy development, and decision-making
Participate in LITS and University organizations, committees, and task forces
Page and reshelve materials
Other duties as assigned
Machines & Equipment Used:
Computers, mobile devices, printers, copiers, scanners.
Judgment Required:
Independent judgment and discretion are required in the application of standard operating procedures to the essential duties of this position.
Budgetary Responsibility:
Personal Interaction/Communication:
Student Contact: On a daily basis, providing archival instruction and assistance, answering questions.
Internal: On a daily basis, providing archival instruction and assistance, answering questions, and participating in University committee involvement.
External: On a daily basis, providing archival instruction and assistance, answering questions.
Education:
Master’s degree in archival studies, library science, history, or a related field with an archival concentration or significant coursework in archives.
Experience:
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1-2 years of experience in archives or special collections strongly preferred.
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Some experience providing instruction. Experience providing archival instruction is highly desired.
Job-Related Skills:
Demonstrated understanding of the principles of active learning and best practices related to teaching with primary source materials.
Engaging teaching and presentation skills.
Experience with special collection, archival, or museum exhibition promotion.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of professional archival standards, best practices, and technologies for accessing, arranging, describing, and preserving archival materials.
Confidential Information:
Faculty and departmental files, correspondence, research materials, personnel activities, records for library patrons, restricted and sensitive archival and manuscript materials.
Working Environment:
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University Archives and Special Collections, normal office environment, some physical maneuvering of boxes, objects, and other sometimes heavy items.
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Working with older materials may involve exposure to mold.
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Staff members are expected to present a professional demeanor and appearance in dealing with all members of the University community and the general public in the performance of duties for this position.
