Fleet Library, in the Academic Engagement Division, at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), invites applications for a full-time professional archivist appointment at the rank of Librarian II, to commence in spring/summer 2026.
RISD recognizes principles of social equity, inclusion, and diversity as fundamental to its mission as an art and design school. These principles require sustained attention to a multiplicity of differences and call for an expansion of the forms of knowledge that shape our curricula and pedagogy. RISD is committed to the collective work of institutional transformation and values applicants whose teaching, pedagogical and professional experiences have prepared them to foster and sustain equitable learning environments. We especially welcome faculty whose pedagogy engages diverse perspectives, expands forms of knowledge, and helps foster a culture of belonging where all students, staff, and faculty can thrive.
As a member of a dynamic library team, the Archivist works collaboratively with the Digital Archivist to develop policies for the college and museum archival collections, to amplify the importance of both, as well as assists with reference and instruction services. The Archivist focuses on acquiring, appraising, processing, and describing primarily paper-based records, historical documents, physical ephemera and other primary resources relevant to RISD’s mission and history for the RISD Archives. and makes them accessible to researchers. The Archivist and the Digital Archivist work together to ensure alignment and compliance with the college’s records management program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES
- Develop, implement, and maintain policies, workflows, and processes for accessioning, appraising, arranging, describing, preserving, managing, and providing access to physical and digital archival materials in accordance with archival standards, best practices (including inclusive description), and library and institutional policies.
- Build relationships with offices, programs, and initiatives across campus to effectively administer the records management program for all college and museum departments; maintain records retention schedules; ensure transfer of permanent records to archives and timely disposition of temporary records.
- Develop and implement a plan for the storage and stewardship of physical collections in a wide range of formats that facilitates access and preserves materials for long-term use.
- Identify endangered materials within the archives collection, prioritize for conservation or other preservation, and work with the library director to identify funding for the work to be completed.
- Collaborate with offices across campus, create opportunities and campaigns to identify and collect first-hand accounts and related ephemera of enduring value to the college that reflect the broad range of cultural perspectives, lived experiences and identities of the RISD community, including, but not limited to the production of oral histories.
- Provide reference services and support research and scholarship, including presentations to classes on a range of topics such as primary source research practices and highlighting diversity in the collections and RISD’s history.
- Promote the archival collections and services and RISD history through outreach activities, including maintaining and expanding archives web pages and content for the online institutional repository.
- Document activities and keep annual statistics, as well as develop reports and make presentations as needed.
- In collaboration with the Digital Archivist, recommend annual departmental budget to the director, including equipment and supplies, library materials, student employment and major expenditures. Plan for future space and capital budget needs of archives.
Participate in professional and institutional activities; pursue continuing education as appropriate. Serve on library and/or college committees.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
- Contribute to exhibits and other public programs.
- Train and supervise interns, volunteers and student employees in support of the tasks described above.
- Identify outside funding sources and help to prepare grant proposals.
- Perform related activities as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- MLIS from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent combination of education and experience, with formal coursework and at least three years’ experience in archives administration and records management, preferably in an academic setting.
- Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse communities and institutional contexts.
- Attention to detail; demonstrated expert level organizational skills; technologically proficient; proven research skills.
- Understanding of and commitment to the use of computing and other technologies in archives. Experience with ArchivesSpace and Aeon preferred.
- Membership and participation in appropriate professional associations.
Preferred Qualifications RISD/ Department Description
RISD is a nonprofit college and museum of art and design founded in 1877 in the city of Providence, RI. Today 2,606 students from 62 countries engage in more than 40 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, supported by a committed faculty and worldwide network of more than 33,000 alumni.
By cultivating expansive and elastic thinking, RISD equips artists, designers and scholars to generate and challenge the ideas that shape our world.
RISD has a critical review process, which is very similar to the tenure process at other institutions. RISD supports faculty and librarian professional practice with sabbaticals, pre-critical review leave, conference funds, and professional development grants. For more information about RISD, please visit www.risd.edu.
Fleet Library at RISD is a place for inquiry and inspiration, occupying the first and second floors of 15 Westminster Street. With over 178,000 books and periodicals, institutional archives, special collections, artists’ books, material samples and picture collection, there is much to explore on site. Fleet Library also provides the RISD community with access to a wide range of digital resources, along with professional expertise to help navigate both online and physical resources for classroom instruction, individual research activity and creative practice.
The RISD Archives collects, preserves and provides access to records and artifacts, including photographs and publications that document the history and development of RISD programs, policies and procedures and contributions of individuals and organizations associated with the School and Museum. Records in the archives date from RISD’s founding in 1877 to the present.
Faculty Responsibilities Union Yes Salary Information
For information about base pay for this position, please refer to Article XII “Salaries” (p. 19-22) in the Faculty Association Collective Bargaining Contract 2022-2025. The contract indicates the minimum base salary for each rank.
Pre-employment Requirement
The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.
Special Instructions to Applicants
RISD Faculty Search Committees comprise colleagues from within and outside of the hiring Department.
Please attach the following to to the appropriate links in the section labeled “Documents Needed to Apply”:
1.) Letter of intent that addresses the qualifications and responsibilities listed above
2.) Curriculum vitae
3.) Writing sample such as a processing plan or similar document (e.g., policy or procedures)
Applications may not be edited once they are certified and submitted.
Only materials that have been requested will be considered.
Names and contact information for three references are requested as part of the application process at the finalist stage.
Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Candidates who submit their materials by January 5, 2026 are assured full consideration.
EEO Statement
RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.
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