Lawrence University
Seeley G. Mudd Library
Position Description

University Archivist

General Description
Under the direction of the University Librarian, the University Archivist is responsible for administering, planning, developing, organizing, processing, and providing public service and access controls for the University Archives. Works with faculty, students, administrators, alumni, and researchers. Serves as a reference librarian and provides service at the library's reference desk, including nights and weekends, in regular rotation with five other librarians. This is a twelve-month library faculty position with rank and responsibilities.

Specific Responsibilities

  1. Plans, develops, and implements policies for the development, management and use of the Lawrence University Archives and related collections. Develops retention and access policies for archives and advises University departments on appropriate schedules for retention and disposal of University records in all formats. Works with responsible individuals in record-creating departments and offices of the University to provide for transfer of non-current records of permanent value to the archives.
  2. Evaluates, accessions, organizes, and arranges University records and prepares finding aids to facilitate their use by researchers.
  3. Provides reference service for archival holdings. Advises users of the resources available and techniques for using them.
  4. Conducts library instruction and educational assistance on the nature of archives to students. Works with academic departments to identify archival collections that students could use for class projects and independent research.
  5. Solicits collections and negotiates with prospective donors regarding papers that complement the archives; provides support for acquisitions of new collections.
  6. Plans and administers a preservation and conservation program for the diverse types of materials, including electronic documents, related to the University's history.
  7. Develops and administers an outreach program that brings the University's history to the campus and larger communities.
  8. Plans and implements technology related to management of archival collections, including creating digital resources, developing and maintaining the archives web site, and presenting the University's historical materials on the library's web site.
  9. Collaborates with other librarians on digital projects.
  10. Supervises and trains student assistants.
  11. Provides general reference assistance at the library's reference desk.
  12. Serves on university committees.

Qualifications
Required: Masters degree with an archival specialization or certification, from an ALA-accredited library school. Commitment to high quality public and technical service. Commitment to outreach to the campus and larger communities. Ability and desire to energetically promote archival program. Ability to deal with library patrons in a friendly and professional manner. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues in the library and on campus. Knowledge of integrated library systems and of electronic production and distribution of finding aids. Understanding of online cataloging and digital asset management; experience creating digital images and web pages.

Preferred: M.A. or undergraduate degree in history; undergraduate degree from a liberal arts college; experience working in archives.

About Lawrence University:
Chartered in 1847, Lawrence was among the first colleges in the U.S. to be founded co-educational. Lawrence enrolls 1,400 students from 48 states and 49 countries. Lawrence is located in Appleton, Wisconsin, at the center of the Fox River Valley in the northeast part of Wisconsin. The Seeley G. Mudd Library contains nearly 450,000 book volumes; music and media collections; federal and state documents; and approximately 2,300 linear feet of archival records. More information about the library is available at http://www.lawrence.edu/library.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to:

Lawrence University
Human Resources SPC 34
711 East Boldt Way
Appleton, WI 54911-5699
Via email: humanresources@lawrence.edu

Review of applications will begin August 2, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled.

AA/EEO.