Project Archivist | SMU Libraries, Rees-Jones Library (Dallas, TX)

Project Archivist SMU Libraries, Rees-Jones Library (Dallas, TX)

Salary : $67,000 - $70,000 commensurate with the rank of Librarian 2

Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following overview of this role before making an application.

$77,000 - $80,000 commensurate with the rank of Librarian 3

About the Position :

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. SMU Libraries seeks a project archivist for the newly-established Rees-Jones Library of the American West.

This is a three-year, grant-funded position, with full benefits, with the possibility of permanent employment after the period covered by the grant.

The Rees-Jones Library consists of over 30,000 accessions, including books, pamphlets, maps, prints, photographs, manuscripts, works of art, realia, and ephemera bearing on the history of the Trans-Mississippi West.

A private collection, the Rees-Jones Library will be housed in its own building (soon to be under construction) on the SMU campus.

When combined with the existing holdings of the DeGolyer Library at SMU, the Rees-Jones Library, scheduled to open in 2027, will be a major center for teaching, research, and public programming on the Western United States.

This is a unique opportunity for an archivist to handle and organize thousands of original documents, from the 18th century to the present (with most dating from the 19th century).

Materials represented in the collection include letters, diaries, journals, deeds, bills of sale, account books, ledgers, memoranda, sketches, and ephemera.

Some of the archival material is associated with well-known historical figures (Thomas Jefferson, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston), and much of it is associated with lesser-known or anonymous figures.

The primary purpose of the Rees-Jones project archivist is to survey, appraise, preserve, arrange, and describe manuscript and archival collections within the Rees-Jones Library, making the mass of this material accessible to researchers by the time the new library opens.

The project archivist will be expected to produce finding aids and other access tools. The project archivist may also promote and highlight collections materials through occasional blog posts, newsletter stories, annual reports, and social media.

In conjunction with DeGolyer Library staff, the project archivist will set priorities and determine appropriate levels of description for preparing each accession for use.

By developing and implementing uniform arrangement and description standards, the archivist will ensure that the materials are efficiently, effectively, and appropriately processed.

The archivist will also identify promising materials for digitization and work with others in the library to create digital access to selected items.

SMU Libraries and the SMU campus is dedicated to diversity and inclusion. We seek to hire a person who shares our values of a diverse and equitable workplace based on teamwork with a proactive and positive approach in all that we do.

Essential Functions :

• Surveys, appraises, preserves, arranges, and describes manuscript and archival collections within the Rees-Jones Library, from the item level to the collection level.
• Creates and encodes finding aids according to national and local standards.
• Collaborates with colleagues to improve the intellectual and physical control of all special collections.
• Promotes and highlights collection materials through blog posts, newsletter stories, annual reports, etc.
• Works on digital projects (digitization of materials, digital collections, etc.).
• Pursues professional development and continuing education opportunities.

Required Qualifications :

• Master's in Library / Information Science (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution.
• At least 3 years of professional experience as an archivist for Librarian 2 level; minimum of 5 years for Librarian 3 level.
• Evidence of contributing to the field of librarianship through service, scholarship, and other professional activities.
• Experience with nationally-accepted standards and tools for archival processing and description.
• Strong project management skills and ability to process collections in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply LC subject terms and other controlled vocabularies.
• Initiative, flexibility, and a commitment to professional engagement.
• Ability to work in a team environment and maintain effective working relationships.
• Analytical ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to write and speak effectively.
• Physical mobility essential; must be able to lift and carry 25-50 lbs., push / pull carts, and sit / stand for long periods.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel occasionally to off-site locations.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists.
• Advanced degree in American history or a related field.
• Experience conceptualizing and mounting exhibitions.
• Publications or research in American history, especially in the history of the Trans-Mississippi West.
• For Librarian 3 : Evidence of leadership in librarianship.

Deadline to Apply : Open until filled. Applications submitted by September 13, 2024, will receive priority consideration.

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit :

• A resume or CV,
• A cover letter that addresses the education and experience required and preferred for this position, and
• 1-3 examples of finding aids the candidate has created.

For more information and to apply, please visit this link.

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