Accessioning Archivist
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Yale University
Rank: Librarian II-III
The University and the Library
The University Library, which is a highly valued partner in teaching
and research at the University, has more than 12.5 million volumes housed
in the Sterling Memorial Library and 22 school and departmental
libraries. It employs a dynamic and innovative staff of nearly 600 FTE
who have the opportunity to work with the highest caliber of faculty and
students, serve on committees and participate in other areas of staff
development. A full spectrum of library resources, from rare books and
manuscripts to a rapidly expanding network of electronic resources,
constitutes one of Yale's distinctive strengths. The Library is engaged
in numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to a full
array of scholarly information. For additional information on the Yale
University Library, please visit the Library's Web site at:
http://www.library.yale.edu/.
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
The Beinecke Library, one of the world's largest buildings devoted
entirely to rare books and manuscripts, is Yale's principal repository
for literary archives, early manuscripts, and rare books. The Beinecke
collections are internationally known and heavily used by scholars from
around the world. In addition to its distinguished general
collections, the Beinecke Library houses outstanding special collections
devoted to American literature, German literature, Western Americana, and
the Osborn Collection, noted for its British literary and historical
manuscripts. For further information about the Beinecke Library, consult
the library's web site at:
http://www.library.yale.edu/beinecke.
The Manuscript Unit is a division of Technical Services. The Manuscript
Unit supports the Beinecke Library's robust acquisition program and is
responsible for the accessioning, processing, and cataloging of
Beinecke's manuscript collections. The manuscript collections range
from papyrus and pre-1600 manuscripts to twenty-first century literary
archives. In addition to literary and historical manuscripts,
formats include photography and artwork, audio and moving image
recordings, digital files, and music. The Manuscript Unit also has an
ongoing program of preservation microfilming and reformatting of audio
and moving image recordings in manuscript collections. Currently
the staff consists of the Unit Head, Assistant Unit Head, 6 archivists, 4
archives assistants, student assistants, and special project
personnel.
As part of an expanding commitment to improve intellectual control over
its archival holdings, the Library is creating a new, custom-designed
off-site processing space, and adding a team of 6-8 FTE.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of the Manuscript Unit, the Accessioning
Archivist oversees the unit’s accessioning activities and performs other
duties relating to the processing of manuscript collections, including
the following specific responsibilities:
- Supervises the work of 2-3 FTE archives assistants assigned to
accessioning and related activities.
- Ensures the timely and effective completion of all accessions-related
functions including verification and acknowledgement of new accessions
(gifts and purchases); creation of online accession records; preliminary
organization and listing of large archives and collections; and basic
preservation assessments of incoming collections.
- Contributes to the further development of the library’s accessioning
policies and procedures for archival, manuscript, and other non-print
media, and ensures that associated documentation is maintained.
- Coordinates Manuscript Unit accessioning activities and processes
with the Technical Services staff members responsible for accessioning
printed materials, and is responsible for working with the Beinecke
curators, the Administrative Services unit, donors, dealers, and
transport agents, to ensure appropriate packing and transport of
collections materials to the library from locations in the United States
and abroad.
- Routes new accessions to appropriate staff members for cataloging and
processing according to established guidelines.
- Surveys and evaluates collections in archival processing backlog and
makes recommendations for appropriate level of arrangement and
description.
- Processes manuscript collections to a variety of levels and catalogs
manuscript and archival holdings.
- Undertakes special projects as assigned.
- Participates in library-wide planning and committee activities and is
expected to be active professionally.
Qualifications
Required: ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent degree, with formal
training in archival theory and practice. Strong knowledge of
American or modern European history or literature and broad knowledge in
the humanities, as demonstrated through academic degrees or equivalent
combination of training and experience. Good reading knowledge of
at least one modern European language. Familiarity with basic
preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript
collections. Familiarity with DACS, APPM, EAD, MARC, LCSH, AACR2,
and other LC cataloging standards. Familiarity with automated library
information management systems, such as Endeavor/Voyager. Familiarity
with online union catalogs such as RLIN or OCLC. Demonstrated ability to
communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Excellent
organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Demonstrated supervisory experience. Ability to think creatively
and work independently and collaboratively in a production-oriented, team
environment.
For appointment at the Librarian II level, minimum of two years
professional library experience and demonstrated professional
accomplishments. Appointment at the Librarian III level requires a
minimum of five years relevant professional library experience and
professional accomplishments.
Preferred: Experience with accessioning procedures and systems for
manuscript and archival materials. Experience processing and
cataloging literary manuscripts and archival collections. Graduate-level
training in American or European history or literature. Good reading
knowledge of Spanish.
OFFER IS CONTINGENT UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A BACKGROUND
CHECK.
Salary and Benefits
Rank and competitive salary will be based upon the successful
candidate's qualifications and experience. Full benefits package
including pro-rated 22 vacation days; 18 holiday, recess and personal
days; comprehensive health care; TIAA/CREF or Yale retirement plan; and
relocation assistance. Applications received by October 20, 2006
will be given first consideration; applications will be accepted until
the position is filled. To be considered, complete Yale’s on-line
application and provide a cover letter and resume including the names of
three professional references at
https://apps.business.yale.edu/oja/index.jsp. Questions regarding
application and/or job description may be directed via email to
[log in to unmask] Please be sure to include Source Code
EAYU14963.
Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.
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