Instructor-University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Posted on Apr 2, 2025
Library and Information Services (LIS) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) invites applications for a University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian at the rank of Instructor on a 4-year term with the option to renew. We are seeking a collaborative and knowledgeable professional with expertise in inventorying, arranging, processing, describing, preserving, making discoverable, and providing public access to SIU E's diverse archival and special collections holdings. This position includes working with both new accessions and backlog materials.
Primary Duties:
- Oversee day-to-day research and collection operations of University Archives and Special Collections, primarily through the management of physical archival materials (manuscripts, photographs, documents, newsprint, 3D artifacts, rare books, etc.) ensuring proper inventory, physical arrangement, description, storage, and preservation.
- Engage in archival appraisal in alignment with the Library and University's missions and collecting policy. Handle confidential materials with discretion. Provide appropriate recommendations for disposition.
- Fulfill research and reference inquiries and participate in research initiatives using archival and special collections.
- Prepare reference materials such as finding aids and subject guides to enhance the discoverability of collections.
- Create and maintain thorough administrative records, including acquisitions, records transfers, retention schedules, reference interactions, copyright agreements, and other relevant documentation.
- Teach and collaborate with faculty to integrate LIS archival materials into academic curricula, providing instruction on archival and primary source literacy in support of high-impact teaching practices.
- Lead public outreach and programming to increase engagement with the collections. Work closely with faculty, students, alumni, and the wider community to promote understanding of the value of collections to teaching and scholarship.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or;
- Equivalent combination of a relevant advanced degree and library or archival/special collections experience, or;
- Nearing completion of a Master's degree in Library and Information Science.
Library and Information Services (LIS) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is an innovative, student-centered unit that seeks to foster the best of emancipatory education. LIS is the intellectual hub of the campus community, providing vital resources and services to support academic success and research endeavors. With its extensive collection of books, journals, and electronic databases, the library offers students and faculty access to a wealth of information across various disciplines. Library faculty and staff equip students with the information literacy tools and skills necessary for critical thinking so that they can confront the issues surrounding society and themselves. The library's information literacy curriculum aims to foster the dispositions, attitudes, and skills necessary to collaborate effectively and respectfully in a diverse world and to empower people to take up the challenge of solving the problems that confront our world. The library supports exploratory students by providing opportunities for emancipatory discovery through interaction with programming, collections, and pedagogy.
The library's collaborative spaces, equipped with modern technology, inspire group study sessions and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. Moreover, the library hosts a variety of workshops, lectures, and exhibitions that enrich campus life and promote lifelong learning. LIS consists of Lovejoy Library on the campus of SIUE as well as the Biomedical Library in Alton, which serves the School of Dental Medicine.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nurtures an open, respectful, and welcoming climate that facilitates learning and work. SIUE is committed to education that explores the historic significance of diversity in order to understand the present and to better enable our community to engage the future. Integral to this commitment, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville strives for a student body and a workforce that is both diverse and inclusive. We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups, including women, members of racially minoritized groups, and individuals with disabilities, to apply. For more on our State of Diversity, visit SIUE Mission, Goals and Plans
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with archival theory and practice; relevant work experience in archives, special collections, records management, or with historical collections.
- Proficiency with ArchivesSpace or similar archival collection management software.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with resources and collections from underrepresented groups, or education in African-American literature, Black Studies, Black history, Native American history, or related field.
- Experience with music special collections and/or the ability to read music.
- Experience working in an academic library.
Salary
Terms of Appointment 4-year term, with option to renew; Source of Funds State; Salary: 60,000-67,000, commensurate with experience
Location
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
30 Hairpin Dr
Lovejoy Library
Edwardsville, IL 62026
United States
How to apply
Application Process
Submit letter of application, resume, transcripts, and references to:
Jory Chadwick
For more information about employment benefits and policies, visit: Faculty Employment Benefits
Application Deadline
April 18th 2025
SIUE is a state university - benefits under state sponsored plans may not be available to holders of F1 or J1 visas. Applicants will be subject to a background check prior to an offer of employment.
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