Two Positions: Maryland

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Position: Access Archivist (Faculty-Open Rank)
Location: University of Maryland, College Park
Posted: MLA Jobline
Salary: $70,000-78,000

NATURE OF WORK: The collections and services of the UMD Libraries’ Special Collection and University Archives (SCUA) are at the heart of the research and teaching mission of the universities. Collection strengths include the history of labor and unions, state of Maryland and historical collections, modern Japanese history, mass media and culture, rare books and literature, and the history of the University. SCUA’s staff is committed to facilitating access to its collections, which document key aspects of the human experience at the university, local, state, national and international levels.

The Access Archivist is dedicated to improving access to archival materials in SCUA through creative strategization and facilitation of archival processing activities. The person in this position will play a key role in advancing ways for students, faculty, and researchers around the world to discover the rich and varied material in SCUA. Archival processing activities under the Access Archivist’s purview include developing processing plans; arranging and describing new collections; building upon earlier extensible processing work to further inventory and arrange collection materials; enhancing existing finding aids for minimally processed collections and  undertaking finding aid updates; and participating in the creation and development of policies, procedures, and workflows pertaining to collection processing. The person in this position will be responsible for overseeing processing activities on small collections to large and complex projects encompassing a variety of archival formats. 

The Access Archivist will receive support for and participate in professional development and is expected to maintain and disseminate knowledge of processing theories, and current and emerging best practices in the field through their work collaborating with colleagues and supervising staff and students. Reporting to the Associate Director of Special Collections and University Archives, the person in this position joins a collaborative and dynamic team responsible for accessioning, processing, and providing access to Special Collections materials.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Processing Activities  – 60 percent
    • Participates in the identification of processing priorities, including new and legacy collections; assesses needs of prioritized collections and develops processing plans to an appropriate level of description based upon archivist and curator access goals.
    • Arranges and describes archival collections of varying sizes and formats, including paper-based and photographic materials, audiovisual media, and electronic records.
    • Prepares finding aids according to relevant standards and local practice.
    • Participates in projects to enhance minimally processed collections.
    • Undertakes finding aid updates as needed based upon new standards, curator/user needs, and/or reparative frameworks.
    • Manages space allocation for processed collections, including participating in planning and transfer of collection materials, as applicable, to offsite storage.
    • Develops outreach content for public engagement and discovery of archival collections processed.
    • Contributes to the creation and documentation of policies, procedures, and workflows pertaining to collections processing.
    • Directs and supervises the work of students and staff assigned to processing activities.
  • Collaboration and Communication  – 10 percent
    • Regularly communicates and collaborates with colleagues in SCUA, CSS, the Libraries, and the University to share information and accomplish primary assignments.
    • Collaborates with SCUA staff to develop or update workflows and to share information regarding processing outcomes.
    • Attends CSS and SCUA meetings and participates in departmental and divisional activities and programs.
  • Professional Development, Scholarship, and Service – 20 percent
    • Participates in opportunities to serve the Libraries, the University of Maryland and the archives/library profession.
    • Represents SCUA at library and campus meetings, professional conferences, and other events.
    • Engages in shared governance and service activities, as appropriate.
    • Creates a scholarly and creative agenda (including, but not limited to publications and presentations) that is attuned to work in the special collections field and demonstrates continued growth as a professional.
  • Reference – 5 percent: Serves weekly shift on the Maryland Room reference desk.
  • Other Duties:  – 5 percent
    • Engages in shared governance and service activities, as appropriate, in areas in which the individual is interested in volunteering.
    • Participates in library, consortial, or campus-related task forces, committees, and initiatives, as assigned.
    • Participates in training related to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and
    • accessibility, as provided by the University, the Libraries, and/or other
    • recognized higher education or community organizations.
    • Contributes to achieving the University’s and/or the Libraries’ diversity, equity,inclusion, and accessibility goals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Works with contents of archival boxes that may weigh up to 40lbs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Direct supervision of students and volunteers.

EDUCATION:

  •  Required: Master’s degree in Library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or a non-USA equivalent; or a graduate degree relevant to the position’s duties.
  •  Preferred: Specialization in archives and digital curation.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Required
    • Minimum of 2 years working in special collections or archives.
    • Experience arranging and describing archival material.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice, especially efficient processing strategies.
    • Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library content management systems.
    • Familiarity with archival standards and vocabularies such as DACS, EAD, and LCSH.
    • Experience working collaboratively and independently.
    • Ability to plan, manage, and complete concurrent projects.
  • Preferred
    • Experience using ArchivesSpace.
    • Knowledge of the application of archival theory and practice to the processing of born-digital materials.
    • Knowledge of preservation concerns in archives.
    • Experience supervising  staff, students, interns, and/or volunteers.

Position: Dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery
Location: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Posted: ALA JobList, SLA
Salary: $225,000-250,000

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (“UMBC”) seeks a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the inaugural Dean of the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery (“AOK Library & Gallery” or “the Library”). As an experienced Library leader, the Dean will provide overall leadership to the Library and further connect the Library with the broader campus. Reporting to the Provost and a member of the University’s senior leadership team, the Dean will play a pivotal role in leading the AOK Library & Gallery into a new era of excellence and innovation. 

Founded in 1966, UMBC is a distinguished national university with an inclusive culture that connects innovative teaching and learning, research across disciplines, and civic engagement. UMBC is dedicated to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility, and lifelong learning. UMBC has achieved a remarkable national and international reputation for innovation and student success, best known for STEM but also the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. UMBC is home to approximately 14,000 students, around 1,000 faculty, and 95,000 alumni. Fifty-six percent of students identify as minority students, making UMBC a Minority Serving Institution (MSI). Located just southwest of downtown Baltimore City and in proximity to Washington DC, UMBC is a nationally recognized model of inclusive excellence. UMBC consistently ranks among the most innovative universities with the highest quality undergraduate teaching. As one of eleven campuses within the University System of Maryland, UMBC was designated as a Research 1 (R1) university in 2022, making it one of only 146 institutions nationally, including 107 public and 39 private universities, with the R1 designation for doctoral universities. 

The Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery serves as the heartbeat of campus, strategically positioned at the center of the UMBC grounds with student dormitories on one side and academic buildings on the other, symbolizing its integral role in connecting and energizing the university community. Recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of information access and digital innovation, the Dean of AOK Library & Gallery will lead transformative initiatives to ensure the Library remains at the forefront of academic and technological advancement. This community-building leader will cultivate a cohesive and inclusive culture within the Library, empowering staff and fostering a shared sense of purpose and pride. The Dean will inspire engagement across campus and beyond by articulating a bold and compelling vision for AOK Library & Gallery’s future, championing the Library’s essential role in supporting discovery, collaboration, and creativity. As a passionate advocate for the Library, the Dean will build meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders, showcasing its impact as an indispensable cornerstone of UMBC’s academic and research excellence. With a commitment to innovation and adaptability, the Dean will ensure that AOK Library & Gallery thrives as a dynamic and forward-looking resource for the whole UMBC community. 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted below. The target salary range for this role is $225,000 – $250,000 and will be commensurate with experience. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Sean Farrell is leading this search with Arianna Williams through Isaacson, Miller.