Stanford University Libraries seeks a Stanford Auxiliary Libraries (SAL) Project Archivist for Collection Services Division to support a priority project for the Department of Special Collections to arrange and describe collection materials of enduring historic value stored in the Stanford Auxiliary Library (SAL 2). This is a temporary 3-year position. The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant. We seek a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives.
About Stanford Libraries:
Stanford Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling the teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford Libraries.
About the Department of Special Collections & University Archives:
The Department of Special Collections & University Archives acquires, arranges, describes, preserves, and makes available primary source materials to support the research needs of Stanford students, faculty, and administration, as well as the global community of scholars. The holdings of the Department comprise more than 260,000 rare, fine press, and artists’ books, and some 59 million pages of unpublished manuscripts and photographs. Collections include the papers of scientists, mathematicians, technologists, artists, writers, historians, and visionaries; medieval manuscripts; archival photographs; and records of corporations and non-profit organizations with a special interest on Silicon Valley, California, and Mexican American history.
About the Position:
Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, the SAL Project Archivist for Special Collections will have responsibility for undertaking archival work on the backlog of materials at SAL2 according to priorities set by the Assistant Director. They will facilitate the throughput of manuscripts collections from SAL to other university facilities, including permanent storage, following our processing policies and procedures.
Collections include a wide array of materials and formats including archival records, personal papers, photographic and other pictorial materials, maps and architectural drawings, audiovisual and born-digital materials, and artifacts.
The SAL Project Archivist for Special Collections will participate in regular planning meetings within the division and department. Professional contributions beyond primary responsibilities are required for advancement in the Librarian series. The successful candidate will show promise or evidence of such contribution.
This position will be based partly on Stanford University’s main campus and at Stanford’s Redwood City campus.
Core Duties
- Responsible for processing (arrangement and description) of physical components of Special Collections’ manuscripts collections at SAL and other university facilities:
- Surveys collections and determines the level of descriptive detail necessary to facilitate discovery and access.
- Personally processes collection materials and may supervise work of logistics staff.
- Identifies materials appropriate for temporary transfer to Conservation, the Stanford Media Preservation Laboratory, the Born Digital Preservation Laboratory, or the Digital Production Group; coordinates that work in collaboration with the Assistant Director and Lead Archivist and tracks it via JIRA.
- Determines appropriate discovery and access mechanisms for processed collection materials, including any restrictions based on legal agreements, copyright law, privacy law, university policy, preservation assessments, or related concerns, in consultation with the Assistant Director as needed.
- Completes end-processing activities such as labeling and barcoding containers and updating bibliographic and item records in Sirsi Dynix or supervises logistics staff on this effort.
- Creates, updates, and publishes EAD XML finding aids using ArchivesSpace.
- Transfers materials to/from storage in collaboration with other staff.
- May support the remediation of legacy finding aids and catalog records.
- Helps to develop and maintain documentation of archival processing processes and procedures.
- Promotes newly processed collections available for teaching and research via Libraries blogposts and the Special Collections’ Twitter and Instagram accounts.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience:
- MLS from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent required; a concentration in archives preferred.
- Basic knowledge of archival processing and how academic archives function.
- Two or more years of experience in a library or related setting with evidence of capacity to work at a high level of responsibility or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Experience in an archival repository cataloging and processing archival or manuscript collections.
- Basic knowledge of archival descriptive and metadata standards (e.g. Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), Encoded Archival Description (EAD); ability to rapidly learn and implement new descriptive practices adopted by the department and/or Stanford Libraries.
- Familiarity with collections management and tracking applications, e.g. ArchivesSpace and Aeon.
- Basic knowledge of relevant aspects of library operations, including understanding of contemporary archival practices, trends, and emerging technologies for managing, processing, and providing access to archival collections in physical and digital formats.
- High level of proficiency with computers and desktop applications, including e.g. Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Trello, MarcEdit, Oxygen, and OpenRefine.
- Basic knowledge of current cataloging procedures and principles as defined in AACR2, the MARC Bibliographic, Holdings, and Authorities formats, and LC subject headings and classification.
- Demonstrated consistent accuracy and attention to detail while maintaining a very high level of productivity.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member in a rapidly changing environment on a variety of simultaneous workflows.
- Basic understanding of the broad scope of library operations with ability to understand how their role impacts and interacts with the rest of the organization.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Supervisory skills and/or basic supervisory experience.
Physical Requirements:*
- Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
- Frequently stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds with accommodation when working with collection materials.
- Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl.
- Must be able to push and maneuver a fully loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.
- - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working Conditions:
- May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.
Work Standards:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
Why Stanford is for You
Contemplate the challenges our planet faces today and the sustainability solutions we will develop in the coming years. Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and course auditing. Join a TedTalk or film screening or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions. We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.
The expected pay range for this position is $86,000-$93,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.