Head, Arrangement and Description

The University of Georgia Libraries invites applications for the Head of the Arrangement and Description Unit for the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies.  This position is responsible to the Director of the Russell Library for a growing collection of over 15,000 linear feet of manuscript and archival material and makes a significant contribution to meeting Russell Library’s goals and standards.  Specific duties include managing archival and manuscript collections and all aspects of arrangement and description to preserve and make collections accessible and support public services and outreach; by recommending and participating in efforts to develop and implement digital projects; by seeking external funding for projects; by assisting in acquiring and curating collections, in donor relations, and in development activities; by overseeing the operation and maintenance of Archivist’s Toolkit and online finding aids and databases; by supervising the Processing and Electronic Records Archivist and other unit staff; and participating in the planning, decision-making, and implementation of departmental goals and standards.  Additionally, this position participates in reading room and reference service to patrons and works closely with the Head of the Access and Outreach Unit and the Lead Oral History and Media Archivist on special and ongoing projects.  This position is a member of the University of Georgia Libraries' non-tenure track faculty.

The Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies is a department within the University of Georgia Libraries that reports to the University Librarian and serves as a center for research and study of the modern American political system, with particular emphasis on the role of Georgia and that of the U. S. Congress. The Russell Library seeks to document fully the dynamic relationship of politics, policy, and culture—where public interest intersects with the three branches of government at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels—through the papers, archival records, and material culture of individuals and organizations. The Russell Library is also dedicated to developing and presenting public programming and educational materials that facilitate and encourage research, raise public awareness of the Library and its collections and services, and provide learning opportunities for the communities it serves. The Russell Library pursues alliances and opportunities for collaboration with individuals and organizations that advance its mission.  The Russell Library is a founding member of the Association of Centers for the Study of Congress and is a primary partner and official repository for the Foot Soldier Project for Civil Rights Studies, a collaborative project dedicated to documenting and chronicling the experiences and perspectives of lesser known participants in the civil rights movement in Georgia.  For more information about the Russell Library:  http://www.libs.uga.edu/russell/ 

The Russell Library staff consists of the Director (department head), six archivists, and student assistants, and is responsible for acquiring, preserving, and making accessible permanent historical records according to archival standards and procedures; providing reference assistance to a variety of patrons; and providing class instruction, exhibits, and public programming.

The UGA Libraries is located on the university's main campus in Athens, Georgia, and its facilities include the Main Library, Science Library, Zell B. Miller Learning Center, Repository, and Special Collections Libraries.  Perennially rated as one of the nation's top college towns, Athens offers a vibrant place to work and live.  With Atlanta 70 miles to the west, Athens offers good proximity to the city while maintaining a small-town culture and feel.  The favorable climate supports an eco-friendly campus, and UGA is currently undergoing a major multi-step plan to convert much of the campus into pedestrian friendly green space. Information about the UGA Libraries:  http://www.libs.uga.edu/   Information about Athens: http://www.libs.uga.edu/athens/  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Manages all aspects of the arrangement, description, and preservation of archival and manuscript collections according to current nationally accepted archival standards and procedures to meet department’s goals to make collections accessible and support public services and outreach.

Participates in the acquisition and appraisal of archival and manuscript collections, including communicating with donors, packing and transferring materials, and accessioning collections on arrival; sets and administers preservation and processing priorities; creates and implements work plans.

Collaborates with the Russell Library’s Oral History and Media Unit and the Processing and Electronic Records Archivist to provide effective arrangement and description and improve intellectual access to Russell collections’ media and born-digital records via online catalogs and databases and the department’s Web site; collaborates with the Oral History and Media Unit to identify gaps in holdings for oral history documentation.

Collaborates with the Head of Access and Outreach to identify, collect, and share collection materials for exhibits, programs, and digital projects; Consults regularly with head of Access and Outreach to connect new and current collections with users.

Works with the Cataloging Department to provide or update collection level records and ensure their discovery and usability in online catalogs and provide access to the department’s collection and reference books; oversees the development of finding aids and their maintenance in the department’s online XTF database.

Manages overall physical condition, environment, and maintenance of collections by overseeing inventory of holdings; ongoing survey assessment, setting and implementing priorities, reviewing policies and procedures, ensuring staff training, ordering archival supplies, reporting metrics for collections and processing, and monitoring holdings, storage, and space.

Supervises and trains staff of the Arrangement and Description Unit—one archivist, occasional grant-funded archivist and interns, and two to four student assistants; trains, develops, and mentors staff through effective communication, promotion of continuing education opportunities, and a collaborative work environment and fostering of shared goals that yields knowledge, productivity, and dependability.

Recommends and participates in departmental efforts to develop and implement digital projects, using appropriate metadata standards, and creating associated content in conjunction with the Head of Access and Outreach Unit; coordinates with other departments as necessary.

Seeks external funding for special projects in collaboration with Director and department staff by identifying possible sources of funding, writing proposals, and managing funded projects; seeks opportunities to multiply the resources, prospects, and products of the unit and the department as a whole.

Assists Director as needed or assigned in acquiring and curating collections, in donor relations, and in development activities; contributing to the development and maintenance of records retention guidelines for congressional offices and organizations; recommending staffing, equipment, and budget needs.

Travels as necessary to perform responsibilities in development activities, donor relations, departmental pick-ups of materials, and participates in and supports department’s programming; activities may include weekends, after hours, and overnight.

Provides reference service to the University community and the general public by participating in staffing the department’s reference desk, by developing and maintaining knowledge of collections within the library and awareness of related holdings at other institutions; provides instruction and tours as needed.

Contributes to the mission of the Russell Library, and the Libraries as a whole, by participating in meetings, program review, the development and evaluation of policies and procedures, strategic planning, the development of special projects and functions; provides written reports, proposals, articles promoting collections, and other items as required.

Maintains an active national presence in the archival field by participating in professional activities and engaging in scholarship through publication and presentation; pursues continuing education opportunities; maintains professional membership and/or accreditation; maintains an awareness of current trends in the archives field especially related to arrangement and descriptive standards, digitization, congressional papers, and shares knowledge with co-workers; and participates in relevant library/university groups and committees and provides service to the libraries and university as appropriate.

Promotes communication within the department and the Libraries by encouraging and actively engaging in the exchange of needed information; communicates fully with the Director and the other two departmental units, and coordinates as needed.

Maintains flexibility and awareness of needs and changes in the department and organization and contributes to the team effort by assuming other similar duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in history, political science or related field (ACA certification expected in 5 years for continued employment), or ALA accredited MLS. Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in an archives or special collections processing large complex modern collections with increasing supervisory responsibility, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Excellent leadership and organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage and complete multiple projects and priorities efficiently; Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with co-workers and other departments in a collegial environment; Excellent research, writing, and communication skills; Demonstrated knowledge of current national and international archival and descriptive standards and best practices and excellent technical skills, including experience with Microsoft Office, applying DACS and EAD, and familiarity with Dublin Core, AACR2, LCSH, and MARC; Working knowledge of intellectual property rights and issues related to born-digital content and digital conversion of archival materials; Knowledge of preservation needs and practices for archival and manuscript collections; Understanding of historical research methodology and experience with online and print research tools; Record of active participation and involvement in professional organizations and scholarly engagement. Ability to lift and carry 40 lb. boxes and tolerance of dust and inactive mold spores; Must have current driver’s license. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Archivist preferred; Background in modern southern history and/or southern culture and strong grounding in social sciences or humanities preferred; Ability to drive a cargo van and box truck preferred; Congressional papers processing experience preferred; Experience using and managing Archivist’s Toolkit preferred; Successful grant writing experience preferred; Records management experience. Reading knowledge of Spanish preferred. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS:  Minimum $43,000; Salary is commensurate with experience.  UGA librarians are non-tenured faculty members.  UGA offers an attractive benefits program including a choice of health and retirement plans, dental plan, tuition remission and a relocation allowance; 21 days annual leave, 12 paid holidays. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Qualified applicants who wish to be considered for this position should send as three separate pdf documents their letters of application, complete resumes, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of three references by February 28, 2013 to: Jan D. Hudson, Human Resources Coordinator, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia 30602-1641 at libjobs@uga.edu.  

The University of Georgia and the UGA Libraries have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among its faculty and staff. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups and strongly encourage persons of color to apply for these positions.  The University of Georgia is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.