Archivist Special Collections Library

ARCHIVIST
SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARY
(Two Year Term Appointment)


Due to the recent acquisition of the archive of a noted film producer and director, Robert Altman, the Special Collections Library is seeking to hire an experienced processing archivist for this two-year term appointment (with possible renewal for a third year). The archivist would be responsible for arranging and describing over 900 linear feet of papers, legal and financial records, photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts related to the long and prolific career of the American film maker. Materials encompass projects from “MASH” (1970) through “A Prarie Home Companion” (2006).

The Special Collections Library is a unit of the University Library and includes the University’s primary collection of rare books as well as notable archives in the fields of radical social movements, transportation history, literature, the history of information transfer, and visionaries of theatre, film, and television.

DUTIES: The archivist will be responsible for processing and describing the Robert Altman Archive. Following national practices and standards as supported by the Society of American Archivists and local processing procedures and policies, the archivist will: appraise the collection; develop a workplan and arrangement schema; arrange the collection, while rehousing the material in archival-quality enclosures; compose a descriptive, EAD-compliant finding aid which will include a boxlist and detailed scope and content notes; mark up the finding aid using EAD; and create a MARC cataloging record according to guidelines outlined in DACS. The archivist will be required to handle sensitive materials and will be responsible for treating such material according to the terms laid out by the Altman family. Duties will also include supervising the work of student interns from the School of Information and student hourlies.

Further information may be found at www.lib.umich.edu/hr/employment/archivist.html

QUALIFICATIONS
Required: ALA-accredited Master’s degree with a concentration in archival studies. At least two years of experience processing and writing finding aids for archival collections, particularly collections over 20 linear feet. Ability to process quickly and accurately. Knowledge of EAD, MARC, DACS, and AACR2. Ability to work independently, as the work facility is off site. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Desired: undergraduate degree in Film Studies or a strong background or interest in the history of cinema. Experience processing collections over 100 linear feet. Knowledge of at least one European language, preferably French.

RANK, SALARY, & BENEFITS: Rank is anticipated at the Assistant Librarian level; final rank and salary dependent on qualifications and experience. Professional positions receive 24 days of vacation a year, 15 days of sick leave a year with provisions for extended benefits, a choice of medical plans, and opportunities for professional development and travel.

RETIREMENT OPTIONS: TIAA-CREF or Fidelity Investments are available

APPLICATION PROCESS: Send cover letter & resume to Robert Campe, Library Human Resources; 404 Hatcher Graduate Library North; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1205, either by US Mail or email to libhumres@umich.edu (preferred). Call 734 764-2546 with questions or for further information.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on 8/15/08 and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory, affirmative action employer.