Archivist, Digital Projects, & Outreach

York University Libraries invite applications for the position of Archivist with the Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections. The successful candidate will be responsible for the stewardship of digital assets including the management of born-digital records and the creation of digital collections from analog documents (such as sound and moving image recordings, photographs and textual materials), as well as processing records in a wide variety of other media. This is a tenure-track position for an archivist with up to three years of post-graduate experience.

York University offers a world-class, modern, interdisciplinary academic experience in Toronto, Canada's most multicultural city. York is at the centre of innovation, with a thriving community of almost 60,000 faculty, staff and students who challenge the ordinary and deliver the unexpected.
The Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections is a department of York University Libraries holding over 700 metres of university records; over 2,400 metres of private and institutional papers and an extensive collection of non-textual materials. Special Collections has over 20,000 volumes of published Canadiana, including Canadian pamphlets. Additional information on holdings and services can be found at: http://www.library.yorku.ca/ccm/ArchivesSpecialCollections/index.htm

Responsibilities:
The Archivist works within a collaborative and team environment. The incumbent will be an enthusiastic and innovative individual who demonstrates leadership in the creation, development, maintenance and support of digital archival holdings. He/she will work closely with the Digital Initiatives Librarian to develop and implement policies and procedures for the capture, storage and long-term accessibility of these holdings. Working with the Web Librarian, the successful candidate will provide leadership in the development, management and maintenance of the departmental web presence. He/she will show leadership in the development and implementation of a communications/outreach plan for the Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections. Assists the Head with securing grants and other funding to support digital projects. He/she will be regularly involved in the provision of reference and research services as well as in the appraisal, acquisition, arrangement, RAD-based description, and physical processing of private papers and university records. Will participate in instruction of undergraduate and graduate students in the use of archival holdings. The incumbent will be committed to scholarship, professional development and service.

Qualifications:

• Master’s in archival studies from a graduate programme conforming to the Association of Canadian Archivists’ Guidelines for the Development of a Two-Year Curriculum for a Master’s of Archival Studies, or MLS (or equivalent) with concentration in professional archival education
• Up to three years of professional archival experience in an established archive, preferably in an academic setting
• Demonstrated experience in using computer applications for the management of archival holdings and the creation of digital documents for outreach via virtual exhibits, blogs etc.
• Awareness of funding opportunities and of the grant-writing process
• Demonstrated experience in the creation of promotional materials for cultural programming (preferably archives)
• Demonstrated knowledge of media conversion technologies
• Demonstrated knowledge of the creation and management of electronic records
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication and instruction skills
• Excellent organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
• Ability to manage a complex workload in a timely, effective manner with minimum supervision
• In-depth knowledge of current trends and issues in archives, including RAD and EAD
  Knowledge of French is an asset.

Librarians at York University have academic status and are members of the York University Faculty Association bargaining unit (http://www.yufa.org/). The appointment, to commence March 1, 2009, is subject to budgetary approval. Salary and benefits are competitive.

York University is an Affirmative Action Employer. The Affirmative Action Program can be found on York's website at www.yorku.ca/acadjobs or a copy can be obtained by calling the affirmative action office at 416-736-5713. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. Campus resources include an on-site daycare centre, a women's centre, a race and ethnic relations centre, a sexual harassment centre, initiatives in support of sexual and gender diversity, and a wellness centre. York University encourages attitudes of respect and non-discrimination toward persons of all ethnic and religious groups, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Preference will be given to applications received before January 5, 2009. Applications including a covering letter relating qualifications to requirements of the position, a current curriculum vitae and the name of three referees should be sent to:

Chair, Archivist Appointment Committee York University, Scott Library, Room 310 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 (416) 736-5451 (fax) Applications should be sent by mail, or by fax with a hardcopy following. We will not accept applications sent by e-mail.