Digital Archivist

The University of Virginia Library seeks a talented and dynamic individual to serve as Digital Archivist to a two-year grant funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. This position will provide key leadership to a cohort of digital archivists from partner institutions (national and international) on this exciting initiative entitled: Born Digital Collections: An Inter-Institutional Model for Stewardship (AIMS). Reporting to the Director of Digital Curation Services, this position will provide the methodology and integration of archival practices to an ever-growing corpus of materials used by scholars, authors, and other notables: namely, born digital content. This is a collaborative project that will require the coordination of complex activities across several other institutions. The Digital Archivist will participate in the creation of a best practices manual for archivists and stewards of born-digital collections. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the crossroads of special collections materials and new technologies.

Qualifications: Required: Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program for library and information science and/or Master’s degree in history or related discipline.

Preferred: Candidates should have a broad understanding of archival and digital technology-related activities in an academic research library setting as well as knowledge of emerging trends in digital technologies and archival practice and where they might intersect. They should have demonstrated organizational skills in planning, prioritizing, and achieving goals in addition to excellent oral and written communication skills including presentation experience. Candidates should possess knowledge of digital archival and records management principles and practices, as well as the systems and automation techniques utilized which includes familiarity with EAD, MODS, METS, XML/XSL and other data structure standards relevant to the archival control of digital collection materials. They should also have the demonstrated ability to work with databases, develop functional requirements and workflows for programmers building new content management applications. Candidates should possess professional archival or digital records management experience with demonstrated professional accomplishments. The ability to provide leadership and to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment is critical.

Environment: The University of Virginia Library (http://www.lib.virginia.edu) is a leader in innovative customer service, the development of digital library initiatives and infrastructure, and is recognized for the strength and variety of its collections. The Library system consists of twelve libraries, with independent libraries for health sciences, law, and business. The libraries support 13,000 undergraduates, 6,500 graduate students and 1,600 teaching faculty. The University and the Library have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty and staff. The Neoclassical buildings of founder Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village still serves as the center of the University's Grounds (http://www.virginia.edu/uvatours/slideshow/) and as a unique backdrop for teaching, learning, and research.

Salary and Benefits: Competitive depending on qualifications. This position has Administrative and Professional faculty status with excellent benefits, including 22 days of vacation and TIAA/CREF and other retirement plans. Review of applications will begin on November 2nd, 2009 and the position will be open until filled. Applicants must apply through the University of Virginia online employment website at <https://jobs.virginia.edu/>. Search by position number FP677, complete application, and attach cover letter and resume, with contact information for three current, professional references. For assistance with this process contact Library Human Resources at (434) 924-3081.

The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and nominations from members of underrepresented groups.