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Archivist/Reference Librarian, Bioethics Research Library

Archivist/Reference Librarian, Bioethics Research Library

Georgetown University Library Job Location: District of Columbia Date Created: 10-21-2019

Archivist/Reference Librarian Bioethics Research Library Georgetown University

Located in a historic neighborhood in the nation's capital, Georgetown offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, exciting ways to take advantage of Washington, D.C., and a commitment to social justice. Our community is a tight knit group of remarkable individuals interested in intellectual inquiry and making a difference in the world.

Job Overview

The Bioethics Research Library (BRL) is an in-depth research library supporting academic goals for the study of bioethics on all levels of instruction and at all three campuses in a digital, scholarly environment. The BRL provides essential core and rare resources for the study of bioethics -- both historical and contemporary -- covering ethical, legal, public policy and social aspects of advances in medicine, science, and technology. It curates extensive archival materials pertinent to bioethics policy, particularly at the U.S. federal level, in digital and/or print format. Staff members provide reference and instruction on the use of the collections and other non-Georgetown resources. The Archivist/Reference Librarian will have a demonstrated commitment to making rare and archival materials accessible as well as experience providing reference service in a specialized subject. This role is vital in developing and sustaining collaborative relationships with faculty, students, and staff in support of campus teaching, learning, research, and student success and participating in outreach and programming to engage students, faculty, and staff. The Archivist/Reference Librarian reports to the Associate University Librarian, Scholarly Resources and Services in the Georgetown University Library who, in consultation with the Director of the Kennedy Institute of Ethics, ensures that the Archivist/Reference Librarian is achieving the goals and objectives jointly established for this position. The Archivist/Reference Librarian collaborates closely with the Program and Reference Specialist and Technical Services Manager in the Bioethics Research Library. In addition, the Archivist/Reference Librarian will work with: librarians, archivists, and staff at the Georgetown University Library; faculty, staff, and visiting researchers at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics; and students and others who use the Bioethics Research Library.  

Duties include but are not limited to:

Preserve, process, and develop the archival collections of the Bioethics Research Library
  • Survey unprocessed collections to create comprehensive processing plans
  • Create DACS-compliant finding aids in ArchivesSpace
  • Re-house collections as needed and identify any preservation concerns
  • Ensure that all goals for processing are met in a timely fashion
Provide reference service for archival and circulating collections in the Bioethics Research Library
  • Analyze and interpret the information needs of faculty, staff, students, visiting researchers and others using the Bioethics Research Library
  • Recommend and direct users to appropriate sources of information
Donor outreach and relations
  • Work with the Director of the Kennedy Institute of Ethics to develop, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors and secure gifts of materials that align with collection development policies
  • Promote the archival collections to faculty, students, donors, researchers, and others to encourage creative initiatives and foster new knowledge
Support program development
  • Work with KIE faculty and staff and BRL staff to support existing programs and to develop new programs
Professional Contributions and Development
  • Maintain professional associations through organizations at the regional, national and/or international level
  • Continually acquire new knowledge and update skills to enhance professional performance in all areas of responsibility
  • Keep abreast of developments, trends, and issues in the library field.
  • Monitor trends and maintain currency in areas of archives, reference, Bioethics, and other areas related to the position

Requirements

Degree requirement:
  • ALA-accredited MLS with emphasis on archives (or experience equivalent to an archives concentration)
Experience requirement:
  • Minimum 2 years of professional experience working in a special collections or archival repository, preferably in a university environment
  • Experience providing reference and research services, preferably in a university environment
Technical requirements:
  • Firm understanding of archival theory and practice, including national standards for archival materials, such as DACS and EAD
  • Working knowledge of ArchivesSpace or other archival management system
  • Knowledge of or familiarity with other relevant standards, such as Dublin Core
Other skills: Required:
  • Demonstrated ability to work individually and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
  • Ability to meet strict deadlines
Preferred:
  • Interest in the field of bioethics
  • Experience processing large archival collections
  • Experience working on archival digitization projects
  • Experience providing reference service to faculty and visiting researchers
  • Experience hiring and supervising students Proven success in fundraising and/or obtaining grants
 

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a cover letter and resume  for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. These documents are not kept on file for future positions.

Need Assistance:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please click here for more information, or contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) at 202-687-4798 or ideaa@georgetown.edu.

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement:

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a wide variety of comprehensive and competitive benefits. Benefits packages include comprehensive health, dental and vision plans, disability and life insurance coverage, retirement savings programs, tuition assistance, voluntary insurance options (including group legal, accident, and critical illness), and much more. Whatever your need, the Office of Faculty and Staff Benefits will be standing by to support you. You can learn more about the benefits offered to eligible faculty and staff at https://benefits.georgetown.edu or view the online interactive benefits guide for more information.

Apply:

To apply for this position, submit your resume and cover letter through the Georgetown Career Opportunities website.

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