Congressional Processing Archivist

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES Congressional Processing Archivist This is a grant-funded position with an initial one-year contract and the opportunity for additional annual appointments for up to three years. University Libraries seeks to hire two Congressional Processing Archivists. RESPONSIBILITIES: The University of Alabama Libraries seeks dynamic, forward-thinking individuals for the position of congressional processing archivist to process the papers of Senator Richard C. Shelby. This is a clinical appointment reporting to the Associate Dean for Special Collections and working collaboratively with librarians, archivists, and digital initiatives staff in Special Collections. Senator Shelby is Alabama’s longest-serving senator. He achieved national prominence as chair of four committees: Appropriations, Banking, Intelligence, and Rules. He also visits each of Alabama’s 67 counties every year. The congressional processing archivists will process the papers of Senator Shelby, supervise several student workers, and collaborate with other staff in Special Collections. This position will play a role in improving discovery of archival materials for researchers and will be committed to More Product Less Processing (MPLP) workflows. The position requires knowledge of current archival content and structure standards, knowledge of and experience with metadata standards, and excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Specific duties include, but are not limited to: accessioning and arranging manuscript and photo collections; creating, maintaining, evaluating, and enhancing metadata records and finding aids; managing authority control and subject description in the University Libraries archival data management system (ArchivesSpace) and the Caiasoft accession and inventory system. A portion of the collection has already been physically processed according to MPLP workflows, so additions and updates will be done mainly through metadata work, using a template schema. Responsibilities of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change. This is an excellent opportunity for early career librarians or recent graduates to document the career of a nationally recognized six-term U.S. senator, gain expert knowledge of archival operations and practices in an R1 university Special Collections unit, and work with colleagues who are dedicated to providing access to a wide array of rare and unique materials related to Southern U.S., African American, and Latin American history. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program or a Master’s degree in a related field. • Knowledge of current archival content and structure standards. • Understanding of More Product, Less Process (MPLP) workflows. • Knowledge of metadata standards and experience applying them. • Knowledge of basic preservation strategies for archival collections. • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. • Ability to solve problems independently or collaboratively, using sound judgment in decision-making. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Minimum of one year’s experience working in a library or archives setting. • Demonstrated project management and supervisory experience. • Knowledge of Alabama history and politics. • Experience creating digital exhibits. ENVIRONMENT: The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of Alabama’s flagship public university and the senior comprehensive doctoral level institution in Alabama. UA enrolls over 38,320 students, with record breaking freshman classes for each of the past three years. UA has also increased graduate student enrollment by seven percent for Fall 2021. Ranked among the top 70 public universities in the nation in U.S. News and World Report’s annual college rankings for more than a decade, UA ranked 67th among public universities in the 2020 rankings. UA made the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for New Graduates in 2021. University of Alabama students continue to win prestigious national awards. Fifty-nine UA students have been named Goldwater Scholars. The University of Alabama has produced a total of 15 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 32 Hollings Scholars and 11 Boren Scholars. The University of Alabama is a leader among public universities nationwide in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars with more than 900 currently enrolled, the highest number in UA’s history. Under the leadership of President Stuart Bell, UA has launched a strategic planning process that includes an aggressive research agenda and expansion of graduate education. There are currently 36 faculty who have received NSF Career awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition of top performing young scientists. UA was also recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars for the fifth time in six years in 2021-2022. UA is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of over 250,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate climate, and a reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an excellent quality of life. Tuscaloosa provides easy access to mountains, several large cities, and the beautiful Gulf Coast. The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition for Networked Information, centerNet, LYRASIS, HathiTrust, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, LOCKSS, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network. As a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository since 1860, the UA Libraries serves Alabama libraries and the public. The University Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://www.libraries.ua.edu Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation. SALARY/BENEFITS: 12 month clinical faculty appointment at rank of assistant professor contingent upon grant funding. This position will include a one-year contract with the opportunity for additional annual appointments for up to three years. Salary is $70,000. Strong benefits, including professional development support and tuition fee waiver. TO APPLY: Applications are accepted online only at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu. Click Search Positions. University Libraries in Organization drop down box. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e- mail addresses of three references, including one current supervisor. Applications received by January 3, 2023 are assured of receiving full consideration. The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum of people, including women, members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially encouraged to apply. For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior Associate Dean, at maarthur@ua.edu.

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