Women's Collections Archivist - West Virginia and Regional History Center, WVU Libraries

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

6d•$61,000

About The Position

The Women's Collections Archivist at the West Virginia and Regional History Center (WVRHC), WVU Libraries, is responsible for the acquisition strategy and stewardship of collections documenting the history of women in West Virginia and the central Appalachian region. The position leads and participates in instruction, outreach, and programming that highlights the WVRHC's women's collections. In coordination with the Archives and Manuscripts unit, the Archivist accessions, appraises, and oversees the processing and preservation of collections in all formats according to professional standards and best practices. The role also connects WVRHC holdings with national collections to increase their impact, visibility, and engagement, bringing forward overlooked narratives and underrepresented voices. The position reports to and is supervised by the Director of the West Virginia and Regional History Center. It may supervise staff, graduate assistants, student workers, or interns. The Archivist trains and directs personnel working with women's collections, reviews work products, and provides ongoing supervision, mentorship, support, and regular employee evaluations. Performance is evaluated according to West Virginia University Libraries' criteria for Library Faculty Appointment, Retention, Promotion, and Merit, the current Position Description, and the Assignment Document for the year under review. The salary range is commensurate with experience and faculty rank; salary for an Assistant appointment starts at $61,000. Rank is determined by years served in a professional librarian capacity. The application review process begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. A complete application includes a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and three current professional references.

Requirements

Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and information science or equivalent.
One year of professional experience in an archival repository or special collections library.
Experience in teaching, exhibit development, and/or event planning.
Demonstrated knowledge of national standards and best practices for managing archival collections in physical, digital, and hybrid formats.
Knowledge of archival description standards, including DACS and EAD, authority control, and other data content structure standards relevant to archival control.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
Knowledge of best practices for managing archival and women's history collections.
Cultural competency and interest in participating in discussions and initiatives that reflect the WVRHC's commitment to expanding and supporting a diverse historical record.
Knowledge of American history, Appalachian history, and women's history in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Concentration in archival studies.
Experience with ArchivesSpace or other collections management systems.
Experience with complex archival processing projects.

Responsibilities

Develop and participate in outreach, exhibits, oral history interviews, public relations, and special events to promote women's collections.
In coordination with the WVRHC Director, lead meetings and activities of the West Virginia Women's History and Feminist Activist Collections Advisory Committee.
Provide specialized information services related to women's collections, including instruction and research consultations for students, faculty, and researchers, in coordination with the Instruction Archivist, public services staff, and other Libraries units.
Select and acquire women's collections in consultation with the WVRHC Director and other stakeholders.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with donors and supporters in consultation with the WVRHC Director.
Engage with women's archives nationally to build collaborations, capacity, and best practices.
In coordination with the Archives and Manuscripts unit, develop, follow, and maintain policies and procedures for selecting, acquiring, accessioning, appraising, and preserving women's collections according to professional standards and best practices.
Lead prioritization of processing projects and manage and participate in arrangement and description of women's collections.
Proactively identify and respond to emerging trends in academic special collections, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs and expectations of WVU students, faculty, and researchers.
Train and direct staff or students working with women's collections, and review their work products for quality, accuracy, and adherence to standards.
Provide ongoing supervision, mentorship, and support to employees; evaluate employees regularly, recognize achievements, address areas for improvement, and nurture accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
In consultation with the Digital Collections Archivist, plan for and manage digital objects in women's collections throughout their lifecycle to facilitate long-term preservation and use.
Engage in professional development and/or research related to the assignment.