Special Collections Accessions Archivist

Responsible for accessioning incoming Special Collections materials. Creates accession records documenting provenance, contents, and condition of new collections acquired through donation and purchase. Handles invoices, deeds of gifts, and appraisal and gift in kind documentation in addition to making arrangements for shipping and delivery of valuable materials. Hires, trains and supervises student library assistants. Assigns collection projects and provides guidance based on established best practices and departmental procedures, Monitors ordering of archival quality supplies for collections. Works with departmental members to complete special projects related to upcoming relocation of collections to new Library Storage Annex.

Qualifications

RESPONSIBILITIES

Accessioning

Responsible for accessioning incoming Special Collections materials (including rare books, manuscripts, and university archives records) to establish baseline administrative, physical, and intellectual control.

Works with donors and vendors to plan arrangements for shipping, delivery, and pick up of rare collection materials.

Creates detailed accession records in ArchivesSpace for all incoming collections to record provenance of materials.

Documents information related to gift in kind credit, appraisals, rights, restrictions, and payment of invoices. Sends acknowledgment letters to university donors.

Conducts initial survey and assessment of incoming collections to determine appropriate housing and storage and need for immediate conservation treatments.

Prioritizes incoming collections for immediate or future processing. Prepares materials for relocation to offsite storage if awaiting processing.

Processing

Makes judgments, provides guidance and uses problem solving skills based on professional standards and departmental policies and procedures to develop solutions for all processing activities. Works closely with supervisor, Manuscripts Archivist, to oversee assignment and processing of collections.

Completes processing of manuscript collections focusing on single items and high priority materials.

Maintains cataloging list for rare books by adding new materials and monitoring process through cataloging, preservation, and processing.

Hires, supervises, and trains student library assistants to assist with processing of manuscript materials and rare books.

Works with departmental faculty and staff to prepare manuscript and archival collections for upcoming relocation to new library storage annex including data cleanup, re-housing, inventorying, and barcoding of all rare materials.

Works with archivists in the continued development and documentation of procedures and workflows regarding accessioning and processing of all rare materials.

Supplies

Manages departmental supplies including office supplies and archival supplies for collection processing, housing, preservation, and exhibition.

Orders and tracks shipments of supplies through the Libraries' procurement officer. Monitors use of framework order (approximately $50,000) for archival supplies.

Outreach and Research Assistance

Using knowledge and expertise from our collections, provides research assistance to external and internal researchers, both in-person and remotely.

Assists with monitoring the use of Special Collections materials and spaces according to professional standards and best practices. Enforces established policies in regards to food, drink, equipment, and personal items in Special Collections.

Participates in developing related policies and procedures.

Engages in outreach activities targeted towards students, faculty, and the public such as orientations, tours, and events as needed.

Completes 1 - 3 hours of professional development per month

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor's Degree

Experience processing archival materials and/or formal training in archival studies.

Demonstrated experience working with archival materials.

Ability to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment.

Ability to work well with faculty, staff, students, donors, and members of the general public.

Ability to learn and use new software and systems.

Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to balance multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.

Ability to work flexibly and creatively in a changing and fast-paced environment.

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Knowledge and understanding of archival processing, arrangement, and description.

Knowledge and understanding of best practices related to the daily operations of a special collections or archives.

Preferred

Master's Degree in Information Sciences, History, Education, Humanities or related field of study

Experience working in a library or archives environment.

Experience using research strategies and techniques.

Experience in project management.

Knowledge and understanding of archives information management software (e.g. Archives Space).

The UT Libraries champions diversity in collections and staffing. The University of Tennessee is committed to creating a welcoming environment. More information about how we put our principles of civility and community into action is available at https://www.lib.utk.edu/belonging/.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Application Procedures

• A background check is required prior to hiring. In order to be considered for candidacy, you must submit a cover letter addressing the above qualifications and a current resume.

Job Other Tech/Para-Professional

Primary Location US-Tennessee-Knoxville

Organization Library

Schedule Full-time

Campus/Institute Knoxville

The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or disability in its education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)of 1990. Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the UTK Office of Human Resources, 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN37996-4125.