Assistant Professor & Manuscript Archivist - University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago Library seeks a dynamic and visionary individual for the position of a tenure-track Manuscript Archivist. The Manuscript Archivist will join a department that is responsible for accessioning, processing, preserving, and providing access to materials in all formats.  Reporting to the Head of Special Collections and University Archives, the archivist will provide leadership and expertise in the discovery, acquisition and stewarding of UIC manuscript collections in addition to developing strategies and workflows that surface underrepresented voices. The individual in this position will also provide research support.
 
This tenure-track appointment includes the expectation that the faculty member will be actively engaged in and significantly contribute to the profession through research/scholarship and service related to professional and scholarly interests.  This includes publication, presentation, and committee work at various levels.   Expectations are further outlined in the norms for tenure-track appointments (https://library.uic.edu/about/employment ).   

About Special Collections and University Archives

UIC Special Collections and University Archives is comprised of four areas: manuscripts, rare books, health science history, and university archives. SCUA documents the diverse history and culture of Chicago and the Chicagoland area including Chicago-related post-World War II politics and advocacy; design history; women’s political activism; social justice; Century of Progress World’s Fair; artists’ books; the settlement house movement; and the history of the university.  

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain relations with donors and serve as the primary point of contact for donors. 
• Responsible for the appraisal, accessioning, processing, and preservation of manuscript collections.
• Supervise one or more processing archivists and train and mentor students
• Collaborate with Digital Programs & Services to develop and maintain digital collections and related projects. 
• Promote the interpretation and understanding of the collections through outreach (including creation of physical and digital exhibits), research, publication, and instruction
• Assist with public services, including reference work to assist researchers in identifying and using Special Collections and other library materials.
• Contribute to scholarly conversation in the profession through research, publication, and professional engagement in line with a tenure-track faculty appointment.
• Participate in library, university, and professional service activities.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or from a master's level program in library and information studies accredited or recognized by the appropriate national body of another country) with specialization or certificate in archival theory and practice.
• Two years of experience working in a special collections or archives setting
• Demonstrated experience with archival arrangement and description.
• Demonstrated experience developing and enhancing workflows, policies, and systems to support collection management and processing priorities.
• Experience with reference and instruction.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

All candidates who meet the required qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply. The University Library values a diversity of skills and experiences.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with ArchivesSpace or another collection management system
• Familiarity with born-digital materials and electronic records
• Familiarity with copyright and privacy restrictions as they relate to access and digitization of archival collections.
• Academy of Certified Archivists certification
• Supervisory experience in any setting 
• Knowledge or experience working with donors 
• Demonstrated experience curating exhibits

Salary/Rank/Contract:

The minimum salary for a full-time twelve-month tenure-track appointment is $71,500. Benefits for a twelve month appointment include 24 days vacation; 12 days annual sick leave with additional disability benefits; 11 paid holidays; medical insurance (contribution based on annual salary; coverage for dependents may be purchased); two dental plans available; life insurance paid for by the State; participation in one of the retirement options of the State Universities Retirement System compulsory (8% of salary is withheld and is tax exempt until withdrawal); no Social Security coverage, but Medicare payment is required. This appointment is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and UIC United Faculty Local 6456, IFT-AFT, AAUP. 

Application Instructions:

For fullest consideration, apply by August 16, 2024, with C.V, cover letter, and the name and contact information for at least three professional references. The position close date is August 30, 2024. All applicants must submit an online application through https://jobs.uic.edu/. 

To apply, click on the following link: https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/11365?c=uic

The University of Illinois conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899