Archivist for Political Collections

Apply Now
How to Apply

A cover letter, resume, and sample finding aid(s) are required for consideration for this position and should be submitted as one “resume” attachment. Your cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that relate to this position. Sample finding aid(s) should demonstrate your ability to independently appraise and process complex archival collections of a variety of formats and may be submitted as either document(s) or as a list of link(s) to finding aid(s) published online.

Summary

The Bentley Historical Library (BHL) seeks an enthusiastic, collaborative, and innovative archivist for a three-year term-limited position as Archivist for Political Collections (Archivist).

What You’ll Do

In conjunction with other efforts, this position is part of a library-wide backlog elimination project and will play a key role in BHL’s effort to minimize its processing backlog. The incumbent will process a clearly defined set of collections that includes the papers of elected officials, local activists, records of political parties, and grass-root political organizations.

Under the general supervision of the Lead Archivist for Collections Management and in close collaboration with members of the Curation Team and the Johanna Meijer Magoon Principal Archivist for Michigan Historical Collections, the Archivist will plan, manage, and perform processing of multiple collections related to the political history of the state of Michigan. The Archivist will receive ongoing mentoring and support for professional development.

As with all members of the Curation Team, the person in this position will approach their work in alignment with existing guidelines for processing and collections management. This includes use of ArchivesSpace, the Bentley’s system of record for descriptive and administrative metadata for archival collections, and Archivematica, our born-digital records preservation system. They will also need to demonstrate an understanding of the complex and multifaceted human and technical infrastructure that supports the physical and digital material, metadata, systems, integrations, and people that we work with and serve inside the Bentley. This requires the archivist to have an understanding of how the collections they curate will be used. 

Reporting Structure:
This position reports to the Lead Archivist for Collections Management, who reports to the Assistant Director for Curation.

Supervisory Responsibility:
May supervise temporary/hourly assistants, interns, or volunteers.

Who We Are

About the Bentley and the Curation Team: The Curation team supports the Bentley’s mission of collecting the materials for and promoting the study of the histories of two great, intertwined institutions, the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan. Comprised of eight archivists, one conservator, three technicians, and student workers, the Curation team processes and catalogs archival collections and related resources, conserves and digitizes them for responsible access and long-term preservation and provides archival storage and ongoing collections management for them. The Bentley is committed to the principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the Curation team plays a critical role in fulfilling this commitment. See https://bentley.umich.edu/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/ for the current DEI strategic plan of the Bentley Historical Library.

The way we work: As the Bentley’s largest team, we value the many skills and perspectives our team members bring to the table. While we seek to innovate, we also recognize the value of maintaining and improving those technologies and collections that we already curate. Our work is guided by a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to applying archival standards and the principles behind them and it is informed by user needs, whether archivists, donors or researchers. The Bentley as a whole is dedicated to fostering professional growth and development as well as sharing knowledge and giving back to our professional communities.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous time off 
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and more

Responsibilities*

Processing and collections management (70%)

• Intellectual appraisal, arrangement, and description of physical and born-digital records in diverse formats
•  Managing and enhancing metadata for collections according to current standards, user needs, and reparative and inclusive description frameworks
• Training and supervising students to assist with tasks related to processing and collections management
• Collaborating with field archivists, digitization, academic services, and reference teams, as well as external stakeholders as necessary
• Assembling, analyzing, and distributing appropriate quantitative and qualitative data about all aspects of the position responsibilities, and provides regular reports on activities, challenges, and accomplishments

Projects and initiatives (15%)

• Contributing to BHL-wide collaborative initiatives and projects
• Participating in BHL committee work
• Other duties as assigned

Professional development and service (15%)

• Expanding professional expertise by attending professional conferences and workshops and engaging in continuing education opportunities
•   Contributing to the profession, whether through professional organizations or other efforts

Required Qualifications*

• Master’s degree with archival coursework, or advanced degree in an allied discipline combined with relevant experience
• Experience arranging and describing archival collections with a focus on modern manuscript collections of varying sizes and formats 
• Knowledge of and experience with relevant descriptive standards for archival collections (DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH)
• Familiarity with born-digital records appraisal, description, and preservation
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks and to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, in a dynamic environment with a diverse group of staff and external stakeholders 
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and a commitment to professional engagement and continuous learning
• Comfort with and ability to learn new technologies
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and serving the needs of a diverse population

Desired Qualifications*

• 1-2 years of professional experience processing archival collections
• Experience with born-digital records appraisal, description, and preservation
• Experience with ArchivesSpace, Archivist’s Toolkit, or another collection management system
• Experience arranging and describing archival collections related to the U.S. political history

Additional Information

• Work is completed primarily onsite with some remote possibilities. 
• Must be able to routinely move boxes up to 40 pounds and to occasionally ascend/descend ladders and/or stairs.

Union Affiliation

This appointment is subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Michigan (the “Employer”) and the Lecturers’ Employee Organization, AFT Michigan Local 6244, AFL-CIO on behalf of their Librarian, Archivists, and Curator bargaining unit (the “Union” or “LEO-GLAM”).

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.