University Archivist - Library and Learning Commons

Zayed University; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zayed University seeks an experienced University Archivist to manage the university's archive collections and digitization program. You will lead digital archive initiatives, oversee metadata standards, and shape access and preservation of scholarly records aligned with international standards.

The role includes collection development, teaching information literacy, liaison duties, and contributing to the university's archival policies and strategy across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Qualifications

• MLIS with archive focus from an ALA-accredited program
• Experience as archivist or special collections librarian in an academic setting
• Experience in digital scholarship practices
• Strong project planning and management skills
• Teaching experience and ability to engage diverse audiences
• Experience marketing and promoting library/archival services
• Knowledge of Dublin Core, PREMIS, METS, EAD and copyright issues
• Willingness to travel Abu Dhabi–Dubai

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in developing and assessing digital archive and scholarship initiatives.
• Advise digital archive projects across the university.
• Collaborate with librarians, faculty, students, and partners on innovative digital projects.
• Identify and evaluate digital archive resources and technologies for acquisition.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, standards, and publishing models in digital archives.
• Design and teach workshops on digital archive tools and best practices.
• Lead in a team-based library environment and supervise student workers.

Skills

Project management

Teaching

Communication

Team collaboration

Digital scholarship

Education

MLIS with Archive focus

Job description

The Library and Learning Commons Department at Zayed University seeks an experienced and innovative librarian who will be responsible for overall management of the portfolio of the University’s archive collections and the digitization of the archives to ensure effective access and discovery. The successful candidate will lead the university’s digital archive initiatives and the collection development efforts to acquire the most significant materials of permanent historical value for documenting the history and functions of Zayed University and the UAE. The University Archivist will also be responsible for shaping the management, digital access and preservation of the scholarship information and archive collections. The University Archivist will apply professional international archival standards, including ISAD(G) and the Open Archival Information System framework and oversee creation of accurate metadata standards (Dublin Core, PREMIS, METS and EAD) to the processing, arrangement, discovery, management and preservation of archival records. The University Archivist, as a professional academic librarian, engages in all aspects of library services that support university teaching and learning activities, such as information literacy instructions, collection development, liaison assignments, and reference services.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides leadership in the development, implementation, promotion, and assessment of digital archive and scholarship initiatives. This includes

• collaborating with librarians, faculty, students, and academic partners to explore, define, develop, advocate, assess, and sustain innovative digital projects
• serving as an advisor for digital archive and projects across university
• working with other members of the library team on digital scholarship project
• identifying and evaluating digital archive resources and technologies for acquisition, recommending and introducing to university community
• staying abreast of emerging, innovative trends and technologies, standards, publishing models, and digital archive developments
• designing and teaching workshops on digital archive tools, resources, and best practices
• providing leadership in and participating in a team-based library environment
• hiring, training, and supervising student workers as necessary.

University Archives:

• Recommend, implement and maintain the collection policy for university records having archival value
• Recommend best practices regarding the development of both print and digital access to the records
• Oversee implementation of policy and levels of practice in university office
• Supervise a technician and student assistants if any
• Through the Director, recommend policies regarding archival records to the university administration for approval
• Serve on department, college and University committees as needed to assist in development of matters benefiting the University
• Identify and transfer archival records from university offices
• Organize, process, and preserve archival records
• Provide archival records management and preservation training to university offices and departments
• Contribute to planning of the future direction of the program
• Act as a leader, teacher, advisor, and facilitator for the Archive

Other Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Serve as liaison librarian to assigned academic programs for the provision of information and instructional services, collection management, and engagement with faculty, staff, and students promoting library resources and services
• Serve as the Zayed University’s representative to the UAE National Archives.
• Foster and contribute to an environment of collegiality, respect, trust, and teamwork to positively contribute to the goals of the university
• As an academic faculty position, active participation and engagement in scholarship, teaching and service is expected
• Actively participate and demonstrate commitment in professional responsibilities that serve the Library, University, profession, and community
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required

Qualifications

The Requirements

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies (MLIS) with Archive and Record Management focus from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent; or a graduate degree in history or other relevant discipline which includes archival training
• Demonstrated experience as an archivist, curator of manuscripts, or special collections librarian, preferably in an academic or research library
• Experience and knowledge of current practices in digital scholarship
• Evidence of effective project planning and management
• Evidence of experience and potential in teaching
• Professional academic reference experience
• Experience in marketing, outreach, and the promotion of library and archival services
• Knowledge of rights administration and management issues for digital scholarship and archival collections
• Knowledge of descriptive content standards and best practices
• Broad knowledge of current technological applications for archival management and access
• Knowledge of copyright issues in the digital realm
• Must be well organized, and able to meet deadlines and multiple demands
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences
• Must be results-oriented, flexible, self-motivated, and have an enthusiasm for teaching and technology, and an ability to collaborate with colleagues in a goal-oriented library team
• Experience creating and maintaining documentation of policy and procedures
• Demonstrated history of flexibility, creativity and a strong customer service commitment
• Willingness to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Must show promise of advancing the mission of the University through scholarly or creative achievements.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment
• Arabic language proficiency is highly desired
• Self-starter experienced in management
• Sensitivity to local culture
• Ability to integrate information technology effectively within library and archival processes
• Skills of persuasion and presentation to convince decision-makers of library’s needs for essential resources

Interview & Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview. Positions will remain open until filled.