Archives and Manuscript Librarian (Temporary Position) (Hybrid Opportunity)

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks an Archives and Manuscript Librarian to provide vital support in curating, preserving collections, and assisting research at SCUA. This 12-14 month position offers an opportunity to engage with diverse collections and collaborate within a vibrant academic environment, promoting teamwork and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in library science or equivalent.
• Training in archival management preferred.
• Proficient in MARC format and familiar with metadata standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide reference service and assist patrons in research.
• Train and supervise student assistants in the department.
• Maintain security of materials and supervise physical use of collections.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service attitude

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Master’s degree in library science

Tools

MARC format

XML

Job description

Job no: 526101
Work type: Faculty Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Library -Admin Services
Union: MSP
Categories: Library

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

The Archives and Manuscript Librarian (Archivist) will work with colleagues in the Robert S. Cox Special Collections and University Archives Research Center (SCUA) to provide comprehensive support in the department’s ongoing efforts to curate and preserve its collections and to provide outstanding access to its holdings. The Archivist will assist patrons in learning and research; supervise use of the collections in SCUA’s reading room, train and supervise student assistants, work with classes to promote integration of primary sources into university curriculum, and implement professional standards in care, arrangement, and description of collections.

Temporary Position

This position will be for a duration of 12-14 months and cannot exceed April 30, 2026.

Essential Functions

• Provide reference service to users of collections held by SCUA as required, handling questions or referring them as appropriate. Search departmental databases, websites, other finding aids and collections to answer questions posed by telephone callers, in-person visitors, or correspondence (electronic or physical).
• Contribute to SCUA’s instruction program including pulling collections for classes, assisting SCUA staff in preparing class presentations and exercises, and conducting classes both as part of a team and independently as needed.
• Train and supervise student assistants in SCUA. With SCUA colleagues, identify appropriate student projects and oversee work activities and products.
• Maintain security of materials. Ensure that unauthorized people do not enter stack area. Supervise physical use of materials to ensure they are not damaged or stolen.
• Assist in preparing exhibits of materials from SCUA’s collections for SCUA exhibit area, the W.E.B. Du Bois Library exhibitions area, and special events, as required.
• Classify, process, arrange, describe, and prepare finding aids for SCUA collections according to best practices informed by archival theory and practice. Conduct research necessary to prepare descriptions of finding aids.
• Work in other SCUA areas as necessary. Maintain sufficient working knowledge of each operation in order to provide service in the absence of regularly scheduled staff.
• Work creatively, collaboratively, and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, and inclusiveness within UMass Amherst Libraries and the campus.
• Work a schedule of Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the libraries and the department.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s degree in library science—or equivalent degree—from a program accredited by the American Library Association, or its appropriate equivalent in librarianship from another country, or have appropriate equivalent experience.
• Training in such areas as archival management, manuscripts, rare books, and/or special collections.
• Working knowledge of MARC format, strong knowledge of DACS and other relevant content standards, and strong familiarity with XML, EAD, MODS, DC, and other metadata standards.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to foster a collegial work environment that encourages change and innovation.
• Mastery of reference-interviewing skills and a superior level of efficiency in the use of reference and information sources, particularly primary, archival, rare, and manuscript sources.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral skills, including presentation skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment, including remaining calm under pressure.
• Strong service ethic and the ability to interact effectively and work productively and collaboratively with a variety of colleagues and levels of staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work creatively, collaboratively and effectively and to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness within the UMass Amherst Libraries and the campus.
• Strong service orientation and the ability to meet the public graciously and tactfully. Strong customer service attitude and initiative.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• One-year professional experience working with archives or manuscript collections.

Work Schedule

The regular working schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, day hours.

The incumbent of the position is expected to work on a flexible schedule, which includes some evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the MSP collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Librarian I

Librarian I salary floor: $55,000.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits

University benefits may differ based on collective bargaining agreements (unions). Please see below for the potential benefits MSP Librarians can be entitled to obtain: benefits for the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) members and benefits for MSP Librarians positions:

Human Resources: Faculty & Staff General Benefits

Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) Benefits

MSP Librarian Positions Benefits

Application Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a cover letter and resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Jan 7 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

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