Digital Archivist, Assistant Professor

Code4lib; Edwardsville (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major academic institution in Illinois seeks a tenure-track Digital Archivist, Assistant Professor. The role involves leading digital stewardship initiatives, managing collections, and providing specialized research support. Ideal candidates possess a Master's degree and demonstrate knowledge of digital preservation practices and collaborative skills. This position emphasizes scholarship and community engagement, making a significant impact on teaching and research related to digital collections and archives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or current enrollment in library and information science.
• Knowledge of digital preservation principles and standards.
• Experience with digital collections or archives.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital stewardship initiatives and restoration policies.
• Manage lifecycle of digital collections and assess access strategies.
• Provide specialized research support for digital materials.

Skills

Digital preservation knowledge

Collaboration

Effective communication

Education

Master’s degree in library science/information science

Enrollment in an ALA-accredited master's program

Job description

Library and Information Services at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) invites applications for a tenure-track Digital Archivist, Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will bring knowledge and experience in acquiring, preserving, and providing access to digitized and born-digital archival and special collections. The Digital Archivist will lead the development and implementation of sustainable practices and systems to manage a wide range of digital content, including legacy digitized collections, born-digital records, and digital exhibits. Working collaboratively with library colleagues, faculty across the University, and community partners, the Digital Archivist will support teaching and research while enhancing discovery and use of SIUE’s distinctive cultural and historical resources.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for SIUE’s digital stewardship environment, including the development, implementation, and assessment of digital preservation policies, digital collections strategies, and sustainable workflows aligned with national standards and best practices.
• Manage the full lifecycle of digital collections by identifying, accessioning, appraising, processing, describing, preserving, and providing user-centered and accessible access to materials.
• Initiate, implement, and maintain systems, infrastructure, documentation, and workflows that support the long-term preservation and access of university archives and special collections materials.
• Assess and inventory digital and digitized collections, metadata, asset storage, and accessibility, and develop sustainable, prioritized plans for remediation, preservation, and access to guide platform, standards, and metadata decisions.
• Provide specialized reference and research support for users working with digital and archival materials.
• Collaborate broadly across campus and the community to increase engagement and support integration of digital collections and archival materials into teaching, scholarship, and research.
• Pursue scholarship, research, or creative activity and engage in service at institutional and professional levels, consistent with tenure and promotion requirements.

Terms of Appointment

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in library science or information science from an ALA-accredited institution, or
• Current enrollment in a master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program. Candidate must have a degree conferred or with evidence of completion by August 15, 2026.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of digital preservation principles, standards, and best practices, evidenced through coursework, professional experience, training, or documented digital preservation project work.
• Experience with digital collections, digital exhibits, and/or digital archives.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners, as evidenced by collaborative projects or roles.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences across multiple modalities (e.g. in-person, online, written, and visual formats).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with archival description and metadata standards, such as Dublin Core, EAD, MODS, METS, or similar schemas.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, document, and follow sustainable workflows for digital collections, digitization, or digital preservation activities.
• Experience providing research or reference support related to digital collections, archives, or special collections.
• Experience participating in or facilitating programs, initiatives, or practices that advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Evidence of scholarly activity and/or professional service, or potential to develop in these areas.
• Demonstrated ability to instruct campus community, as evidenced by experience such as classroom teaching, library instruction, workshops, or other relevant experience.

Note: Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and demonstrate potential for success are encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet all preferred qualifications.