Princeton University Library Human Resources

ASSISTANT UNIVERSITY ARCHIVIST FOR PUBLIC SERVICES
Princeton University Library
Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library
Princeton, New Jersey
Requisition # 0800123

The Princeton University Library is among the world’s best research libraries, serving 6,400 students and 1,100 faculty members. The general collection includes 6 million printed volumes that meet the diverse needs of the academic community. Its holdings range from papyrus and incunabula to the most advanced electronic databases and journals. The Library employs more than 300 professional and support personnel, complemented by a large student and hourly workforce. The Library system includes a large central library and 15 specialized libraries. More information may be found at the Library’s Web site: http://libweb.princeton.edu

The Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library is part of the Princeton University Library’s Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. It houses the Princeton University Archives and a highly regarded collection of 20th-century public policy papers. For more information on the library, please see: http://www.princeton.edu/~mudd.

Search Committee: (Princeton access only)

Responsibilities:
The Assistant University Archivist For Public Services fulfills the reference and public services needs of the Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, including:
• delivers reference services efficiently to researchers using the Public Policy Papers and the University Archives
•responsible for overseeing intake and completion of all incoming reference inquiries, photo duplication requests and permission inquiries of which there were over 3,000 in 2007; this involves delegating as well as answering specific questions.
• supervises all activities and staff (2.75 FTE) related to public services and the reading room, including: scheduling reference and paging coverage; training staff in operations of the reading room as well as providing documentation for those operations; administering policies governing use, reproduction, security, and preservation of materials; oversees photo duplication process and procedures
• coordinates outreach to the campus community and provides specialized instruction and support for courses
• develops in-depth knowledge of holdings in order to provide high-quality and specialized reference and instructional services based on these materials, for in-person, telephone, and email inquiries. Such knowledge means understanding the content of the collections and how it relates to answering scholarly questions.
• The Assistant University Archivist is part of the Mudd Manuscript Library’s management team (consisting of this person, the Assistant University Archivist for Technical Services, and the University Archivist). The two Assistant University Archivists work together closely, as they are responsible for the daily operations of the Library, and each helps establish priorities, policies and procedures for the building and staff, as well as participating in system-wide library activities.
• working in conjunction with the public services staff in RBSC’s Firestone Library, in particular the public services librarian, develops, implements, and coordinates policies and procedures relating to access services for all researchers in the Department; gathers and reports reference service statistics on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• manages Mudd Library’s website (not including finding aids).
• contributes occasionally to on-site and virtual exhibitions.
• works occasional evenings and weekend hours.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Appropriate academic background (MLS from an ALA-accredited library school and/or advanced degree in a subject area) combined with relevant job experience at comparable archives or special collections. As demonstrated by work or academic experience, excellent oral and written communications skills and excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively and work well with colleagues and library patrons individually and in groups is essential. Supervisory and management experience. Demonstrated strong commitment to quality patron services. Energy and communications skills to handle the pressures of reference service with accuracy and poise. (Characteristics include courtesy, flexibility, resourcefulness, timeliness, patience and discretion), strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal and time management skills. Demonstrated understanding of research use of special collections, especially archives and manuscripts. Able to handle collections, including ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Preferred: Minimum of three years professional work experience in an academic research library, archives or historical society or agency. Formal archival training at the graduate level and/or demonstrated understanding of archival processing.Project management skills. Significant coursework in 20th-century American history or political science.Familiarity with computer applications, access tools, and resources relevant to special collections (online catalogs, finding aids, databases, web applications and resources.)Demonstrated faculty outreach/instruction. Experience with exhibitions. Experience in user instruction teaching patrons to find and use library resources.

Successful candidates will make a presentation to PUL staff on a topic relevant to the work of special collections and archives.

Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and accomplishments. Twenty-four (24) vacation days a year, plus eleven (11) paid holidays. Annuity program (TIAA/CREF), group life insurance, health coverage insurance, disability insurance, and other benefits are available.

Nominations and Applications:
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Nominations and applications (cover letter, resume and the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers of three references) will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton website: http://www.princeton.edu/jobs

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.
For information about applying to Princeton, please link to
http://web.princeton.edu/sites/dof/ApplicantsInfo.htm