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Job announcement



Assistant Archivist, Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library

Cornell University Library seeks dynamic and energetic applicants to play an active role in the programs of the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections (RMC). RMC serves as a resource to stimulate and nourish creative teaching and learning, serving research and scholarship by making available and encouraging the use of its collections by Cornell students, faculty and staff, other scholars, and members of the community at large. Holdings include 300,000 printed books, more than seventy million manuscripts and another million photographs, paintings, prints, and other visual media. The collection chronicles such fields as medieval and Renaissance studies, the Reformation, eighteenth-century France and England, American history, Anglo-American literature, Icelandic history and culture, and the history of science, human sexuality, and architecture and city planning. The Division also houses the Cornell University Archives. While continuing to emphasize the importance of traditional formats, the Cornell Library is actively committed to the support and promotion of digital collections and services, and RMC has played a pioneering role in the use of new technologies for providing access to special collections materials. In cooperation with other library units and national projects, RMC creates digital collections and World Wide Web sites providing networked access to rare books, manuscripts, graphics, and historical artifacts at Cornell.

Duties and Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Head of Technical Services, the Assistant Archivist will be responsible for providing access to RMC holdings through cataloging, arranging, and describing manuscript and photographic collections, and compiling finding aids. In consultation with curators, s/he will make appraisal decisions based on documentary and evidentiary value. In cooperation with RMC staff, other library units, and national projects, the Assistant Archivist will actively participate in the development of new digital projects and services, coordinating RMC participation in digital projects and the creation of online resources. Additionally, s/he will participate fully in RMC?s public services program, providing reference services as well as presentations and classes, and contribute to the collection management and public affairs functions of the Division. Other activities may include preparing exhibitions, catalogs and other print and online publications focusing on RMC collections. In selected topical areas, the Assistant Archivist will interact with donors to assist in the acquisition and transfer of materials. Participation in professional activities of appropriate archival, historical, library, or information management organizations and contribution to the professional literature is expected, as is service in library and university-wide committees and groups.

Qualifications: Required: Graduate degree in archival/library/information science, humanities, or social sciences; evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills; organizational skills; analytical ability; familiarity with online bibliographic tools and new technologies, including Web design; and ability to contribute to the promotion of digital initiatives. Desired: Archives or special collections library experience; knowledge of one or more Western European languages; awareness of issues involved with archiving electronic records; supervisory skills and experience.

Applications: Applications requested by July 15, 2001. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary and rank will be dependent upon qualifications and experience. Please send cover letter, resume, and the names and phone numbers of three references to:

Susan Markowitz, Director
Library Human Resources
201 Olin Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-5301
libhr@cornell.edu


For more information contact: Elaine Engst, Director of Rare and Manuscript Collections (607)255-3530 EE11@cornell.edu

Cornell University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer strongly committed to diversity. We value qualified candidates who can bring to our community a variety of backgrounds and experiences.




Elaine Engst
Director & University Archivist
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
2B Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853