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