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Re: Vacancy Announcement CORRECTION



List,
Allow me to chime in one more time.  When I discovered that I wanted to be
an archivist (for all of the usual reasons), I also realized that, compared
to other "sexy" professions, I would never get rich.  All I could hope for
is to make a living wage.  The point is that I believe that none of us has
chosen this profession for the material compensation it affords, but rather
for the service we provide as memory keepers.

I suggest those who are complaining about poor compensation find another
profession and make room for those of us who are trying to break into the
Archives profession.  I know what to expect salary-wise as did you when you
decided to get into this.  We are living in times when the material we take
care of is not seen to be as important as the new technologies that are
rapidly producing these records.

We are all a part of what I consider to be a noble profession.  We are
preserving our nation's history, we are the conscience of our governments,
and we dispense important information to those who ask for it.  I'll take
noble and poor any day.


Paul A Oelkrug
The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries
Special Collections
P.O. Box 19497
Arlington, Texas 76019-0497
(817) 272-7580 (phone)
(817) 272-3360 (fax)

 -----Original Message-----
From:   Margaret Yax [mailto:MYax@CINCYMUSEUM.ORG]
Sent:   Friday, June 07, 2002 8:37 AM
To:     ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
Subject:        Re: Vacancy Announcement CORRECTION

I, too, made the assumption that the .5 fte was probably what was wanted
even though the 40-hr. week statement did confuse me at first.  Based on
that assumption, I agree that $17,000 to $22,000 is pretty well within
reason for a half-time professional archivist.

All these recent posts about this job, however, made me wonder why no one
questioned or gasped in astonishment at the jaw-dropping low salary recently
posted for the Head -- HEAD, mind you -- of Special Collections at the
University of Nebaska Medical Center.  I don't remember the job description
exactly now, but seem to recall that duties listed were all fairly typical
for a one-person head of special collections from cataloging and stewardship
of large rare books collections to management, reference, organizing, etc.
etc. archival collections.  All for the fantastic full-time salary of
$30,000!!  Now that one really is a crime in my opinion.  It says volumes
about how much the institution values these collections.  I can't imagine
that anyone with the experience and knowledge required to curate such
collections with so many duties would be willing to accept what is, in some
places, a salary lower than an entry-level librarian or archivist.  Makes
the upper end of the half-time position -- $22,000 -- seem not bad at all!
I know geographical differences apply, still I think $30,000 for the Head of
a Special Collections is an insult.

Sorry to add to the rant with my opinions, but that one really got me.

Maggie Yax, Archives Manager
Cincinnati Museum Center
Union Terminal
1301 Western Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45203
513-287-7066
myax@cincymuseum.org


-----Original Message-----
From: Friedman-Shedlov, Lara [mailto:lara.friedman-shedlov@MNHS.ORG]
Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2002 4:17 PM
To: ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
Subject: Re: Vacancy Announcement CORRECTION


As you'll see if you read the description more carefully, ACA certification
is given as preferred, not required.

Maybe the rest of you are getting paid a heck of a lot more than me, but it
seems to me that $17,000 to $22,000 per year for a half-time position seems
very reasonable, in my opinion.

--Lara Friedman-Shedlov

+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Lara Friedman-Shedlov
lara.friedman-shedlov@mnhs.org
Minnesota Historical Society



-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Flynn [mailto:cflynn@FNA.FSN.UIDAHO.EDU]

To me the most disturbing aspect of the requirements is not the wages
(albeit low), but rather that the individual must have ACA certification. As
we try, in our own determined way to raise the status of certification, it
seems to me, that requiring certification for this position degrades what we
are trying to accomplish.

<SNIP>

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter J. Roberts [mailto:LIBPJR@LANGATE.GSU.EDU]
Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2002 12:56 PM
To: ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU
Subject: Vacancy Announcement CORRECTION


Please be advised that the Archivist for the Women's Collection at Georgia
State University is a part-time position.  This is a 20 hour a week
position.  Sorry for any typographical errors or misunderstandings in the
original posting.


ARCHIVIST, WOMEN'S COLLECTIONS
(Part-Time . 5 FTE)

Georgia State University (GSU) seeks innovative applicants for the position
of Archivist for the Women's Collections. The mission of the Women's
Collections is to collect, preserve and make available primary and secondary
source material of, or related to, 20th/21st Century women in Georgia in
designated subject areas, in particular the Second Women's Movement in
Georgia; to enhance access to resources on women in all Special Collections
holdings, and to promote cooperation among Georgia and national repositories
with materials related to Georgia women. This position reports to the
Special Collections department head, and plays a major role in a
client-centered department with well-established collecting strengths, a
growing research clientele, and a strong emphasis on outreach.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will plan and supervise work related to the
acquisition, appraisal, processing, preservation, and use of archival, oral
history, and printed research collections by and about women. Promote the
use of these materials, contact prospective donors and negotiate the
transfer of materials. Assist in outreach and donor development activities
related to the Georgia State University Women's Collections. Assists in
formulating departmental policies and procedures as well as other
departmental activities.

Requirements
Graduate degree in information/library science (ALA-accredited), history, or
women's studies. Graduate coursework in archival administration. Two plus
years experience in archival work. Evidence of excellent written/oral
communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Preferred: Experience in appraising, preserving and processing 20th century
materials. Knowledge of 20th century women's history. Experience with MARC
cataloging, encoded archival description, web design, and digitization. ACA
certification.

<SNIP>

Salary and Rank
$17,000 - $22,000 for 12 months commensurate with the candidate's
experience. Appointment at a faculty rank, on a contract renewal basis.

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