Rare Book and Print Collection Archivist - West Virginia & Regional History Center, Libraries

The West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC) invites applications for the position of Rare Book and Print Collections Archivist. The WVRHC seeks a knowledgeable and collaborative archivist to develop, promote, and care for print collections. The position also provides research and teaching support for various disciplines and addresses the processing needs of selected archival collections.

The Rare Book and Print Collections Archivist selects materials and manages access and preservation of the Rare Book Collection, the West Virginia Book and Serials Collection, the West Virginia Newspapers Collection, and the Appalachian Book Collection. The position is responsible for developing and implementing a strategy for sustainable growth, use, and stewardship of these collections including the selection and acquisition of
gift books and serials for addition to WVRHC print collections using pre-custodial appraisal practices. The archivist also plans for print collection storage needs in consultation with the Stacks Management Assistant and serves on the WVRHC Disaster Team.

The Rare Book and Print Collections Archivist works collaboratively with the staff in the Knowledge Access and Resource Managment (KARM) department to coordinate purchasing, cataloging, bindery needs, and end-processing of WVRHC print collections. The position provides direction and oversight of the KARM Rare and WVRHC Metadata Specialist in processing; collections care including rare book handling, housing, security, and shelving; preservation; and exhibition related duties as assigned for WVHRC print, serial, or print-based special collections. The position identifies WVRHC rare book and printed resource collections for the Rare and WVRHC Metadata Specialist to catalog and works collaboratively with the Head of Metadata to set priorities and scheduling for Metadata Specialist's collections work.

In consultation with the Instruction and Public Services Archivist, the Rare Book and Print Collections Archivist engages with faculty to provide research and teaching support for various disciplines from WVU colleges and schools. Instruction is primarily centered around the Rare, West Virginia, and Appalachian print collections but may include archival literacy and subject focused sessions. The archivist collaborates with librarians in WVU Libraries Student Success and Research units to discover new teaching opportunities, build new curricular relationships across campus, and develop teaching materials for use by WVU faculty and staff.

The Rare Book and Print Collections Archivist assists with reference requests and develops exhibitions and displays featuring WVRHC rare book and print collections. The position may create and support public programming that enhances and supports research and use of West Virginia & Regional History Center materials.

Additionally, in consultation with Archives and Manuscripts staff, the Rare Book and Print Collections Archivist examines the processing needs of selected archival collections primarily but not exclusively related to rare book and print collections. The archivist plans and prioritizes processing activities; processes collections; and directs processing work of the Rare and WVRHC Metadata Specialist.

Condition of Work and Benefits

• Twelve-month assignment, 37.5 hours weekly M-F with occasional weekend and evening work possible
• Health and retirement benefits
• Generous paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave
• Faculty rank and status, non-tenure track
• A supportive work environment with funding support for research and professional activities
• We anticipate hiring at the Assistant University Librarian level for which the salary starts at $61,000. However, faculty rank is determined by the
• WVU Library Criteria for Library Faculty Appointment, Retention, Promotion, and Merit and is determined by years served in a professional librarian capacity: Assistant University Librarian (5 years or fewer), Associate University Librarian (6 year to 12 years) and University Librarian (13 years or more) years of professional library experience or its equivalent.
• Exemplary job performance, professional development and/or research, and service are required for reappointment and promotion in rank
• All librarians are members of the Library Faculty Assembly and participate in the professional life of the organization.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an ALA accredited program for library and information science (or equivalent)
• Demonstrated understanding of primary source literacy and historic research methods
• Demonstrated knowledge of book history and the care and preservation of rare books
• Presentation, pedagogical, and technology skills for effective teaching
• Demonstrated project planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong oral and written communication and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and collegial manner
• Experience providing outreach to students, faculty, or community groups.
• Cultural competency and interest in participating in discussions and initiatives that reflect the WVRHC's commitment to expanding and supporting a diverse historical record.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to two years of experience working in archives, special collections, libraries, or other heritage organizations
• Record of engagement with professional groups and activities and/or contributions to the profession

Application Procedure

• The application review process will begin 10/23/2024 and continue until the position is filled. A complete application must include:
• Letter of interest that details how your background and experience makes you a good candidate for the position
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae,
• Three current, professional references

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

About WVU Libraries and the West Virginia & Regional History Center

The WVU Libraries encompasses seven libraries: the Downtown Library, Evansdale Library, Health Sciences Library (Morgantown), Law Library, Health Sciences Library (Charleston), Mary F. Shipper Library at Potomac State College, Beckley Library at WVU Institute of Technology, and the West Virginia and Regional History Center as well as the William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences. Our collections include more than 1.8 million books, 400,000 eBooks, and 117,000 eJournals.

The West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC) is the archives and special collections library at West Virginia University. We are a repository and research center that serves the public in addition to WVU faculty, staff, and students. The Center holds over 20,000 linear feet of collections and over 100,000 books that document the unique history and culture of West Virginia and central Appalachia. Collection strengths include authors and artists papers; feminist activism; WVU history; West Virginia government, politics, and policy; modern congressional archives; labor history; and family history among others. The WVRHC is also the home of a world class collection of rare books that include Shakespeare's folios, first editions of British and American literature, the works of Isaac Asimov, and more.