Subject: Job Posting: New York City. Project Archivist, Avery Library, Columbia Univ.
From: Annemarie van Roessel
Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:22:28 -0400
X-Message-Number: 4

The Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library at Columbia University
is searching for an experienced project archivist to process project
records and architectural drawings of the Woodlawn Cemetery in the
Bronx, New York. This position will be funded for 6 months with the
possibility of extension. Funding begins on the selectee’s start date.
The Department of Drawings and Archives consist of more than 1 million
architectural drawings, photographs, manuscripts, and other archives.
The department is part of the Avery Library, a leading research
library on architecture, historic preservation, art history, painting,
sculpture, graphic arts, decorative arts, city planning, real estate,
and archaeology. The Library contains more than 450,000 volumes and
receives approximately 1,000 periodicals.

The Woodlawn Cemetery Archive (roughly 800 linear ft) is the single
largest donation to the Drawings and Archives, Avery Library. The
cemetery contains more than 1,300 free-standing mausoleums designed by
the leading architects from the post-Civil War era through the Gilded
Age. As the preeminent burial ground for prominent New Yorkers of that
period, the Cemetery archive contains incredible documentation of
historical figures and the architects who worked for them. Processing
of the Woodlawn Cemetery Archive has been ongoing since early 2007 and
several series have been completed. For information on the status, see
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/indiv/avery/da/woodlawn.html.

Working under the supervision of the Curator of Drawings and Archives,
the Project Archivist will sort, arrange, and describe documents in
preparation of an on-line finding aid of the collection for research
use. The series relating to photographs and correspondence will be the
main focus of this grant period; other materials will be processed as
required.

Working under the supervision of the Curator of Drawing and Archives,
the Project Archivist will be responsible for:

*Processing of correspondence, foundation orders, deeds, and
architectural drawings of the Cemetery including ordering of projects,
description of drawings by title, date, associated architects, genres,
among other metadata, and coordinating drawings with archival
materials. Includes preparing materials for transport and storage to
offsite facility.

*Processing of photographs of the Cemetery, including ordering of
files, description of contents, re-housing as necessary, and
coordinating archival materials with architectural drawings. Will work
closely with Woodlawn staff to identify photographs. Includes
preparing materials for transport and storage to offsite facility.

*Arranging and describing architectural collections in an electronic
database following DACS and other emerging standards. Includes
searching, authority work, description & subject analysis.

*Assigning, revising, and training support staff and students to
provide assistance with tasks above, including inputting, processing,
and research in archival files. Other duties as assigned.

One of the world’s leading research universities, Columbia provides
outstanding opportunities to work and grow in a unique intellectual
community. Set in the Morningside Heights academic village, Columbia
also presents the unmatched dynamism, diversity and cultural richness
of New York City. The University Libraries, grounded in collections of
remarkable depth and breadth, are also building extensive electronic
resources and services. The Libraries at Columbia are committed to
collegiality, professionalism, innovation and leadership.

We offer a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience and
excellent benefits including 100% Columbia tuition exemption for self
and family and assistance with University housing. Columbia will also
pay 50% tuition for your dependent child who is a candidate for an
undergraduate degree at another accredited college or university.

Minimum Degree Required: MLS or PhD or equivalent
Minimum Qualifications: All applicants MUST meet these minimum
qualifications to be considered for the position. ALA accredited
M.L.S. with formal course work in archives administration or an M.A.
in archival management, and two years related experience, or an
equivalent combination of education and experience. The incumbent must
have thorough knowledge of archival processing and preservation
theories and procedure; working knowledge of Microsoft Excel; ability
to work effectively, both independently and as a member or a team;
ability to combine accuracy and efficiency; organizational and
supervisory skills; proven interpersonal skills; working knowledge of
historic American architectural practice and standards. Must be able
to lift and carry heavy boxes and must be able to climb ladders.

Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of American and New York social
history desirable.

Additional Information:
Posting Date: 09-25-2009
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

EEO Statement: Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action employer.

Date Review Begins 10-26-2009

Quicklink for Posting:
academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=52156

Peter J. Wosh
Director, Archives/Public History Program
History Department
New York University
53 Washington Square South
New York NY 10012
Phone: (212) 998-8601
Fax: (212) 995-4017
http://history.fas.nyu.edu/object/history.gradprog.archivespublichistory.html