Accessioning Archivist at The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University
Job Title: Accessioning Archivist
Job Status: Full-time
Location: New Haven, CT
osition Focus
The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University seeks a collaborative archivist to join the Accessioning team in the newly created Special Collections Technical Services (SCTS) Acquisitions and Collections Control Unit. The Acquisitions and Collections Control Unit supports the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library’s and Yale Library special collections’ robust acquisition program and is responsible for the acquisitions, accessioning, and preliminary description in all formats and collections control from receipt to transfer to permanent storage.
Over three centuries, the Yale Library has built special collections representing an extraordinary range of human experience and knowledge. The collections range from ancient papyri and medieval manuscripts to twenty-first century archives, from incunabula to websites. They are among the largest and most widely used special collections in the world: the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Lewis Walpole Library, Manuscripts and Archives in Sterling Memorial Library, Medical Historical Library, and special collections in the Divinity Library, Gilmore Music Library, and Haas Arts Library. In order to expand access to these extraordinary holdings and strengthen connections across all Yale Library special collections, the Yale Library is currently reorganizing special collections operations. The Beinecke Library and Manuscripts and Archives are integrating their staff and collections, and a new Special Collections Technical Services department has been formed to provide services for all special collections at Yale.
Reporting to the Head of Archival Accessioning, the Accessioning Archivist serves as a member of the archival accessioning team in the newly created Acquisitions and Collections Control Unit. Collaborates with colleagues to ensure the timely and effective completion of all accessioning-related functions for manuscript and archival materials. Duties may include: pre-custodial appraisal and consultation; development and maintenance of relationships with donors, creators, booksellers, and vendors; facilitation of packing and secure transportation for incoming collection material; verification of new acquisitions; payment and acknowledgement of new purchases, gifts, and transfers; creation and review of accurate archival accession records; creation of preliminary surveys and preservation assessments for incoming collections; identifying materials in need of conservation treatment; preparation of processing plans; archival arrangement and description; stabilization and rehousing of collection material; and routing of material for further action. Assists in the ongoing development of the unit’s accessioning procedures for manuscripts and Archives. Plans, directs, and reviews work of archives assistants and student assistants.
Contributes to the ongoing development and maintenance of the library’s accessioning policies and procedures. Collaborates with other Special Collections Technical Services and YUL staff to achieve optimal communications and shared goals. May participate in development and implementation of department-wide goals and initiatives, and in identifying and implementing productive collaborations across library departments and units. May engage in cross-departmental activities. Contributes to Yale University Library and University-wide initiatives and is expected to be active professionally.
This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 1 to Librarian 3. Librarian ranking information can be found at http://bit.ly/YULRanksPromotions .
Essential Duties
- Assume a variety of responsibilities related to manuscript and archival material in all formats, including selection, appraisal, arrangement and description, preservation, and access and outreach. 2. Work in libraries across university campuses to meet the needs of local, national, and international teaching and research communities. 3. Assist with management of printed collections, as assigned. 4. Assist, if necessary, with disaster recovery efforts. 5. May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education And Experience
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree, with formal training in archival theory and practice. In selected instances, a post-graduate degree in museum studies or a related discipline in the humanities or social sciences may be substituted for a master’s degree in library science. 2. Experience arranging and describing or providing public services for manuscript and/or archival collections. 3. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment. 4. Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice may be substituted for formal training. 5. Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials. 6. Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems. 7. Demonstrated job or school experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections. 8. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability. 9. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion. Yale University assigns ranks to librarian positions based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments (see range assigned to this description as noted in the posting position title). Librarian ranking information can be found at: http://www.library.yale.edu/about/departments/lhr/rank.html
Required Skill/Ability 1
Ability to apply extensive knowledge of current and emerging archival accessioning and descriptive standards and systems (including DACS and authority control standards) to the development of accessioning practice.
Required Skill/Ability 2
Ability to solve problems collaboratively and creatively.
Required Skill/Ability 3
Strong knowledge of American or modern European literature or history, and broad knowledge in the humanities, as demonstrated through academic degrees or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Preferred Education, Experience And Skills
Minimum of 2 years of professional experience. Experience with procedures and systems for accessioning manuscript and archival materials. Experience processing and/ or cataloging literary or historical manuscripts and archival collections. Graduate-level training in American or European history or literature. Good reading knowledge of at least one modern European language.
Drug Screen
No
Health Screening
No
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit “Learn about background checks” under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It’s Your Yale website.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
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Posting Disclaimer
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.
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EEO Statement
University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.
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