Original Posting Date 06-Jul-2016
Supervisory Organization Library – Manuscripts & Archives
STARS Requisition number 38617BR
University Job Title Archivist, Specialist
Posting Position Title Senior Archivist for American Diplomacy
Bargaining Unit None – Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)
Time Type Full time
Duration Type Regular
Compensation Grade Library
Compensation Grade Profile Librarian (00)
Work Location University Library System
Worksite Address 120 High Street New Haven, CT 06511
Work Week Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)
Total # of hours to be worked: 37.5
Position Focus: Manuscripts and Archives (MSSA) holds a premier assemblage of collections documenting American diplomatic history (1790-Present), including the papers of five former secretaries of state (http://guides.library.yale.edu/american-diplomacy-primary-sources). Reporting to the Head of Arrangement and Description, and working closely with the Director of Manuscripts & Archives, the Senior Archivist serves a critical liaison role with faculty, students, and visiting scholars in the field of American Diplomacy, and leads the selection, appraisal, and description of related manuscript and archival materials. The endowed position was created when the Kissinger Papers came to Yale (http://news.yale.edu/2011/06/14/yale-receive-kissinger-papers-and-establish-johnson-center-study-american-diplomacy).
Serve as the principal resource to the Yale and external teaching and research communities regarding Yale’s extensive holdings in American diplomatic history. Serve as the primary point of contact for the Kissinger Papers, including regular interaction with Dr. Kissinger and his staff, the Yale President’s office, Johnson Center for the Study of American Diplomacy, Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, International Security Studies, and the Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy. Supports undergraduate and graduate students as well as pre- and post-doctoral fellows to help them understand and appreciate archival research methods generally and the Kissinger Papers specifically. Actively participate in the selection process (Dec – Feb) of pre- and post-doctoral Kissinger Visiting Scholars to assess viability of proposed research efforts using the Kissinger Papers and other department collections. Includes working (remotely) over winter break (Dec. 23 – Jan.2). Work closely with faculty to promote classroom and research use of MSSA diplomatic history holdings; may be an embedded resource in selected seminars and colloquiums. Build additional holdings to support teaching and research in American diplomacy, including managing donor contacts, and negotiating deeds of gift. Verify provenance, review historical literature, determine level and type of arrangement and description and resources required for work on new collections. Arrange and describe archival material in all formats in accordance with approved plans and national and departmental standards; recommend appropriate preservation and conservation procedures; coordinate the copying or reformatting of materials for preservation and access. Train and supervise staff and student assistants. Develop and document policies and procedures. Make recommendations on personnel selection, staffing requirements, and equipment and supply needs. Participate in library-wide planning and committee work as appropriate. Contribute to the advancement of the archival and/or scholarly professions.
Essential Duties
1. Provides research, teaching and learning support by assuming 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. Works in libraries across university campuses to meet the needs of local, national, and international teaching and research communities.
3. Participates in library system‐wide planning, committees, and work groups, and engages in campus, regional and national professional organizations and collaborative activities. Monitors developments and best practices elsewhere to help ensure the excellence of Yale’s collections and research support services.
4. Assist with management of printed collections, as assigned.
5. Assist, if necessary, with disaster recovery efforts.
6. 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 and formal training in archival theory and practice.
Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.
Yale University assigns ranks to librarian positions based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments. Librarian ranking information can be found at: http://www.library.yale.edu/about/departments/lhr/rank.html
Required Skill/Ability 1: Qualified individuals new to the library profession are welcome to apply.
Required Skill/Ability 2: Demonstrated expert knowledge of the history and current trends in scholarly research related to contemporary American diplomacy. Ability to negotiate with and influence decision-makers. Ability to deal with others diplomatically, decisively, directly, and tactfully.
Required Skill/Ability 3: Familiarity with the research needs of pre- and post-doctoral associate fellows in the humanities and social sciences related to American diplomacy; ability to help evaluate applicant proposals and to support the selection process of those fellows in conjunction with senior faculty and staff.
Required Skill/Ability 4: Demonstrated experience in use of technology with a wide range of desktop software applications. Ability to plan, manage, and coordinate complex projects and bring them to a timely conclusion.
Required Skill/Ability 5: Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and respectfully in a diverse, team environment and to deliver a wide range of services. Ability to readily adapt to change, exercise initiative, sound judgment, creativity, and flexibility.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:
PhD in humanities or social sciences related to contemporary American diplomacy, with a focus on areas relevant to the Henry Kissinger Papers. Eight years’ experience. Demonstrated proficiency in appraisal, arrangement and description practices. Experience in reference and instruction, with technology in archival work and working with donors.
Physical Requirements Ability to lift materials (up to 30lbs) and push heavy book trucks on a frequent basis.
This is an abbreviated version of the full posting. To read the entire announcement and apply, please see Req. ID 38617BR on the Yale employment website.
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