The University of Arkansas Libraries seek an innovative and enthusiastic archival professional to assist with the leadership of the Special Collections Department to identify, solicit, preserve, and publicize archival collections to the academic community, within Arkansas and across the nation. Reporting to the Head of Special Collections, the Audiovisual Archivist is responsible for recruiting, managing, organizing, preserving, and making accessible archival photographs, reel-to-reel tapes, audio cassettes, video tapes, and other audio and visual formats.
Major responsibilities include: accessioning, arranging, describing, and creating archival finding aids for audiovisual collections; identifying audiovisual materials for digitization and working with library colleagues to create digital collections; identifying preservation issues among archival audiovisual materials and making recommendations for conservation and/or preservation of materials; actively participating in the planning for the department; working with the department head to identify funding, collaborations, and opportunities to promote and preserve its photographic and other audiovisual materials; working with the Development Office to establish donor relations and the continued acquisition of photograph and other audiovisual collections; providing reference and research support; and participating in relevant local, state, and national organizations.
Responsibilities of this faculty position include research and creative work and service in keeping with the faculty requirements of the University of Arkansas. The successful candidate must have demonstrated potential in performance, scholarly activity, and professional service to meet criteria for appointment at the level of Assistant Librarian / Assistant Professor and should possess strong analytical, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, strong archival knowledge, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Qualifications. Required: A master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program with a concentration on archival studies or a graduate degree in a related discipline, such as history, public history, political science, or other appropriate field; relevant experience with processing and preserving photographs or other audiovisual materials, such as reel-to-reel tapes, etc.; demonstrated knowledge of archival data and/or digital asset management systems (such as Archon, Archivists’ Toolkit, or CONTENTdm); and familiarity with Encoded Archival Description, DACS, Dublin Core and/or other metadata standards and schemes.
Preferred qualifications: Archival Certification (Academy of Certified Archivists or the Society of American Archivists); knowledge of digital image scanning techniques and image capture and basic photograph and video editing; familiarity with copyright issues associated with audiovisual materials; knowledge of Arkansas history and bibliography; and knowledge of the history of photography and the standards, best practices, and current trends in the preservation and reformatting of archival audio and visual materials.
Rank and Salary: Tenure-track, twelve-month faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian/Assistant Professor. Salary: $47,000.
Benefits: Relocation allowance available. Benefits include TIAA/CREF, Fidelity Mutual Fund, or the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System, 22 days of annual leave, tuition reduction, and health insurance.