Position: Assistant Archivist, Cornell

[Roy Tennant]

Posted on behalf of Susan Pickett (libhr at cornell.edu), please do not 
reply to me.
Roy

CORNELL
  U   N   I   V   E   R   S   I   T   Y

University Library


Assistant Archivist, Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections

Cornell University Library seeks dynamic and energetic applicants to 
play an active role in the programs of the Division of Rare and 
Manuscript Collections (RMC). RMC serves as a resource to stimulate 
and nourish creative teaching and learning, serving research and 
scholarship by making available and encouraging the use of its 
collections by Cornell students, faculty and staff, other scholars, 
and members of the community at large. Holdings include 300,000 
printed books, more than seventy million manuscripts and another 
million photographs, paintings, prints, and other visual media. The 
collection chronicles such fields as medieval and Renaissance 
studies, the Reformation, eighteenth-century France and England, 
American history, Anglo-American literature, Icelandic history and 
culture, and the history of science, human sexuality, and 
architecture and city planning. The Division also houses the Cornell 
University Archives.  While continuing to emphasize the importance of 
traditional formats, the Cornell Library is actively committed to the 
support and promotion of digital collections and services, and RMC 
has played a pioneering role in the use of new technologies for 
providing access to special collections materials.  In cooperation 
with other library units and national projects, RMC creates digital 
collections and World Wide Web sites providing networked access to 
rare books, manuscripts, graphics, and historical artifacts at 
Cornell.

Duties and Responsibilities:  Under the direction of the Head of 
Technical Services, the Assistant Archivist will be responsible for 
providing access to RMC holdings through cataloging, arranging, and 
describing manuscript and photographic collections, and compiling 
finding aids. In consultation with curators, s/he will make appraisal 
decisions based on documentary and evidentiary value. In cooperation 
with RMC staff, other library units, and national projects, the 
Assistant Archivist will actively participate in the development of 
new digital projects and services, coordinating RMC participation in 
digital projects and the creation of online resources.  Additionally, 
s/he will participate fully in RMC’s public services program, 
providing reference services as well as presentations and classes, 
and contribute to the collection management and public affairs 
functions of the Division.  Other activities may include preparing 
exhibitions, catalogs and other print and online publications 
focusing on RMC collections. In selected topical areas, the Assistant 
Archivist will interact with donors to assist in the acquisition and 
transfer of materials. Participation in professional activities of 
appropriate archival, historical, library, or information management 
organizations and contribution to the professional literature is 
expected, as is service in library and university-wide committees and 
groups.

Qualifications:  Required:  Graduate degree in 
archival/library/information science, humanities, or social sciences; 
evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills; 
organizational skills; analytical ability; familiarity with online 
bibliographic tools and new technologies, including Web design; and 
ability to contribute to the promotion of digital initiatives.  
Desired: Archives or special collections library experience; 
knowledge of one or more Western European languages; awareness of 
issues involved with archiving electronic records; supervisory skills 
and experience.

Applications:  Applications requested by July 15, 2001.  Review of 
applications begins immediately and will continue until the position 
is filled.  Salary and rank will be dependent upon qualifications and 
experience.  Please send cover letter, resume, and the names and 
phone numbers of three references to:

Susan Markowitz, Director
Library Human Resources
201 Olin Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-5301
libhr at cornell.edu


For more information contact: Elaine Engst, Director of Rare and 
Manuscript Collections  (607)255-3530  EE11 at cornell.edu

Cornell University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity 
Employer strongly committed to diversity.  We value qualified 
candidates who can bring to our community a variety of backgrounds 
and experiences.



*************************
Susan Pickett
Library Administration
201 Olin Library
(607) 255-5181
(607) 255-6788 Fax