Archives Librarian – The Cooper Union – NYC

Summary

The Archives Librarian will strategically lead the continued growth and ongoing preservation of the Cooper Union Archives and Special Collections. Reporting to the Director of the Library, they will take an active role in collecting, preserving, and providing access to the historical records of The Cooper Union and related special collections, promoting the use of existing collections to the campus community and the public, developing an archival digitization program, and implementing procedures for appraising, processing, preserving and providing access to physical and digital archival records of institutional, civic, state, and national importance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collects, organizes and preserves the official physical and digital records of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (The Cooper Union)
  • Collaborates with the Director to appraise and acquire books, manuscripts, ephemera, and other materials related to the history and mission of The Cooper Union
  • Develops, implements, and executes processes for the acquisition, description, preservation, access to and security of records and special collections according to accepted archival standards and procedures
  • Maintains documentation of accessions and usage rights of records, images, and other special collections
  • Conducts periodic assessment of physical archival and special collections and makes recommendations for preservation or curation interventions
  • Provides research, outreach and instructional services that promote the use of The Cooper Union Archives and Special Collections
  • Collaborates with colleagues at NYU Libraries to ensure that archival records and special collection finding aids and other records are searchable in the shared online catalog and other online research tools
  • Participates in the provision of general and subject-specific instruction and research services, working closely with faculty and students in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)
  • Identifies and pursues funding opportunities to support archival and special collection acquisition, preservation and digitization initiatives, and collaborates on the drafting of grant and donor proposals
  • Prepares periodic physical and online exhibits and facilitates exhibit loan requests
  • Performs special projects of institutional value for the Cooper Union community
  • Hires, trains, and supervises the work of student employees
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Demonstrated proficiency in archival theory and practice, especially accessioning, processing and description, including minimal and basic processing strategies
  • Experience using ArchivesSpace to manage archival collections
  • Knowledge of basic preservation and conservation issues as they relate to archival collections
  • Familiarity with library and archival descriptive and content standards including DACS, EAD, and MARC
  • Familiarity with HTML and/or XML
  • Knowledge of rights administration and management issues related to archival and special collections (e.g., FERPA, DMCA, etc.)
  • Ability to use advanced organizational and project planning skills to develop and implement effective programs and services, and complete complex projects
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and collegially with faculty, administrators, and other internal constituencies, as well as alumni, donors, and distinguished guests.
  • Ability to train, supervise and provide support for student staff and interns
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, written and oral communications skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to the values of openness, diversity, inclusion, innovation, and social justice

Education

  • MLS/MLIS with a concentration in archives or other graduate degree with Certificate in Archival Studies
  • To Apply

    http://cooper.edu/work/employment-opportunities/archives-librarian