Senior Archivist

Job Summary

The Senior Archivist at Texas Christian University is responsible for maintaining access to historical and educational documents by archiving, preserving, arranging, and describing library documents.

Duties & Essential Job Functions

• Assesses, acquires, arranges, and describes archival materials that align with collection development policy and support TCU's curriculum.
• Produces and edits finding aids, develops appropriate metadata, and uses archival management software and databases.
• Works directly with university departments, organizations, faculty members, alumni, and community members to collect and make accessible records that document the history of TCU.
• Supports the use of archival collections by working directly with students, faculty, staff, and researchers; provides reference services.
• Promotes the access and use of archival collections to the university community and the public at large through outreach events, social media posts, and library instruction sessions; curates displays and exhibits (physical and online) highlighting archival collections.
• Ensures preservation of special collections materials by developing guidelines and practices for handling and storage; monitors environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light levels in storage areas; assists the Director and Dean with building security for special collections material.
• Assists the director in developing relationships with donors, accepting gifts, and maintaining donor records.
• Supervises one or two non-exempt library employees and some TCU students.
• Contributes to the overall operation of the library by participating on committees; develops reports, attends meetings; maintains skills with professional development activities; works effectively with colleagues in a team-based environment.

Required Education & Experience

A Master Library Science (ALA Accredited) or advanced degree in an applicable subject field is required. Three years' archival experience plus one year in a supervisory capacity is also required. Experience with archival collections is preferred.

Preferred Education & Experience

An additional Master's in History or related subject is preferred. Society of American Archivists Digital Archives Specialist Courses are also preferred. Experience evaluating, accessioning, and processing born-digital archives is preferred.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training

A valid Texas Driver's License is required. Must be insurable under the university motor vehicle requirements.

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training

SAA Digital Archives Specialist Certification and Academy of Certified Archivist Certification are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of all levels of archival operations, including appraisal, accessioning, processing, description, and reference. Knowledge of how to apply archival techniques, standards, and practices for print, photographic, audiovisual, and digital formats. Knowledge of best practices and standards of archival description and metadata, for example EAD, DACS, MARC, Dublin Core.

Skills in oral and written communication. Skill in use of Microsoft Office; ability to train and lead staff. Ability to promote use of material to campus and researchers. Ability to successfully use and navigate with ArchiveSpace, web archives, and digital repositories.

TCU Core Competencies

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations)

Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms, and other printed materials and information. Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication. Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions. Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, and prolonged sitting. Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment

Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours. There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job. The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate. This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

AA/EEO Statement

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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