The Beloit College Library and Information Technology Services (LITS) operates in a vibrant and innovative environment, dedicated to delivering exceptional access to information services and technological resources. LITS is focused on providing leadership and services that empower students, faculty, and staff to enhance the College's academic, administrative, and co-curricular experiences.

The University Archivist is responsible for the comprehensive management and preservation of the Beloit College Archives and Special Collections, which encompass a diverse array of materials such as manuscripts, publications, memorabilia, photographs, and audiovisual content. These collections reflect the history of the College, the City of Beloit, the surrounding region, and various special donations. The University Archivist will guide collection development decisions informed by a deep understanding of institutional and regional history, archival standards, and user requirements. Responsibilities include processing collections to meet archival standards, facilitating access through finding aids, and developing organized digital collections of both print and visual materials. The Archivist will collaborate closely with faculty and students to integrate primary source materials into educational experiences, assignments, and internships, and may also engage in instructional activities.

Key Responsibilities

Collection Management

1. Develop, evaluate, manage, and promote both physical and digital collections.
2. Implement and oversee a collections management system for the physical and digital holdings within the Beloit College Archives.
3. Establish and document policies for collection maintenance and retention schedules for all materials.
4. Manage born-digital materials, ensuring their preservation, organization, and accessibility.
5. Assess existing and incoming archival collections for potential digitization.
6. Identify archival materials requiring conservation and recommend appropriate preservation measures.
7. Coordinate with college departments, faculty, and student organizations to acquire relevant materials for the Archives.
8. Assist in securing funding through grants for collection development and maintenance.

Research, Reference, and Instruction

1. Design and deliver instructional sessions that connect students with historical primary sources in the College Archives.
2. Promote awareness and utilization of the collections through presentations, tours, and the creation of both physical and digital exhibits.
3. Support patrons, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members, in accessing the Archives and conducting research.
4. Mentor students interested in careers in archives, libraries, and museums.
5. Supervise student assistants and oversee academic internships related to archives and special collections.
6. Teach classes in collaboration with faculty and partner with the Museum Studies program and academic departments.

Leadership

1. Engage in library-wide planning, management, and policy formulation.
2. Collaborate on departmental goals, policies, and workflows.
3. Promote user-focused collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
4. Prepare relevant statistical reports as necessary.
5. Lead internal work groups or project teams within LITS.

Outreach and Engagement

1. Create engaging displays on various topics relevant to the community.
2. Provide professional development and resources for LITS staff in delivering effective instruction and outreach.
3. Coordinate outreach programs and collaborate with campus stakeholders to enhance engagement with LITS resources.
4. Conduct assessments of user satisfaction and service quality through surveys and focus groups.
5. Act as a liaison with departments and student organizations, focusing on diverse student populations.

Professional Service and Engagement

1. Participate in library, college, and community meetings and committees.
2. Engage in professional development to stay updated on trends and best practices.
3. Contribute to the profession through organizational involvement, presentations, and publications.

Qualifications

1. MLS from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent education and experience.
2. Proven experience in managing both physical and digital archival materials.
3. Experience in creating metadata, digitization, and preservation of born-digital materials.
4. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty and students on academic projects.
5. Experience in accessioning, arranging, and describing archival materials.