Division/Department
Reports to
Director of Library Services
Position Type
Full-Time
Job Summary
The Archivist position reports directly to the Library Director. This position assists the Library Director with the preservation, maintenance and discovery of materials housed in the Wilberforce University Archives. The Archivist aids in helping faculty, staff, and students in the use of library resources and equipment and performs routine clerical duties related to the operation of the library. Frequently works unsupervised and is expected to solve problems independently. The Archivist provides information and circulation services to students and faculty using print and electronic sources.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Works as a team with the Library Director, library staff and student workers, performing tasks as assigned and maintaining active communication with the Library Director to improve services and identify issues as they arise.
- Abides by and enforce the policies and procedures of the library and Wilberforce University
- Plans and develops archival collection, including assisting the Library Director in establishing and implementation of policies and standards for the archives
- Acquires and preserves official University publications; collects archival materials from non-official sources, such as private papers of faculty or staff members, student publications and records of students organizations and activities and papers and memorabilia from alumni
- Is responsible for the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of archival materials including digitization
- Organizes, coordinates and utilizes finding aids to make the archives accessible to faculty, staff and students as well as community members at large
- Manages Library work study students in the absence of the Library Director
- Informs the Library Director of any ongoing events or issues that require attention; acts as point of contact for faculty and staff when the Library Director is not available
- Creates pathfinders, handouts and library displays
- Assists students and faculty with locating print and electronic resources
- Answers in-person, online and telephone reference and basic research questions
- Assists students and faculty with minor computer troubleshooting
- Performs circulation duties
- Maintains good relations with the students and other staff, individually and in general; shows tact, courtesy and cultural sensitivity
- Handles routine problems under the guidance of the Library Director
- Keeps supervisor informed of departmental needs and concerns
- Attends pertinent meetings or training courses and undertakes special training activities as directed
- Other duties as assigned by the Library Director
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to multi-task
- Ability to communicate clearly in both speaking and writing
- Ability to be creative
- Proactive, willing to ask questions and accept constructive criticism and direction
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision
- Maintains confidentiality and possesses a high level of organizational skills
- Basic computer and related devices troubleshooting skills
- Knowledge of library classification systems and the ability to locate items using Library of Congress call numbers
Minimum Qualifications
- Prior experience working in library systems or archives
- Enrollment in or successful completion of a Master’s Degree in Library Science or Public History from an accredited program
- Relevant archival experience or relevant coursework
- Experience using Electronic Journal Databases
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word)
- Experience in creating and maintaining displays using various media
Preferred Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience working in either an academic library or reference or circulation in a public library
- Minimum 5 years of experience in material preservation and/or experience working in archives
- Experience using Integrated Library Systems
- Experience working with students from diverse academic backgrounds and life experiences
- Teaching or workshop experience
- Excellent customer service skills
Wilberforce University
Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University is America’s first private, coeducational University established to educated men and women of African descent; and is closely affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, Wilberforce is a well-respected private, residential liberal arts university with a clear mission, core values and vision for the future and is a noted pioneer in the Co-Operative Education Movement.
Wilberforce awards the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in the areas of business, engineering and computing science, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences; as well as the Master of Rehabilitation Counseling degree. The University is located in Wilberforce, Ohio, a community readily accessible to the Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus metropolitan centers’ social, professional and cultural amenities and airports.
Wilberforce University is an Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply:
To apply for the Archivist position, use the “Quick Apply/Submit Resume” button below to submit your information, cover letter and resume to the Wilberforce University Department of Administration and Human Resources.
