JOB DESCRIPTION
Pittsburg State University invites applications for Curator of Special Collections/University Archivist/Professor. This position is responsible for collecting, preserving, providing access to, and promoting the use of research materials in all physical and electronic formats that document the regional history and people of Southeast Kansas. This also encompasses materials pertaining to additional defined areas of collection development and materials that support the teaching, learning, and engagement goals of the university. In addition, the University Archive is a legal repository of Pittsburg State University records kept as required by law or regulation and is a repository for university records that have ongoing historical, evidentiary, or intrinsic value.
This position works with other Library faculty and staff and has regular interaction with and is supervised by the Dean of Library Services. This position has subject area liaison responsibilities. Presentations and other methods of promoting the use of the materials held by Special Collections and University Archives are expected. This position will also have regular interactions with students in classroom and research settings, and with other researchers and community users.
Duties and Responsibilities of Position
- Organize manuscript and archival records, prepare collection and document descriptions, and coordinate the cataloging of print and other materials to facilitate discovery and access to materials and to their information content. Coordinate the creation and maintenance of accessible, retrievable, electronic records and digitized materials, incorporating current and available technologies and current best practices.
- Provide local and distance reference services and discovery assistance for patrons and researchers needing access to the content of archival records and all other materials held by Special Collections and University Archives.
- Promote the use of materials held by Special Collections and University Archives through print and electronic guides and finding aids, through instruction and presentations to students and other researchers, through exhibits, through research and publication, and through all other means deemed useful.
- Work closely with the Digital Resources and Initiatives manager, and other library staff, to transfer the content of materials to alternate media or digital formats when required for preservation or access. Establish and administer policy guidelines and direct the activities of unit staff who assist in arrangement, description, exhibiting, reference services, and digitization of archival records and other materials. Supervises one staff person and one to two students.
- Identify and appraise historical documents, archival records, print works, and other materials relevant to established collection development policies and retention schedules. Direct the acquisition of materials by gift or purchase.
- Direct the transfer of appropriate university materials. Establish contacts and relationships with campus offices, with potential donors, and with external vendors in order to increase relevant holdings.
- Physically preserve, ensure the intellectual and evidentiary integrity of archival records, and provide security for all items in Special Collections and University Archives.
- Serve on library, university, professional, and community committees to support the work of Special Collections, University Archives, and Library Services.
- Engage in professional development, scholarship, and service activities that ensure the incumbent meets the criteria and expectations for tenure and promotion in academic rank.
Education and Experience – Required at Hire and Preferred
Required Education and Experience at Hire –
- Master of Library Science (MLS) or equivalent (Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)) from an American Library Association accredited institution.
Preferred Education and Experience –
- Two years of management or supervisory experience in an archive or special collections setting.
- Experience in an academic setting, including classroom instruction.
Job Type: Unclassified, Faculty, Tenure-Track, 12 Month position with an anticipated appointment at the rank of assistant professor.
Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.
Salary: $55,000
Position Start Date: June 2023
Application Documents Required*:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three references with names and contact information
- Unofficial Transcripts (Official transcripts are required upon employment)
*Consolidate documents into a maximum of 2 to upload
Open Until Filled with a first review date of April 27, 2023.
Position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship
Search Committee Chair: Robert Lindsey (rlindsey@pittstate.edu)
The Special Collections and University Archives department contains material pertaining primarily to Kansas and Pittsburg State University. The department specializes in printed materials from Southeast Kansas, its culture and inhabitants, and the correspondence, libraries, business files and memorabilia of significant Southeast Kansans. All printed items are listed in the Library catalog. Photographs, correspondence, manuscripts, and other non-print materials are cataloged in the Special Collections Reading room. Electronic items are held in our Digital Commons https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/
Pittsburg State University is a comprehensive, state-supported institution serving the four-state region of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas. PSU enrolls 5500+ students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The institution has Colleges in the fields of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Technology. For more information, see: http://www.pittstate.edu.
Pittsburg, with a population of approximately 19,000 residents, is located in southeast Kansas, about thirty miles from Joplin, Missouri, which has a metropolitan area population of about 60,000 residents. Pittsburg is within a two-hour drive of Kansas City, Tulsa, Springfield, MO, and the Ozarks/Branson area. Air Travel is through Joplin Regional Airport, NW Arkansas Regional Airport, Springfield Airport, or Kansas City Internation. For more information, see: http://www.pittks.org.
PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.
Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action and Veterans Preference employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
