University Archivist and Director of Records Management/Special Collections Coordinator

The University Libraries at Appalachian State University seeks qualified, innovative, and forward-thinking applicants for the position of University Archivist and Director of Records Management/Special Collections Coordinator. 

Appalachian State University is located in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. The University is committed to providing a transformational educational experience, promoting  a sustainable and just society, and creating global connections. The University Libraries seeks to recruit and retain a talented and diverse faculty. Candidates who are members of underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply. University Libraries personnel work in a collegial, team-based environment, are faculty members, participate in the University Libraries’ instruction program, and engage in active programs of scholarship and professional service. The University Libraries offers strong support for professional development activities, including publishing, presenting, and attending conferences and workshops.    

Responsibilities:

University Archivist / Director of Records Management

The University Archivist is responsible for the overall arrangement, preservation, and management of records documenting the University’s history, organization, policies, and activities. The Archivist also works collaboratively to identify university records with enduring value; provide access to digital and physical resources; advise Special Collections faculty and staff; identify potential donors; negotiate gifts of materials documenting the history of the University; and provide research consultations and reference assistance for students, faculty, staff and administrators on records management and University Archives. The Archivist oversees the development and use of information management systems and databases.  

Special Collections Coordinator

The Special Collections at Appalachian State University are comprised of four principal collections: The W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection, the University Archives and Records, Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection, and Stock Car Racing Collection. The Coordinator sets priorities for, supervises, and oversees the activities of the Special Collections Team; collaborates with other Coordinators, Lead Librarians, and Administrators; administers team priorities, decision-making, and problem solving; completes work plans, evaluations, and time sheets for staff; and conducts annual faculty evaluations. The Coordinator provides advice, mentoring, training, and support for Special Collections team members; reviews, approves, and guides progress of individual faculty and staff to ensure goals align with team and library goals; collaborates on assessment plans and implements action plans; leads team members in identifying and prioritizing team needs for equipment, technology, and supplies; and provides input on Special Collections needs for the annual library budget. The Coordinator ensures that team members have the equipment, software, and support needed to pursue team goals; networks with other Special Collections professionals in Appalachia to promote and improve access to collections; and promotes the collections and services of the Special Collections team and the University Libraries through participation in special events, exhibits, and public relations activities. This position reports to the Associate Dean.

Qualifications:

Required:

• ALA-accredited master's degree or an appropriate advanced degree for archival science, unless there are exceptional circumstances
• Highly knowledgeable about current archival trends, theories, and applicable laws
• Background in regional studies
• Minimum five years’ experience in University Archives and/or Special Collections

• Five years’ experience with records management systems and records retention schedules
• At least three years of progressively responsible managerial and supervisory experience
• Evidence of relevant professional scholarship and service

Preferred:

• Understanding of North Carolina records retention laws, records retention and disposition schedule
• Familiarity with Appalachia and Appalachian scholarship
• Grant writing experience
• Experience in collection development and donor relations
• Knowledge of rare books
• Understanding of digital collections development/management
• Experience working with University attorney
• Second graduate degree
• Demonstrated commitment to and ability to work effectively with diverse populations

This is a twelve-month, tenure track position and may be filled at the Associate Professor or Professor rank. Salary and rank are determined on the basis of qualifications and experience. Information about tenure, promotion, and other faculty responsibilities is found in the University Faculty Handbook http://facultyhandbook.appstate.edu.

Appalachian State University is a constituent institution of the seventeen-campus University of North Carolina System. Located in Boone, North Carolina, the University has over 18,000 students, primarily in bachelor's and master's programs. Appalachian has both a traditional residential campus and a variety of distance education programs. Belk Library and Information Commons is a beautifully-designed and popular facility with over one million visits per year. It shares a catalog and some services with UNC- Asheville and Western Carolina University as part of the Western North Carolina Library Network (WNCLN). Additional information about the Library, the University, and the surrounding area may be found at http://www.appstate.edu.

Review of completed applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Send a complete application comprised of (1) a cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications, (2) a full C.V. including education and relevant experience, and (3) the name, address, email, and telephone number of three to five references who are knowledgeable about your qualifications for this position to:  University Archivist and Director of Records Management/Coordinator of Special Collections Search Committee, Attn:  Sherrye Perry, Belk Library and Information Commons, 218 College Street, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608; or electronically to lib-jobs@appstate.edu with the subject line:  University Archivist Search.

Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should contact Dustin Witsman (witsmands@appstate.edu or 828-262-4975), Search Committee Co-Chair.

Proper documentation of identity and employability will be required before the hiring process can be finalized.

Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University's receipt of a satisfactory criminal background report. For more information, please visit http://www.hrs.appstate.edu/employment