Job Category
Faculty Bargaining
Job Title
Chung/Lind Archivist
Department
UBC Library I Rare Books and Special Collections (Katherine Kalsbeek)
Posting End Date
April 10, 2022
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.
Chung/Lind Archivist
Rare Books and Special Collections, UBC Library | Vancouver Campus
Full-time, ongoing Librarian
Anticipated Start Date: May 1, 2022
UBC LIBRARY
The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions, two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), one off-site hospital library, and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre – a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility.
The Library’s collection of 9.1M volumes includes 5.5M physical items, 3.6M ebooks, electronic journals, maps, audio, DVD/video and graphic materials, and bibliographic and fulltext databases.
Almost 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning.
The Library is committed to eliminating institutional and structural systems of oppression and power (such as colonialism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and white supremacy). This is reflected in UBC‘s Institutional EDI priorities.
Learn more about the UBC Library Strategic Framework and explore our aspirational values .
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) Division holds and manages the majority of the Library’s rare books, maps and manuscripts with a special emphasis on material related to the history of British Columbia and Western Canada. RBSC is also the caretaker of the Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection and the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection. The Chung/Lind Archivist is primarily responsible for the care and management of these two collections as well as thematically related material. Work will include appraisal, arrangement and description, and creation of RAD compliant finding aids as well as assessing conservation needs of materials and undertaking preservation tasks. The Chung/Lind Archivist will also be responsible for the management of non-archival materials in both collections, including significant holdings of rare books and maps, which support of the core collection areas of RBSC. The Chung/Lind Archivist will be responsible for all outreach and community engagement related to the Chung and Lind Collections and thematically supporting materials, including ongoing dynamic public programming within a dedicated permanent exhibition space. This position also provides reference and instruction related to these collections, and thematically related RBSC holdings; participates in the development of policies and procedures related to these collections and related holdings; and participates in Library committees and working groups, especially those related to RBSC collections and services.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED
-
Masters-level degree with a specialization or concentration in archival science.
-
Experience working with library and archival material in all formats including textual records, audio-visual and born digital materials, digitized documents, books, maps, and ephemera.
-
Ability to write professional reports and to deliver presentations in English.
-
Experience providing reference, outreach and instruction.
-
Experience in core archival functions and knowledge of library and archival descriptive standards, particularly the Rules for Archival Description (RAD), and with relevant library and archival management systems.
-
Experience building productive relationships and working collegially with a diverse population of Library employees and users in keeping with the UBC Respectful Environment Statement .
PREFFERED
-
Experience working in a rare book or library special collections environment.
-
Demonstrated professional experience managing rare books and map collections.
-
Knowledge of the description of materials using the Resource Description and Access standard (RDA).
-
Experience with outreach and community engagement involving library or archival collections.
-
Familiarity with current trends in instruction and best practices in learning pedagogies.
-
Strong interest in and knowledge of B.C. and Canadian history and current affairs, particularly in regards to the histories, cultures, and social development of early British Columbia, the Yukon and Asian Canadian communities.
-
Experience, course work, or knowledge of working with Indigenous materials, and awareness of relevant issues around culturally appropriate management of archival and library materials.
-
Reading / writing competency in languages relevant to the collections: Chinese, French or Spanish.
-
Evidence of curiosity, ideas, creativity and innovation, pursuit of opportunities, and exploration of new initiatives.
-
Experience or knowledge related to incorporating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into public services, instruction, collection development, and overall professional practice.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports to the Head, Rare Books and Special Collections and works closely with the RBSC Archivist, the RBSC Librarian and other employees in the Division and the Library.
DUTIES
COLLECTIONS
1. Based on a strong understanding of and familiarity with the Archival holdings at RBSC, documents the overall organisation of Archival holdings; refines and updates existing records to current standards.
2. Evaluates, acquires, accessions, arranges and describes archival fonds and collections. Prepares, or oversees the preparation of, finding aids for current and backlog archival fonds and collections. Maintains, upgrades and updates existing finding aids.
3. In co-operation with other RBSC employees and the Library Conservator, ensures the physical security, preservation and conservation of RBSC collections.
4. Advises and coordinates with the RBSC Librarian and RBSC Archivist on the development of the archival and the library book, map, and pamphlet collections in subject areas thematically related to the Chung and Lind Collections.
5. Advises and coordinates with the RBSC Librarian and RBSC Archivist on the selection, assessment, and processing of gifts in subject areas thematically related to the Chung and Lind Collections.
OUTREACH, REFERENCE, AND INSTRUCTION
6. Responsible for all outreach and community engagement related to the Chung and Lind Collections and thematically supporting materials, including ongoing dynamic public programming within a dedicated permanent exhibition space. This includes but is not limited to, coordination and curation of temporary exhibitions; planning and management of outreach activities, including embedded instruction or standalone course projects, public events, tours, etc.; and fostering relationships with the UBC and local communities and beyond.
7. Provides reference services to students, staff, faculty, and members of the public for the Chung and Lind Collections, as well as related and supporting holdings at RBSC spanning the archival, map, rare book, and pamphlet collections.
8. Organizes and teaches classes in the use of the Chung and Lind Collections and related and supporting RBSC resources, including use of the Library’s catalogue, print resources and e‑resources, as well as archival resources and materials.
SUPERVISORY
9. Oversees library assistants and students carrying out specific work on archival and library collections.
10. Oversees different types of student work placements, including work-learn, co-op, practicum, professional experience and internships.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LIBRARY LIAISON
11. Contributes to and keeps abreast of the development and progress of the archival and rare book professions in B.C. and Canada and keeps current on academic research relating to B.C. history and related subjects.
12. Liaises with librarians and archivists in other areas of the library system and participates in Library committees and working groups, especially those related to RBSC collections and services. 13. Performs other duties as necessary including participating in professional and University initiatives.
14. Engages in professional development, scholarly and service activities under the terms of the Collective Agreement.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE
The RBSC Chung/Lind Archivist maintains high standards of reference service for the archival and book collections and in all subject fields and formats covered by RBSC. Efficiently and effectively supervises undergraduate and graduate student assistants. Develops and maintains knowledge of divisional policies, practices and procedures and interprets these correctly to library users. Develops and maintains knowledge of the collections with particular emphasis on the archival collections. Keeps abreast of best practices in the field of archives and rare book management. Keeps up to date on academic research relating to B.C. and Western Canadian history and related subjects. Belongs to relevant archival and local history organizations. Maintains a liaison with other archives and special collections in the region and stays current with archival developments in the country.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY
This is a full-time continuing appointment with an anticipated start date of May 1, 2022. If eligible and qualified, the successful applicant may be appointed with a confirmed appointment. Otherwise, there will be an initial three-year probationary appointment. Normally, such an appointment is reviewed following the second year of appointment, and a recommendation is made at that time to grant or not to grant a confirmed appointment. The successful candidate for this position will be a member of The University of British Columbia Faculty Association and the terms and conditions of appointment are governed by a collective agreement.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications. This position will be filled at an annual starting salary that is in accordance with the Collective Agreement between UBC and the UBC Faculty Association ( http://www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty-relations/collective-agreements/ ).
Due to budgetary constraints, we are seeking applications from candidates with a maximum of 5 years of experience. However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply. We welcome colleagues with the experiences and competencies that can contribute to our principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will include: a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status and indicates the candidate’s education, training and work experience in the areas listed above. One consolidated PDF is preferred.