Reference Archivist

Columbia University Libraries is a globally-recognized academic research library, serving one of the world's most important centers of research and learning. The Libraries build, sustain, and make discoverable collections that transcend traditional boundaries of format and domain, keeping pace with a dynamic and rapidly evolving information environment and creating unique opportunities for users to encounter global thought. Columbia's collections are central to the University's intellectual distinction and highest ambitions.

The Rare Book & Manuscript Library (RBML) is Columbia University's principal repository for special collections. We collect, preserve, describe, promote, and provide access to the material evidence of diverse individuals and activities in alignment with the University's research and teaching mission. We build and steward deep collections in select subject areas and connect them to a global audience through reference, teaching, exhibitions, publications, and public programs.

The Reference Archivist is a key member of RBML's Public Services program, with a particular focus on reference services, public-facing services, and supporting instruction. The role's specific responsibilities include:

Reference Services: Triages reference inquiries, conducts consultations and in-depth reference interviews, responds to inquiries, coordinates reproduction orders, and creates/updates paper and digital reference tools and guides. Represents RBML to Libraries-wide reference communities of practice.

Public Services: Participates in the RBML public services program by working shifts at three service points, paging and re-shelving materials, and providing triage assistance, as needed.

Instruction: Provides support to the overall instruction team by sharing information on current student, faculty and staff use of collections and the connection to teaching and learning at CUL. Leads general instruction sessions that orient students to RBML and/or archives in general.

Strategic Assessment and Improvement: Contributes to the overall assessment of RBML public services, with a particular focus on the reading rooms, reference services, and photoduplication workflows. Recommends changes to create a more welcoming environment for RBML visitors and researchers. Collaborates with staff throughout the Libraries to understand the CUL reference and circulation eco-systems and possibilities for collaboration.

Professional Development: Pursues professional development activities to improve knowledge, skills, and abilities. Maintains current knowledge of developments in archives and special collections, and other aspects of evolving strategies for researcher services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MLS, MLIS or an advanced degree in a relevant field with experience in providing reference services for special collections and archives.
• Knowledge of information systems for researcher discovery.
• Training in archival/special collections theory and practice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public services best practices in a special collections environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service in a special collections environment.
• Strong organization, time management, and planning skills. Effective at meeting deadlines, adjusting priorities, and working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and researchers from many different communities. Demonstrated ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to physically handle collections, including ability to lift items weighing up to 40 lbs. (with assistance).

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in a subject area relevant to RBML collecting areas, with experience in a high- volume special collections environment.

Experience using Aeon, ArchivesSpace, Folio or other ILS, Google suite, Microsoft suite, Adobe Photoshop, Digital Scriptorium and papyri.info.

Teaching experience in a special collections environment, including leading class sessions and developing & maintaining content for research guides & tutorials.

Language capacity reflecting one or more strengths of RBML collections: Spanish, Russian or other Slavic languages, Mandarin, Cantonese, Latin, ancient Greek, paleography, and/or musical notation.

Experience creating metadata and using digital content management systems.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.