Digital Archivist

The University of Kansas Libraries seeks a knowledgeable and innovative individual to serve as Digital Archivist to enhance its capabilities in managing and preserving born digital materials, primarily within the archival collections at the Kenneth Spencer Research Library (KSRL). The Digital Archivist will work closely with the Archives and Manuscripts Processing Unit and the Digital Initiatives department at the University of Kansas Libraries, which consists of staff, faculty, and student assistants in both Watson and Kenneth Spencer Research Library. Reporting to the Digital Initiatives Librarian, this position will be located in Spencer Research Library.

This position plays a critical role in developing and implementing workflows, policies, and standards that ensure the integrity, accessibility, and sustainability of digital archives. The Digital Archivist will oversee the appraisal and description, processing, preservation of, and access to these materials, utilizing tools such as ArchivesSpace, Archivematica, DuraCloud, TreeSize, and Archive-It. Additionally, preservation assessments and format migrations will be conducted to maintain the usability of these digital assets over time.

This position requires a solid understanding of archival theory and practice, particularly as they relate to digital preservation, metadata standards, and legal and ethical best practices. The successful candidate will excel in organizing tasks, setting priorities, and managing multiple projects to meet deadlines effectively.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian. See the Libraries Criteria for Academic Ranks document: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/criteria-academic-ranks-library-faculty

Additional information about the Libraries promotion and tenure procedures can be found at the following website: https://policy.ku.edu/ku-libraries/promotion-and-tenure-procedures-faculty

• This position develops, enhances, and implements workflows, policies, and standards relating to the processing, preservation of, and access to born digital content, keeping current with archival best practices, in collaboration with appropriate KU Libraries staff and supervisor:
• Works to establish processing priorities and appropriate levels of processing for born digital materials, in collaboration with appropriate KU Libraries staff and supervisor
• Appraises, processes, and describes newly acquired born digital materials and materials found in the KSRL backlog for long-term preservation and access, including maintaining connections with existing finding aids
• Undertakes preservation and risk assessments of digital holdings and the selection of materials for format migration or other preservation activities
• Establishes processes and means for providing access to born digital materials, including workflows, formats, technology, and privacy considerations
• Oversees and manages the Libraries' program of web-based collecting, maintenance, and description of relevant websites and social media platforms
• Manages and troubleshoots technical component issues as they arise, such as systems analysis, data storage methods, and digital forensics
• Provides training for students, staff, and faculty working with similar content
• Participates in collections meetings and other formal and informal communication systems, especially those related to born digital processing, across KSRL and KU Libraries
• May work collaboratively with faculty and other librarians to design and deliver library instruction to students
• Works collaboratively as a member of project teams and other groups to advance the libraries' strategic priorities

• ALA-accredited master's degree in library and information science or equivalent from a foreign institution by date of appointment OR a PhD in library and information science from an LIS program that also offered an ALA-accredited master's degree at the time the PhD was awarded. In the specialized field of archives, a graduate degree (e.g., master's or PhD, depending on position requirements) in an appropriate field OR an archival certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists may be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working with digital materials in an archival environment.

• Minimum of four years of successful professional experience at the rank of Assistant Librarian.
• Documented evidence of high level, professional expertise, and have a demonstrated record of accomplishments that advances the goals of the KU Libraries, the University, and the profession.
• Appropriate record of consistent, quality research contributions in areas related to librarianship, or a specialized subject area as it relates to their practice of librarianship or a related area.

• Knowledge of bibliographic description for rare materials in an academic or research library setting.
• Reading knowledge of at least one western European or Cyrillic language other than English.
• Demonstrated proficiency and capability with information technology systems in the context of an academic library, e.g. OCLC, Voyager, RDA Toolkit, ClassWeb Plus, etc.
• Ability to use common cataloging tools to catalog a variety of bibliographical formats, including but not limited to: monographs, early printed works, realia, sound recordings, visual materials, etc.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and in teams.