The University of Illinois at Chicago Library seeks a dynamic and visionary individual for the position of a tenure-track Special Collections Archivist. 

Job Summary

The Special Collections Archivist has primary responsibility for planning, developing, and maintaining the archival collections in Special Collections at the Daley Library. They will work with both current and new collections to contribute to our mission of enhancing diverse and inclusive collections of Chicago and social justice. Reporting to the Head of Special Collections and University Archives, the archivist will provide leadership and expertise in the discovery of our collections in addition to developing strategies and workflows that surface underrepresented voices within and across collections and provide access to collections, including reference support.

This tenure-track appointment includes the expectation that the faculty member will be actively engaged in and significantly contribute to the profession through research/scholarship and service related to professional and scholarly interests. This includes publication, presentation, and committee work at various levels. Support for scholarship and professional development, including funding, research leave, and mentoring, are provided to foster candidate success (https://library.uic.edu/about/employment/faculty-support). Expectations are further outlined in the norms for tenure track appointments (https://uofi.box.com/v/tenuretracknorms).

About UIC

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie R1/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 33,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges and the only public law school in Chicago.

About the Special Collections Unit

The Special Collections and University Archives is comprised of four areas: public services, rare books and manuscripts, health science history, and university archives. This unit focuses on collecting, preserving, documenting, and teaching the diverse history and culture of Chicago and the Chicagoland area including but not limited to Chicago-related post-World War II politics and advocacy; design history; women’s political activism; social justice; Century of Progress World’s Fair; artists’ books; the settlement house movement; and the history of our university. 

• Develop, curate, and make accessible archival collections, including prioritizing, processing, arranging and describing collections, and creating finding aids and other tools.
• Accession, prepare processing plans, and preserve materials in accordance with professional standards and practices.
• Identify, select, and acquire multi-format collections (physical, born-digital, images, artifacts) of enduring value in accordance with the department’s collection development policy.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors.
• Manage student workers and/or interns.
• Create metadata records that follow UIC Metadata Guidelines.
• Collaborate with Digital Programs & Services staff to enhance the growing digital presence of UIC’s special collections.  
• Promote the interpretation and understanding of the collections through outreach (including creating physical and digital exhibits) and instruction.
• Provide reference services for Special Collections and University Archives.
• Build a record of progressive scholarly and professional achievement to fulfill the University Library’s requirements for tenure and promotion. 
• Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

• Master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association (or from a master's level program in library and information studies accredited or recognized by the appropriate national body of another country), or advanced degree in archival studies, history, or a related field; MLIS preferred.
• Experience in arranging, describing, and preserving archival collections of varying sizes and complexity.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

All candidates who meet the required qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply. The University Library values a diversity of skills and experiences.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work with archival collection management software (i.e., CuadraStar SKCA, ArchivesSpace, Archon, etc.).
• Supervisory experience in any setting. 
• Familiary with born-digital materials and electroic records. 
• Familiarity with copyright and privacy restrictions as they relate to access and digitization of archival collections.

Salary/Rank/Contract:

The minimum salary for a full-time twelve-month tenure track appointment is $65,000. The minimum salary for a full-time appointment at the rank of Associate Professor is $71,500. Benefits for a twelve month appointment include 24 days vacation; 12 days annual sick leave with additional disability benefits; 11 paid holidays; medical insurance (contribution based on annual salary; coverage for dependents may be purchased); two dental plans available; life insurance paid for by the State; participation in one of the retirement options of the State Universities Retirement System compulsory (8% of salary is withheld and is tax exempt until withdrawal); no Social Security coverage, but Medicare payment is required. This appointment is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and UIC United Faculty Local 6456, IFT-AFT, AAUP. 

For fullest consideration, apply by June 17, 2022, with C.V, cover letter, and the name and contact information for at least three professional references. The position close date is July 1, 2022.