Assistant Librarian: Reference Archivist/Curator

Job Details

Review date begins May 15, 2026 (Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee).

Final date: May 29, 2026

The Assistant Librarian with the additional title as Reference Archivist/Curator is a 12-month, tenure-track position reporting to the Executive Director of Library Services. This position is responsible for advancing the mission of the IU Northwest Archives & Special Collections. The successful candidate will provide high-quality reference support and services to students, faculty, researchers, and community members. They will cultivate and sustain partnerships and donor relations both locally and abroad through outreach efforts, and develop exhibitions, displays, and public-facing projects that highlight the richness of our collections and the history of the Calumet Region. Working closely alongside the Digital Processing Archivist and library faculty, they will work to ensure seamless operations across public services, archival operations, and collection stewardship. This position has liaison responsibilities to academic departments, teaches information literacy sessions, general library reference duties, and participates in collection development activities for the library.

Responsibilities

1. Serves as lead for archival reference services and inquiries, offering research support, contextual information, and patron assistance for campus and community users, and additionally provides general research assistance to Anderson Library patrons.
2. Coordinates archival research appointments; and ensures timely, high-quality patron services.
3. Conducts archival community engagement and donor relations, cultivating partnerships with local organizations, historical societies, and regional stakeholders to strengthen the Archives’ role in Northwest Indiana.
4. Works in tandem with the Digital Processing Archivist to meet the needs of the Archives through coordinated communication, shared documentation, and support for repository and its daily functions.
5. Develops and implements public programs, including exhibits, displays, workshops, digital storytelling projects, and historical instructional sessions for community groups, and provides library tours and orientations.
6. Provides historical expertise and contextualization for campus initiatives, faculty projects, public inquiries, and collaborative community efforts involving regional history, and contributes to general library instruction sessions as needed.
7. Strengthens the visibility and relevance of the Archives, elevating awareness of collections through outreach strategies, marketing collaboration, social media storytelling, and campus/community engagement.
8. Works collaboratively with library faculty and staff to align archival services with student success, campus engagement, and community-focused goals, and provides weekly support through reference and chat services.
9. Provides joint supervision and mentorship of student workers and interns in collaboration with the Digital Processing Archivist, assisting in training them on archival tasks, reference procedures, scanning workflows, and related project work.
10. Some evenings and weekends as required. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited M.L.S. or M.A. U.S. History, Archival Studies or Preservation Management
• Minimum of two years experience in archives, manuscripts repository, or special collections
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends, issues, workflows, and best practices in an archival environment
• Basic knowledge of archival preservation and techniques
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment, and to provide high-quality service to students and patrons
• Ability to meet the requirements of a tenure-track appointment by exhibiting excellence in job performance and satisfactory performance in professional development/research and service
• Formal training in archival theory and best practices
• Experience in teaching information literacy and one-on-one instruction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Northwest Indiana/ Calumet area history
• Experience with community outreach, communications, or media creation (such as social media management, digital storytelling, or public-facing content)
• Knowledge of archival restoration, repair, and stabilization techniques.
• Experience in creating or installing physical displays or museum exhibits
• Knowledge of American history and historiography
• Academy of Certified Archivists certification
• Experience with grant-seeking and fundraising opportunities.