"Congressional Processing Archivist - 526962"

Position Summary

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES Congressional Processing Archivist The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking individual for the position of Congressional Processing Archivist to process the papers of Senator Richard C. Shelby. This is a clinical faculty appointment reporting to the Head of Special Collections and working collaboratively with librarians, archivists, and digital initiatives staff in Special Collections.

Detailed Position Information

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES Congressional Processing Archivist. This is a grant-funded position with an initial one-year contract and the opportunity for one additional annual appointment. University Libraries seeks to hire one Congressional Processing Archivist.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking individual for the position of Congressional Processing Archivist to process the papers of Senator Richard C. Shelby. This is a clinical faculty appointment reporting to the Head of Special Collections and working collaboratively with librarians, archivists, and digital initiatives staff in Special Collections.

Senator Shelby is Alabama’s longest-serving senator. He achieved national prominence as chair of four committees: Appropriations, Banking, Intelligence, and Rules. He also visited each of Alabama’s 67 counties every year.

The congressional processing archivists will process and describe the papers of Senator Shelby, supervise several student workers, and collaborate with other staff in Special Collections. This position will play a role in establishing physical and intellectual control over and improving the discovery of archival materials for researchers in accordance with processing guidelines outlined by the grant program. The position requires knowledge of current archival description and structure standards, knowledge of and experience with metadata standards, and excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. The position also requires familiarity with preservation best practices for various physical and digital formats found in the collection.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to: accessioning and arranging materials in a wide variety of formats, including manuscript and photographic materials in addition to audiovisual formats and electronic records; creating, maintaining, evaluating, and enhancing metadata records and finding aids; providing content and statistics for project reports; managing authority control and subject description in the University Libraries archival data management system (ArchivesSpace) and the Caiasoft accession and inventory system. An arrangement and description plan has been established in consultation with the United States Senate Historical Office, and processing work will follow this planned arrangement. Responsibilities of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change.

This is an excellent opportunity for early career librarians or recent graduates to document the career of a nationally recognized six-term U.S. senator, gain expert knowledge of archival operations and practices in an R1 university Special Collections unit, and work with colleagues who are dedicated to providing access to a wide array of rare and unique materials related to Southern U.S., African American, and Latin American history.

Salary/Benefits

12 month clinical faculty appointment at rank of assistant professor contingent upon grant funding. This position will include a one-year contract with the opportunity for one additional annual appointment. Salary is $70,000. Strong benefits, including professional development support and tuition fee waiver.

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program or a Master’s degree in a related field. Knowledge of current archival description and structure standards. Understanding of archival accessioning and processing workflows. Knowledge of metadata standards and experience applying them. Knowledge of basic preservation strategies for archival collections. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong attention to detail. Ability to solve problems independently or collaboratively, using sound judgment in decision-making. Responsibilities of this position change as the University Libraries continue to evolve.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of one year’s experience working in a library or archives setting. Demonstrated project management, including coordinating with vendors, and supervisory experience. Knowledge of Alabama history and politics. Familiarity with ArchivesSpace archival management software. Experience producing project reports and statistics.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application

Applications are accepted online only at https://careers.ua.edu. Click Faculty Jobs, then University Libraries. Please include your application, curriculum vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references, including one current supervisor. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. Applications received by August 1, 2025, are assured of receiving full consideration. For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior Associate Dean, at maarthur@ua.edu.