Department/Organization
219101 - University Libraries

Rank
Assistant Professor

Position Summary
The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking individual for the position of Archival Metadata Librarian. This is a clinical appointment reporting to the Head of Metadata and Archival Processing in the Resource Acquisition & Discovery unit and working collaboratively with metadata librarians, archivists, and digital initiatives staff in Special Collections. The position supports access to and discovery of University Libraries rare and unique resources, including manuscript and photograph collections, rare published materials, historic maps, and University records.

Detailed Position Information
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA LIBRARIES
Archival Metadata Librarian

RESPONSIBILITIES: The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking individual for the position of Archival Metadata Librarian. This is a clinical appointment reporting to the Head of Metadata and Archival Processing in the Resource Acquisition & Discovery unit and working collaboratively with metadata librarians, archivists, and digital initiatives staff in Special Collections. The position supports access to and discovery of University Libraries rare and unique resources, including manuscript and photograph collections, rare published materials, historic maps, and University records. This position will play a role in improving discovery of archival materials for patrons and will be committed to More Product Less Processing (MPLP) workflows. Specific duties include, but are not limited to: accessioning, processing, and arranging manuscript and photo collections; creating, maintaining, evaluating, and enhancing metadata records and finding aids; managing authority control and subject description in the University Libraries archival data management system (ArchivesSpace); and keeping up-to-date with current trends and issues in archival assessment, arrangement, and description. Responsibilities of the position change as the library environment continues to evolve.

This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or early career librarian to gain an expert knowledge of all archival operations and practices at an R1 university Special Collections unit, working with colleagues who are dedicated to processing and 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 the Assistant Professor rank. Salary range is $65,000.00 - $75,000.00, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and advanced degrees. Strong benefits, including professional development support, tuition fee waiver, and matching retirement contributions.

Minimum Qualifications
o Master’s in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.
o Experience with archival metadata creation and schemas including but not limited to: DACS, EAD, Dublin Core, LCSH, etc.
o Knowledge of current archival content and structure standards.
o Demonstrated understanding of More Product, Less Process (MPLP).
o Knowledge of basic preservation strategies for archival collections.
o Experience working independently and collaboratively with varied groups within a complex organization.
o Excellent verbal and written communication, including associated skills such as listening and adapting.
o Ability to solve problems independently or collaboratively, using sound judgment in decision-making.
o Knowledge of professional standards, best practices, and emerging technologies in metadata and libraries.
o Willingness to explore new technologies and to find ways to incorporate them in order to enhance services and complete tasks more efficiently.
o Responsibilities of this position change as the University Libraries continue to evolve.

Preferred Qualifications
o 1-2 years of professional experience processing manuscript and/or photograph collections, including physical arrangement and creation of finding aids in accordance with archival best practices. o Experience working with ArchivesSpace or another archival data management system. o Knowledge of data manipulation using MarcEdit, EXCEL, or OpenRefine. o Experience working with born digital collections. o Experience performing authority control. o Knowledge of and experience working with photographic formats. o Organizational and project management skills. o Reading proficiency in Spanish or another European language.

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 March 29, 2024, are assured of receiving full consideration. For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior Associate Dean, at maarthur@ua.edu.

About the Division/College/School
The University of Alabama Libraries, a system of four separate discipline-related libraries, is proud to support the research enterprise at the University of Alabama via a comprehensive and integrated network of resources, services, and technologies designed to meet the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. We take pride in serving as a hub for innovation, knowledge creation and dissemination, research assistance, and collaborative learning.

Members of the University of Alabama family visited our physical and virtual spaces over 10 million times in 2022. Our print collections span over 6 million volumes, and we offer access to 2.5 million E-Books, 220,000 AV titles, and 98,000 E-Journals via our 685 databases.

University Libraries provides strong mentorship for faculty and staff, with ongoing collaborative opportunities, and administrative support for innovative services and ideas. We provide excellent support for needed technology and conference travel, and we are invested in academic freedom with teaching and research.

Our staff routinely update and maintain cutting edge programs of service in support of our stakeholders. Our faculty librarians have developed a robust instruction program, including a series of research data services and workshops, that consistently performs at the top of the SEC. We are heavily invested in performing the same high value research that our stakeholders produce, and that assists us in our data-driven strategic planning for the future. Our librarians have produced 75 peer reviewed journal articles in Tier 1 journals in the last 2 years.

If working with a talented group of professionals who value service, innovation, and high achievement, earning a nationally competitive starting salary, in a thriving college town, with a low cost of living, close to Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast sounds interesting to you, start your application process with us to learn more!

About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.

A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.

As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.

It's a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.

With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.

Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf