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Archivist for University Collections

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. In addition, provide a sample of a finding aid (or several finding aids) for recently processed collection(s).

Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file, due to system limitations. Please provide links to examples of online finding aid/s from your cover letter, or attach them with the application and cover letter.

The system will only allow for one upload, so please attach all as one document. If you are having trouble and would like to submit the finding aids via email, please use [email protected] .

Job Summary

The Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic, collaborative, and innovative professional for a three-year term position as Archivist for University Collections. This role is part of a library-wide initiative to eliminate processing backlogs and plays a key role in supporting the Inclusive History Project, a multi-year presidential initiative to study and document the history of the University of Michigan.

Working under the general supervision of the Assistant Director for Collections Management and in close collaboration with members of the BHL's Curation and University History teams, the Archivist will process a clearly defined set of archival collections. These include records and publications from the University of Michigan academic and administrative units, executive officers, student and alumni organizations, and other university-related records. The Archivist will receive training as well as ongoing mentoring and professional development support.

As a member of the Curation Team, the Archivist will follow established guidelines for processing and managing both physical and digital records. This includes using ArchivesSpace, BHL's system of record for descriptive and administrative metadata, and Archivematica, the library's born-digital preservation platform.

Candidates should have an understanding of the people who create, curate, and use archival materials; the systems, standards, and tools that support archival work; and how the collections they steward will be accessed and used.

Because BHL operates in a highly collaborative environment, the ability to communicate effectively, work across teams, and consider the needs of diverse stakeholders is essential.

Who We Are

About the Bentley Historical Library

The Bentley Historical Library, a vital part of the University of Michigan, is dedicated to collecting and promoting the study of the histories of the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan. Open to the public without fee, the Library welcomes researchers of all backgrounds. With over 11,000 research collections, including the records of academic and administrative units, student and faculty life, and the complete historical archive of Michigan's intercollegiate athletics, the Bentley provides a rich resource for historical research. The Library features a state-of-the-art conservation lab where expert archivists and conservators teach and preserve materials such as books, maps, and architectural drawings. Additionally, the historic Detroit Observatory on the University's central campus is a division of the Library, further enhancing its resources and outreach.

About the Curation Team

**Our team:** This position is located with the Curation Team of the Bentley Historical Library. The Curation Team supports the Library's mission of collecting the materials for and promoting the study of the histories of two great, intertwined institutions, the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan. Comprised of eight permanent archivists, one project archivist, one conservator, three technicians, and student workers, the Curation Team processes and catalogs archival collections and related resources, conserves and digitizes them for responsible access and long-term preservation, and provides archival storage and ongoing collections management for them.

**How We Work:** As the largest team at the Bentley, we value the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives each member brings. We work collaboratively, both within our team and with colleagues across the Library, as well as with donors, researchers, and other external stakeholders. While we strive to innovate, we also understand the importance of sustaining and improving the technologies and collections already under our care. Our work is grounded in a thoughtful, practical application of archival standards and principles, and is shaped by the needs of our users. Across the Library, we are committed to supporting professional growth, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the broader archival community.

For more information, please visit our website: https://bentley.umich.edu/

Responsibilities*

1. **Processing and collections management (70%)**

+ Intellectual appraisal, arrangement, and description of physical and born-digital University of Michigan records in diverse formats

+ Managing and enhancing metadata for university collections according to current standards, user needs, and comprehensive description frameworks

+ Training and supervising students to assist with tasks related to processing and collections management

+ Collaborating with university archives, curation, academic services, and reference teams, as well as external stakeholders, as necessary

+ Preparing and distributing appropriate quantitative and qualitative data about all aspects of responsibilities, and providing regular reports on activities and accomplishments

+ Providing regular reports on activities and accomplishments

2. **Professional development and service (15%)**

+ Expanding professional expertise by attending professional conferences and workshops, and engaging in continuing education opportunities

+ Contributing to the profession, whether through professional organizations or other efforts

3. **Projects and initiatives (10%)**

+ Supporting the execution of the Bentley Historical Library's strategic priorities by actively participating in related initiatives and projects

+ Participating in BHL committee work

+ Preparing and distributing quantitative and qualitative data about all aspects of responsibility

+ Testing and providing feedback on new archival management systems, tools, as well as workflows and procedures

4. **Other duties and assigned (5%)**

+ Examples of duties may include updating documentation related to university record groups or departmental histories; participating in team discussions on processing priorities or backlog management; supporting the Communications Team in social media or other publicity efforts

Required Qualifications*

+ Master's degree with archival coursework, or an advanced degree in a allied discipline combined with relevant experience

+ At least one year of experience arranging and describing archival collections of varying sizes and formats, using relevant descriptive standards for archival collections (DACS, EAD, LCSH) and best practices

+ Experience with, or understanding of, More Product, Less Process (MPLP) and extensible processing methodologies

+ Comfort with learning new technologies and applying them

+ Experience with, or understanding of, principles of appraisal, description, and preservation of born-digital records

+ Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively

+ Strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset to achieve shared goals

+ Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Additional Information

The annual salary for this position is $61,000.

This is a 3-year term-limited position with the possibility of renewal depending on funding.

The mode of work for this position is Hybrid. Excellent benefits are available: for details seehttp://benefits.umich.edu. (https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness)

Union Affiliation

This full-time, 3 year term faculty position is subject to the U-M/LEO-GLAM collective bargaining agreement. Appointment is at the Assistant Archivist level and the salary for this position is $61,000 annually.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, on behalf of their Librarian, Archivists, and Curator bargaining unit (LEO-GLAM), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

The University of Michigan complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. The Administrative Designee, who is responsible for communicating with Employees about requests for reasonable accommodations at the Bentley Historical Library, is Camille Ulrich. They may be reached at 734-936-8755, [email protected] .

Employees on the Ann Arbor or Dearborn Campuses may also contact the Disability Equity Office by email at [email protected] , by phone at 734-763-0235, or by visiting theirwebsite (https://ecrt.umich.edu/disability-accessibility/contact-request/) .

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Decision Making Process

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and will continue until the position is filled.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

266096

Working Title

Archivist for University Collections

Job Title

ASST ARCHIVIST LEO-GLAM

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Acad & Fac Affairs

Department

Bentley Historical Library

Posting Begin/End Date

7/17/2025 - 8/09/2025

Salary

$61,000.00 - $61,000.00

Career Interest

Libraries & Museums