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Lo cat ed in Middletown, Connecticut, Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges with 3,000 undergraduates and 200 graduates. Established in 1831, Wesleyan is known for its rich, open, and interdisciplinary curriculum. We have a long-standing commitment to creating a dynamically diverse campus comprising students from all racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.    Within this intellectually stimulating environment, the Wesleyan University Librar y's Unique Collections group is privileged to play an important role in the edu cat ional, research, and creative endeavors of Wesleyan faculty and students . The Unique Collections department includes Special Collections & Archives; Archaeology & Anthropology Collections; Center for East Asian Studies Art & Archival Collections; Preservation & Book Arts Lab; and World Music Archives & Music Library.

The Dietrich American Foundation (DAF) c ollection, on long-term deposit from the DAF and administered by Wesleyan’s Special Collections & Archives (SC&A), is a superb group of more than 1000 books, periodicals, manuscripts, printed ephemera, and related materials focusing on early America . P articular strengths include the Seven Years’ War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812 . The collection includes one of four copies of the first print ing of the Star Spangled Banner ’s sheet music , Ben Franklin’s personal annotated copy of Second Protest, With a List of the Voters Against the Bill to Repeal the American Stamp Act... (1766) , a first edition of the first collected publishing of the Federalist papers in their original boards, and the unpublished diaries of loyalist Grace Galloway. In addition to high spots, the collection is rich in manuscripts and uncommon printed material from before 1850 .

Reporting to the Dietrich Family Associate University Librarian for Unique Collections/University Archivist , the two-year DAF C ollection F ellow will increase access to this little-known collection. Their primary responsibilit ies will be to process and cat alog materials in ArchivesSpace and Alma/Primo , create condition reports, review and improve housing and storage with the Preservation & Book Arts Librarian, and set digitization priorities with the Digital Lab . The Fellow will also create teaching and research guides to integrate the collection with Wesleyan’s other Unique Collections. This position will be highly collaborative, so the ability to communi cat e effectively, work across teams, and consider the needs of diverse stakeholders is essential.

Responsibilities include:

+ Process archival objects and c reate complex bibliographic description for items in the DAF collection in all formats (including books, newspapers, serials, manuscripts, printed ephemera, etc.); ensure the quality of bibliographic records through compliance with international and local standards.

+ Develop, implement, and document workflows for the processing of the collection.

+ Create condition reports and implement plans to rehouse objects in the collection, as appropriate , complying with the best international and local practices.

+ Conceive a framework for digitization priorities for DAF collection objects.

+ Design research guides for faculty, students, and library staff show casing various subjects and the connections across the DAF collection and Wesleyan's U nique C ollections.

+ Collaborate with colleagues across the l ibrar y (including Cat alog ing, Digital Initiatives, Preservation and Book Arts, and Unique Collections) to create and ensure consistent policies and procedures.

+ Provide reference and in-depth research support related to the Dietrich American Foundation Collection and allied holdings in SC&A, across the disciplines.

+ Serve on the Special Collections reference desk, in rotation with other department staff

This is a two year limited term position.

This position is required to work on campus.

(Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify).

Minimum Qualifi cat ions

+ Graduate degree in American h istory, library/information science , or related field with at least one year of experience working with archival, museum, or other rare or unique collections; or an equivalent combination of edu cat ion, training, and experience . (Professional experience, graduate school, and internships will all be considered.) .

+ Demonstrated knowledge of American history , early American print history , and/or related field as demonstrated through experience or course work .

+ Demonstrated experience with an online library system and cat alog ing products; demonstrated ability to use technology effectively and to learn new technical skills quickly .

+ Demonstrated competency with intellectual and physical organization, processing, description, and stabilization or preservation of collections .

+ Familiarity with current standards for description of rare and archival materials ( e.g. DACS, ArchivesSpace , RDA, DCRM suite, MARC21 formats, LCSH, and LC classifi cat ion schemes)

+ Effective interpersonal communi cat ion and problem-solving skills .

+ Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks effectively and respond fluidly to emerging priorities.

+ Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-based environment while exerting influence across all levels of the organization .

+ Demonstrated commitment to work ing w ithin a diverse environment and interact ing collegially with individuals of different backgrounds .

+ Proven time management skills .

+ Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends .

Preferred Qualifications

+ Demonstrated experience processing and cataloging a hybrid collection of books and archival materials.

Position is open until filled. For full consideration please apply by November 7, 2025 when first review of applications will begin.

As part of your application, please upload a cover letter and resume.

Compensation: $52,400-$61,300

Work Location: On Campus

All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening (https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/pdfs/Wesleyan%20University%20Background%20Check%20Policy\_.pdf) to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.

Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html .

Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.

Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html .

We welcome your interest in Wesleyan’s diverse, energetic community of employees who, by their creativity, innovative thinking, and generosity of spirit, help make Wesleyan a great place to work.

In this open-minded and inclusive environment, our faculty and staff foster a liberal arts experience characterized by boldness, rigor, and practical idealism.

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+ Internal applicants

If you are currently employed at WES, you must apply for positions through Job Hubs in your Workday (http://workday.wesleyan.edu/) portal. There you will find an abbreviated application form making this process much easier for you!