Political Collections Archivist - West Virginia & Regional History Center, WVU Libraries

The West Virginia and Regional History Center at WVU Libraries invites applications for the position of Political Collections Archivist. The WVRHC seeks a knowledgeable and collaborative archivist to develop, promote, and care for collections documenting the US Congress, the participation of West Virginians in public service, and other bridge professions involved in the political process.

The Political Collections Archivist accessions, appraises, and oversees processing and preservation; participates in acquisitions, donor relations, and public services; and contributes to the management of collections in all formats according to professional standards and best practices. In consultation with the WVRHC Director, Associate Dean of Collections, and other stakeholders, the Political Collections Archivist selects and acquires political collections and establishes and maintains strong donor relations, including those with West Virginia members of Congress, their staff and representatives, federal relations staff, and other partners, in Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.

The position is responsible for creating and maintaining policies and procedures for selecting, acquiring, accessioning, appraising, and preserving political collections according to professional standards and best practices in coordination with the WVRHC's Archives & Manuscripts unit. The archivist will lead prioritization of processing projects and manage arrangement and description for political collections. In consultation with the Digital Collections Archivist, this position plans for and manages digital objects in political collections throughout their lifecycle to facilitate long-term preservation and use. The Political Collections Archivist also coordinates with the Depository Library staff to ensure proper storage, inventory, and preservation of political materials stored at the facility.

Supervision of staff and students is a part of the Political Collections Archivist responsibilities. The archivist trains and directs staff and students working congressional and political collections. They will review work products to ensure quality, accuracy, and adherence to standards and provide ongoing supervision, mentorship, and support to employees, empowering them to excel in their roles.

Additionally, the position participates in outreach, exhibits, public relations, and special events to promote collections. The Political Collections Archivist coordinates and creates displays in the John D. Rockefeller IV Gallery. They also provide specialized information services related to congressional and political archives, including instruction and reference and research consultation, to students, faculty, and researchers, in coordination with the Instruction Archivist and public services staff.

Faculty archivists are also expected to serve and actively contribute to relevant committees, task forces, and working groups at the Library, University, regional, and national level as well as engage in professional development and / or research related to the individual's assignment and/or the needs of the Libraries and the University.

Condition of Work and Benefits

• Twelve-month assignment, 37.5 hours weekly M-F with occasional weekend and evening work possible
  
• Health and retirement benefits
  
• Generous paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave
  
• Faculty rank and status, non-tenure track
  
• A supportive work environment with funding support for research and professional activities
  
• We anticipate hiring at the Assistant University Librarian level for which the salary starts at $61,000. However, faculty rank is determined by the WVU Library Criteria for Library Faculty Appointment, Retention, Promotion, and Merit and is determined by years served in a professional librarian capacity: Assistant University Librarian (5 years or fewer), Associate University Librarian (6 year to 12 years) and University Librarian (13 years or more) years of professional library experience or its equivalent.
  
• Exemplary job performance, professional development and/or research, and service are required for reappointment and promotion in rank
  
• All librarians are members of the Library Faculty Assembly and participate in the professional life of the organization.
  

• Master's degree from an ALA accredited program for library and information science (or equivalent); concentration in archival studies preferred.
• One (1) year of processing experience in an archival repository or special collections library preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of national standards and best practices for managing archival collections in all formats (physical, digital, and hybrid) and the description of archival materials (DACS, EAD), authority control, and other data content and structure standards relevant to archival control.
• Knowledge of the history of the U.S. Congress and best practices for managing congressional collections.
• Experience with ArchivesSpace or other collection management systems preferred.
• Experience with complex archival processing projects.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
• Cultural competency and interest in participating in discussions and initiatives that reflect the WVRHC's commitment to expanding and supporting a diverse historical record.

Application Procedure

• The application review process will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A complete application must include:
  
  
  
  
  • Letter of interest that details how your background and experience makes you a good candidate for the position
    
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae,
    
  • Three current, professional references
    
  
  
  
  
• Application Link:
  

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

About WVU Libraries and the West Virginia & Regional History Center

The WVU Libraries encompasses seven libraries: the Downtown Library, Evansdale Library, Health Sciences Library (Morgantown), Law Library, Health Sciences Library (Charleston), Mary F. Shipper Library at Potomac State College, Beckley Library at WVU Institute of Technology, and the West Virginia and Regional History Center as well as the William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences. Our collections include more than 1.8 million books, 400,000 eBooks, and 117,000 eJournals.

The West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC) is the archives and special collections library at West Virginia University. We are a repository and research center that serves the public in addition to WVU faculty, staff, and students. The Center holds over 20,000 linear feet of collections and over 100,000 books that document the unique history and culture of West Virginia and central Appalachia. Collection strengths include authors and artists papers; feminist activism; WVU history; West Virginia government, politics, and policy; modern congressional archives; labor history; and family history among others. The WVRHC is also the home of a world class collection of rare books that include Shakespeare's folios, first editions of British and American literature, the works of Isaac Asimov, and more.