Archivist

McGill Libraries seeks an experienced, service-oriented, and collaborative professional archivist to assist in the provision of a range of archival information services to support teaching, learning, research, and outreach activities, and to contribute to the development, description, management, and preservation of the archival holdings of Rare Books and Special Collections.

Rare Books and Special Collections actively supports the teaching, learning and research needs of McGill students and faculty from all disciplines, and an international research community. The primary RBSC holdings are in the humanities and social sciences and in particular Canadiana and Montreal history, literature, the history of ideas, travel and exploration, natural history, the history of the book, and architecture form the core of the collection.

Primary Purpose of Position

To assist in the provision of a range of library and information services and collections to support teaching, learning, research, and outreach activities.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Advise researchers on discovering, accessing and using effectively the full range of archival resources available.  
• Perform collection management activities, including accessioning and processing. Contribute to collection description for entry into content management system Access to Memory (AtoM) and/or Sofia discovery tool. Supervises staff in the same.
• Collaborates with colleagues to improve the intellectual and physical control of RBSC archival collections. Contributes to the review and improvement of workflows, space management and aids in developing policies and procedures.  
• Assist in the development of RBSC archival collections to ensure teaching, learning and research needs are met.
• Assist in ensuring that proper conservation and preservation standards are followed for all formats and media types.
• Integrate RBSC archival collections into University teaching, learning, and research, and to the broader research community. Develop and maintain communication links and appropriate liaison with relevant University units.
• Animate collections through various means, including: communications (e.g. publications and social media), organizing visits and workshops with classes and other groups; developing exhibitions in the library or McGill campus venues, or beyond, including external museum loans.  
• Engage with donors and contribute to fundraising, development and outreach activities to build and improve access to McGill Libraries collections, in coordination with the unit head.  
• Contribute to grants and other funding support to further develop, promote, and protect collections, in coordination with the unit Head.
• Work in partnership with other library and University staff and sections, as well as external groups on specific projects.
• Represent the library on various library, faculty and university-wide committees as required.
• Engage in scholarly activities and professional service and develop a dossier for promotion and tenure, consistent with University Regulations.

Reporting relationship

The position reports to the Head Librarian, Rare Books & Special Collections.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Required:

• A Master’s Degree in Archival Studies (MAS) or Library/Information Studies (MLIS, MIS or MI) preferably with a focus in Archives from an ALA accredited institution.
• Minimum five years of experience appraising, arranging, and describing historic archival materials in various formats required.
• Sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience with archival description using the Rules for Archival Description (RAD) required.
• Experience with an archival content management system such as AtoM. Knowledge of and experience in the use of relevant information resources, including electronic and networked resources, and information and communications technology.
• Experience providing research assistance with archival materials in an academic, special or research library, or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct information skills classes for small and large groups.
• Demonstrated ability to apply copyright and/or privacy legislation as required for consultation, reproduction, and dissemination of archival collections.
• Organized, with high attention to detail. Ability to work independently and as part of a team; prioritize and balance multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to uphold the values of respect, collaboration, and diversity, and employment equity.
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in archives and special collections.
• Physical requirements include moving and lifting weights of up to 20 kgs., handling dusty and other various types of archival materials, bending, walking, and climbing ladders.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required. McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at level #(4) on a scale of 1-4.  
• Working knowledge of French is required, as some duties may require French verbal and written communication.

Desired:

• Advanced study in the humanities or social sciences
• Experience processing large and complex collections
• Experience supervising other staff and coordinating workflows.

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