Instructor and Special Collections Librarian (Assistant Reference Archivist) - The University of Illinois at Chicago

Reporting to the Special Collections Librarian for Public Services, the Assistant Reference Archivist will provide reference service to our diverse community, support researchers in accessing and utilizing the unique archival and special collections materials, and actively engage in informal instruction opportunities. They will address a wide range of research requests, offer guidance on navigating digital and print resources, and provide in-person and virtual reference services. Assisting with providing access to our materials, the Assistant Reference Archivist will also process, describe, and accession archival and manuscript collections. 

While scholarship and external service are not required by unit norms, instructors are encouraged to be professionally active and are allocated professional development funds. 

About Special Collections and University Archives

The Special Collections and University Archives is comprised of four areas: public services, rare books and manuscripts, health science history, and university archives. This unit focuses on collecting, preserving, documenting, and teaching the diverse history and culture of Chicago and the Chicagoland area including but not limited to Chicago-related post-World War II politics and advocacy; design history; women’s political activism; social justice; Century of Progress World’s Fair; artists’ books; the settlement house movement; and the history of our university.  

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide reference desk coverage and give back-up support for staff assisting researchers working in the reading room as needed. 
• Provide general and in-depth reference and research assistance for researchers onsite and remotely.
• Arrange, describe, and preserve archives, manuscript, and image collections according to established standards and local policies and procedures. 
• Assist with individualized research instruction to students and faculty and participate in instructional orientation sessions.
• Collaborate with the other SCUA staff in the day-to-day operations of the department, such as assisting with outreach, exhibits, special programming, social media, and the development and implementation of department policies and guidelines.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an advanced/graduate degree related to the position and formal coursework in archival administration by the start of employment.
• Knowledge and work experience in archival processing and reference and library instruction.
• Public service or customer service experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take individual initiative while also being able to collaborate effectively and contribute positively in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with donor and patron information and records.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces diverse viewpoints and experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications are not required. All candidates who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply. The University Library values a diversity of skills and experiences.  

• Two or more years of professional experience in archival processing.
• Experience teaching with primary sources.
• Knowledge of Chicago history.
• Familiarity with ArchivesSpace or any content management system and Springshare library products and services.

Salary/Rank/Contract:

The minimum salary for a full-time twelve-month non tenure-track appointment is $60,000. Benefits for a twelve month appointment include 24 days vacation; 12 days annual sick leave with additional disability benefits; 11 paid holidays; medical insurance (contribution based on annual salary; coverage for dependents may be purchased); two dental plans available; life insurance paid for by the State; participation in one of the retirement options of the State Universities Retirement System compulsory (8% of salary is withheld and is tax exempt until withdrawal); no Social Security coverage, but Medicare payment is required. This appointment is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and UIC United Faculty Local 6456, IFT-AFT, AAUP. 

Application Instructions:

For fullest consideration, apply by May 10, 2024, with C.V, cover letter, and the name and contact information for at least three professional references. The position close date is May 24, 2024. All applicants must submit an online application through https://jobs.uic.edu/. 

To apply, click on the following link: https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/9274?c=uic

The University of Illinois conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899.