Salary Range: 

$67,000 - $70,000 commensurate with the rank of Librarian 2

$77,000 - $80,000 commensurate with the rank of Librarian 3

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

SMU Libraries seeks a project archivist for the newly-established Rees-Jones Library of the American West. This is a three-year, grant-funded position, with full benefits, with the possibility of permanent employment after the period covered by the grant.

The Rees-Jones Library consists of over 30,000 accessions, including books, pamphlets, maps, prints, photographs, manuscripts, works of art, realia, and ephemera bearing on the history of the Trans-Mississippi West. A private collection, the Rees-Jones Library will be housed in its own building (soon to be under construction) on the SMU campus. When combined with the existing holdings of the DeGolyer Library at SMU, the Rees-Jones Library, scheduled to open in 2027, will be a major center for teaching, research, and public programming on the Western United States. More about the Rees-Jones Library can be found here: https://www.smu.edu/ignited/ways-to-give/libraries/rees-jones-collection

This is a unique opportunity for an archivist to handle and organize thousands of original documents, from the 18th century to the present (with most dating from the 19th century). Materials represented in the collection include letters, diaries, journals, deeds, bills of sale, account books, ledgers, memoranda, sketches, and ephemera. Some of the archival material is associated with well-known historical figures (Thomas Jefferson, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston). And much of it is associated with lesser known or anonymous figures.

The primary purpose of the Rees-Jones project archivist is to survey, appraise, preserve, arrange, and describe manuscript and archival collections within the Rees-Jones Library, making the mass of this material accessible to researchers by the time the new library opens. The project archivist will be expected to produce finding aids and other access tools. The project archivist may also promote and highlight collections materials through occasional blog posts, newsletter stories, annual reports, and social media.

In conjunction with DeGolyer Library staff, the project archivist will set priorities and determine appropriate levels of description for preparing each accession for use. By developing and implementing uniform arrangement and description standards, the archivist will ensure that the materials are efficiently, effectively, and appropriately processed. The archivist will also identify promising materials for digitization and work with others in the library to create digital access to selected items.

SMU is a nationally ranked private research university in Dallas, TX, with eight degree-granting schools. SMU Libraries includes six libraries on the main campus and one library at our satellite location in Taos, NM.  

SMU Libraries and the SMU campus is dedicated to diversity and inclusion. We seek to hire a person who shares our values of a diverse and equitable workplace based on teamwork with a proactive and positive approach in all that we do. 

Essential Functions:

• Surveys, appraises, preserves, arranges, and describes manuscript and archival collections within the Rees-Jones Library, from the item level to the collection level, depending on the nature of the material in hand. Creates and encodes finding aids according to national and local standards. The over-riding goal is to provide access to original materials by thoughtful application of multiple access points.

• Collaborates with colleagues (including the Rees-Jones Library cataloger and DeGolyer archivists and curators) to improve the intellectual and physical control of all special collections.

• Promotes and highlights collection materials through blog posts, newsletter stories, annual reports, etc.

• Works with colleagues and support staff on digital projects (digitization of materials, digital collections, digital exhibits, digital preservation, etc.)

• Pursues professional development and continuing education opportunities.

Required Qualifications:

Master's in Library/Information Science (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution

At least 3 years of professional experience as an archivist in an academic/research library, museum, or historical society for appointment at the Librarian 2 level and a minimum of 5 years of professional experience as an archivist in an academic/research library, museum, or historical society for appointment at the Librarian 3 level. 

Evidence of contributing to the field of librarianship demonstrated by service, scholarship, and other professional activities.

Experience with nationally-accepted standards and tools for archival processing and description (EAD, for example)

Strong project management skills and ability to process collections in a timely manner

Knowledge of and ability to apply LC subject terms and other controlled vocabularies to records and finding aids

Initiative, flexibility, and a commitment to professional engagement

Ability to work in a team environment and to establish and maintain effective working relationships

Analytical ability and attention to detail

Ability to write and speak effectively

Experience with Microsoft Office products, email, and web browsers

Physical mobility essential. Must be able to bend, kneel, reach above shoulders, climb ladders, lift and carry 25-50 lbs., push/pull carts, sit and/or stand for long periods of time

Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel occasionally to off-site locations, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists

Advanced degree in American history or a related field

Experience conceptualizing and mounting exhibitions

Publications or research in American history, especially involving topics in the history of the Trans-Mississippi West

For consideration for the rank of Librarian 3: Evidence of leadership in librarianship, demonstrated by formal and informal leadership appointments.

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled. Applications submitted by September 13, 2024, will receive priority consideration. 

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit:

(1) A resume or CV,

(2) A cover letter that addresses the education and experience required and preferred for this position, and

(3) 1-3 examples of finding aids the candidate has created (please either upload PDF copies of finding aids, or a document which provides links to finding aids online)

For more information and to apply, please visit this link.