University of Florida, Special and Area Studies Collections

Florida Political Papers Archivist

JOB SUMMARY

The Florida Political Papers Archivist position is a 12-month, tenure-track library faculty position in the Special and Area Studies Collections Department (SASC). The successful applicant will curate manuscript collections in the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History related to the state’s political past, as well as those related to Native and Indigenous peoples. The Archivist builds archival collections, processes or supervises processing, and provides reference assistance for these collection areas. The Archivist plays an integral role in public and technical services aspects of the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History, collaborating with personnel, providing access to, and promoting Florida history materials through programs, exhibits, and publications. In collaboration with SASC’s Collection Services Unit, the Archivist ensures that collections are processed in a timely fashion and accessible broadly.

The Florida Political Papers Archivist prioritizes collections for processing, coordinates with the head of Public Services when relevant collections are used, identifies materials for digitization and provides necessary metadata, delivers interpretive content for an online presence, and works closely with the Senior Director of Development and External Relations to secure funding for the collections. The Archivist coordinates with other department curators to preserve and describe the department’s rich and extensive digital holdings. The position also collaborates with and advises colleagues in Humanities and Social Sciences on related political and Native American archival collections and programming. The position supports academic areas such as Political Science, the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, and UF’s interdisciplinary programs. The Archivist develops archival collections to support current and emerging research and instructional needs, provides general and specialized subject area reference services, research assistance, and library instruction, and participates in departmental and Libraries-wide outreach programming.

The Smathers Libraries are committed to creating a thoughtful, equitable, and inclusive culture that provides space for innovation and creativity. We support that commitment by offering a fulfilling work experience that allows for collaboration, growth, and development, as well as shared perspectives. To support all colleagues, students, faculty, and staff and foster excellence in a diverse and collaborative society, the Libraries are actively seeking candidates who bring culturally rich lived experiences to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and perspectives.

The Libraries encourage broad participation in reaching decisions, and consequently the Florida Political Papers Archivist will contribute to discussions and provide input and serve on various committees and teams. The Archivist will also pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities of the Florida Political Papers Archivist include collection management and access to, promotion of, and outreach related to political papers and Native American archival collections.

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• Provides vision and strategic direction for the political papers and archival materials related to Native and Indigenous history of what is now the state of Florida, skillfully managing and developing collections, services, and programs. Provides curatorial leadership, including creating and updating collection policies.
• Acquires materials to meet emerging needs and maintain strengths of collections, staying current in best practices and areas of expertise needed for advancing collection priorities. Establishes and maintains vendor relationships.
• Coordinates with technical services staff and others, manages all support and services for the Florida political paper collections and holdings related to Native and Indigenous peoples. Evaluates needs, plans for, and manages processing of materials, spaces and locations, preservation and conservation.
• Manages personnel, projects, materials, and space allocations effectively, with sound stewardship of assets (funds, data, holdings). Reports regularly on these activities, with efforts in seeking external funding through grants coordinated with Libraries grants staff. Maintains and cultivates relations with donors, in coordination with Libraries administration and development staff.
• Facilitates access to collections under this position’s management by providing research assistance, consultations, and orientations, provides assistance for general public services as needed by department, and maintains knowledge of department collections and related resources to actively support library assets and services.
• Seeks out and responds to requests for course-integrated instruction and specialized sessions for academic courses, with time commitments for co-teaching or teaching a course approved by SASC Chair.
• Sets digitization priorities, creates structure and access to, and maintains relevant research tools such as bibliographies or other descriptive guides in support of research and teaching. Develops exhibitions, catalogs, or interpretive writings to promote access in and outside UF.
• Promotes awareness of the collections through programs and related outreach events and associated academic programs and tours.
• Pursues professional development including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion. Acquires and maintains expertise in relevant specializations, pursuing external recognition through peer-reviewed publications and other means.
• Contributes to faculty governance and provides service to the profession, University, and Libraries, as well as to the public good through community and other stakeholder engagement, consistent with role and rank.

QUALIFICATIONS

Research indicates that applicants from underrepresented groups are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all the required and preferred qualifications.[1] We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop the preferred skills. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to communicate how their work and other experiences satisfy the required qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.

Required:

• Masters or Ph.D. in a relevant academic field.
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience for appointment as Assistant University Librarian. Minimum eight (8) years of relevant experience required for appointment as Associate University Librarian.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Florida and United States history, as well as subject areas relevant to position.
• Familiarity with academic library research resources and researcher practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, independently, and collaboratively in a collegial environment with faculty, students, administrators, and the general public.
• Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to adapt and work creatively in a complex, rapidly changing academic environment.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication, presentation and/or teaching and/or training skills.
• Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and perspectives in research, teaching, service, and other work.
• Strong potential to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion outlined in the departmental by-laws.

Preferred:

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program.
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant library work experience.
• Experience in archives and/or collection management.
• Experience with outreach and community engagement.
• Experience with, or coursework in, classroom instruction.
• Experience with, or coursework in, digital humanities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)
• a written statement of 500 words on the following topic: Describe your vision for building, interpreting, and promoting the manuscript collections in the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History relating to the state’s political past and to the Native and Indigenous history of what is now the state of Florida.

Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on September 28, 2023 (applications will be reviewed as received). Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at Job 528354.