University Archivist, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

Location: Hamilton, ON
Compensation: $67,255.99 - $99,221.08; or $72,860.83 - $110,135.06 depending on level

McMaster University houses one of North America's leading academic research libraries. The system is comprised of four physical locations: Mills Memorial Library (humanities and social sciences); H.G. Thode Library (science and engineering); Innis Library (business) and the Bertrand Russell Archives. The University Library is home to the world-renowned William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections as well the Lewis & Ruth Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship.

The University Library aims high, aspiring as it does to be a catalyst of intellectual activity for the University and its many diverse communities. Through its many programs, the University Library supports the University's research and teaching mission by advancing knowledge and discovery, inspiring creativity and building community. The Library delivers innovative and inclusive services, welcoming spaces and exemplary collections to accelerate research, enhance learning and improve the user experience.

The University Library employs approximately 100 permanent FTE as well as 80 student assistants, post-doctoral fellows, interns and co-op students. The University Library maintains a budget of approximately $24M/year, with $12M committed to the purchase of information resources.

Description and Duties:

• Job Title: University Archivist
• Job ID: 60094
• Location: Central Campus
• Open Date: 01/25/2024
• Close Date: 02/19/2024
• Job Type: 24-month Contractually Limited Appointment
• Employee Group: McMaster University Academic Librarians Association
• Salary Grade/Band: Level 2 or 3
• Salary Range: $67,255.99 - $99,221.08; or $72,860.83 - $110,135.06
• Hours per Week: 35
• Education Level: Master's Degree

Job Description:

McMaster University Library is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative archivist to join the Distinctive Collections Division.

The University Archivist will develop foundational resources for the establishment of a university archives program. Working closely with the Associate University Librarian for Distinctive Collections, the Health Sciences Library Archivist, and the Privacy & Records Management Specialist in the University Secretariat, they will draft policies, procedures, and guidelines for a university archives program for discussion and approval. The incumbent will participate in meetings and outreach with McMaster University departments and offices in support of this work.  

As policy and other documents take shape, the incumbent will, with support from the Libraries and the University Secretariat, collaborate with the Privacy & Records Management Specialist to identify potential archival records in the possession of McMaster departments and offices, giving attention to at-risk or high-priority records that may require more immediate action. As time allows following the approval of draft documents, transfer of such records may begin as proof-of-concept for the policies and procedures developed in the earlier stages of work, with the incumbent completing the necessary transfer processes and archival arrangement and description. Policies and procedures may be edited or refined based upon this experience.


The successful candidate will:

• Work collaboratively on the development of policies, practices, and guidelines related to university archives. Review and incorporate relevant McMaster University polices. Collaborate with the University Secretariat, University Library, and Health Sciences Library to integrate university archives with broader university records management practices. Investigate and identify best practices in use by other Canadian university archives to inform this development.
• Draft a proposed mandate for the University Archives and a University Archives Collection Policy outlining the anticipated scope of the collection for approval by University leaders and leadership in the Libraries, ensuring that the Collection Policy is aligned with broader university records policies. As needed, based on the mandate and Collection Policy, draft appraisal guidelines for related non-university records (e.g., personal archives of faculty or alumni, records of student organizations, etc.).
• Develop processes and procedures for transferring archival records in all formats from departments and offices to the university archives, the management of university records in the archives, institutional and research access to archived university records, and anticipated preservation needs. Develop necessary documentation to record the transfer of records to archival control. Investigate and identify best practices in use by other Canadian university archives to inform this development.
• Collaborate with the Privacy & Records Management Specialist to identify potential archival records in the possession of McMaster departments and offices, giving attention to at-risk or high-priority records that may require more immediate action.
• Arrange and describe university records transferred to archival control to provide institutional and research access, as time allows. Support access to university records as needed by responding to reference requests for records that are in the custody of the archives.
• Collaborate with existing repositories, such as the Health Sciences Archives and the William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections, to leverage existing expertise and university resources. Establish relationships with other potential campus partners.
• Contribute to the development of a business case and/or other planning documents for an ongoing university archives program.

This is a full time, 24-month contractually-limited appointment reporting to the Associate University Librarian, Distinctive Collections. Normally scheduled weekly hours will be Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm (35 hours/week).

Qualifications    
The successful candidate must have the following:

• A Master's degree from an ALA-accredited school of library and information science or its equivalent.
• Three or more years of experience working with organizational or corporate records.
• Knowledge of archival principles and practices in arrangement, description, preservation, and provision of access to archival records in an organizational setting.
• Understanding of the role of records management and its connections to organizational records and archives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Additional qualifications that may be beneficial include:

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Previous experience in a higher education environment.

Additional Information    
Compensation:

It is anticipated that the appointment will be made at the rank of Librarian II or III, with an annual salary range of $67,255.99 - $99,221.08; or $72,860.83 - $110,135.06 respectively. This position is included in the McMaster University Academic Librarians' Association bargaining unit. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes a competitive and comprehensive benefit package. The full Position Responsibility Statement is available from the Library Human Resources Office. Further information about the University Library is available at http://library.mcmaster.ca.

Additional Information:

McMaster University Library expects librarians to be active and engaged with the broader library and research community through both professional service and professional or scholarly activity as defined in Article 3 of the MUALA Collective Agreement.

Qualified persons who wish to be considered for this opportunity should submit their curriculum vitae with a covering letter. The estimated start date for this position is April 15, 2024.


What you can Expect from Working at McMaster:

As one of Canada's most research-intensive universities, working at McMaster University is an opportunity to be involved in a thriving community comprised of internationally renowned professionals and research institutes.

McMaster University is principally sited on an attractive campus in west Hamilton, adjacent to residential neighbourhoods and the Royal Botanical Gardens' Cootes Paradise wetland and trails. It is possible to live within easy walking or cycling distance of the campus, with easy pedestrian-safe transportation on the nearby rail-trail.

Working at McMaster University brings a robust total rewards package, which is more than just a salary. The elements and structure of the total rewards packages vary by employee group but include:

• Employer-paid benefits including Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out-of-Country Travel Coverage & Basic Life Insurance
• Pension or Group RRSP matching plan (eligibility varies by employee group)
• Training, coaching and professional development opportunities
• Employee tuition assistance for development and education
• Opportunities to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning
• Progressive paid annual vacation plan

Please see Total Rewards Overview for MUALA for more Information.

Employment Equity Statement:

• McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement.
• The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
• The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
• As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language:

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

How to Apply    
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Link for External applicants.
If you are a current employee of our organization please use this link instead.
Application Webpage
Application Deadline: February 19, 2024 at 11:59pm