Archives Technician: Art, Archives and Special Collections, Mount Royal University - University Library - Archives and Special Collections, Calgary, AB

Location: Calgary, AB
Compensation: $55,982.00 - $70,841.00

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 14 bachelor degrees and 38 majors. Learn more at mru.ca/AcademicPlan.

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut'ina Nation, and the Métis. Learn more about MRU's Land Acknowledgement.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About the University Library

Housed in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre, the University Library is an integral part of the MRU experience. The Library values a healthy inclusive workplace, encourages a culture of innovation and teamwork, and provides support for professional development.  The Library team consists of approximately 60 employees.

The services, facilities, programming and expertise available in the Library support innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship across campus. The Library includes the Archives and Special Collections, and specialized and technology-enriched teaching and learning spaces, including information literacy classrooms, a Maker Studio, audio production rooms, and a range of visualization, simulation, and immersive spaces.  The library meets user information needs through responsive and accessible service and supports; builds capacity across campus for teaching, information literacy, knowledge creation and sharing; and works to strengthen relationships with diverse communities to support teaching, learning and scholarship. The Library's approach is rooted in evidence-based decision making through continuous learning and ongoing assessment of our initiatives and services. Acknowledging the historical exclusion of voices, perspectives and knowledge in libraries, we commit to Indigenous reconciliation, diversity, equity justice and inclusion in our work.
 
Description and Duties    
About the Role

Reporting to the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian, this position supports the management of and access to the University's Art Collection. They are responsible for ensuring that works of art are properly inventoried, described and catalogued. They support exhibition, storage, and the provision of  access to the art collection to members of the campus and the wider community.  This position collaborates with a range of teams and units across campus, including the University's Art Committee, campus interest groups, and employees in Facilities Management and Security Services to ensure that the University's art collection is displayed, described and maintained in alignment with campus policies and collections management best practices.  A member of the Archives and Special Collections team, they also contribute to describing, cataloguing, digitizing and processing the Library's archival collections and special library collections. Archival duties include rehousing of records for storage and preservation, development and maintenance of finding aids, cataloguing of rare books, and instructing and assisting users in the use of archival resources.


This is a permanent full-time position working 35 hours per week.  This is primarily an on-campus position; however, the opportunity to work approximately one day per week remotely may be available.


Responsibilities

• This position supports the care and maintenance of the university's Art Collection, which includes the follow responsibilities:
• Prepares, processes and maintains art collection records related to acquisition, accessioning/deaccessioning, loans, storage, exhibition and display.
• Conducts an annual audit to ensure that the location and condition of works is accurately documented.
• Describes art works according to defined standards for collection management, access, and exhibition purposes.
• Assists with the organization of exhibitions and the coordination of loans for display purposes
• Conducts research related to artworks and artists in the Art Collection, and other topics as required.
• Liaises with the university's Art Committee to ensure that the Art Collection is managed according to defined policy and procedures.
• Coordinates appraisals and ensures proper record keeping.

Archival responsibilities include:

• Supports the Archivist in the acquisition of archival and special library materials.
• Prepares and updates finding aids according to the Rules for Archival Description (RAD) and other descriptive standards
• Physically prepares records for storage through rehousing (boxing, foldering, labeling) according to archival best practices
• Ensures the long-term preservation of records in various formats through encapsulation, scanning, and by conducting minor conservation processes
• Assists with research and outreach projects, develops support materials, and helps with exhibit preparation as required to promote and expand access to collections.
• Staffs the archives service desk, providing research support in person or via email, ensuring user needs are met effectively.
• Instructs and assists users in the effective use of archival resources to meet information needs, drawing on up-to-date knowledge of archival practices and cataloguing standards for reliable and informed guidance.

Qualifications    

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• At least 2 years of relevant experience
• Experience working with archival materials and rare books, or experience working with art or museum collections.
• Experience collaborating across diverse teams to achieve goals.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Library, art, museum or archives-specific training or education such as Archives Society of Alberta's Archives Institute, Library or Archival Technician diploma, or a Masters in Library and Information Studies is an asset.
• Experience in a post-secondary organization is an asset.

Additional Information    
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify erecruiter@mtroyal.ca and we will work together on your accommodation request.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.

How to Apply    
Apply via the link at the bottom of the application webpage.
Application Webpage (URL): https://mtroyalca.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/3193
Application Deadline: April 11, 2025