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Entries Tagged as 'English'

Jefferson City, MO: Visual Materials Archivist, Missouri State Archives

2 Sep 2010
Archives Gig


POSITION TITLE: Archivist (Visual Materials)
STARTING SALARY: $2,996-$3,225/month

LOCATION: Kirkpatrick State Information Center
600 West Main Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Missouri State Archives

Definition:

This is a professional position that comprises a variety of standard archival practices, including, but not limited to, accessioning, arranging, housing, labeling, describing, and creating finding aids for state-created records of permanent historical value. This position reports to the Assistant State Archivist.

The archivist performs necessary work to assure the preservation and accessibility of historically accurate information. Assignments involve conducting inventories and surveys; recommending policies and procedures for managing records; and processing records for patron access.

NOTE: The examples of work performed for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Job functions and/or general responsibilities:

· Provides physical processing of incoming visual materials (photographs, maps, and motion picture film among other visual media) including receipt, labeling, removal of duplicate or harmful materials, shelving, and filing.

· Uses CONTENTdm digital management software to establish intellectual control over accessioned records and promotes access to the information that the records contain by the creation of descriptions.

· Prepares written reports on processing before creating finding aids.

· Recommends policies and procedures for management of visual materials.

· Identifies conservation problems and makes recommendations for preservation.

· Explains archival search methods to researchers.

· Performs direct archival research for government employees and officials, scholars, attorneys, the public, etc.

· Assists reference staff with correspondence and researchers, as needed.

· Works with Missouri Digital Heritage staff to provide digital access to statewide collections.

· Advises staff, volunteers, and interns on tasks related to job functions.

· Works on a wide variety of special projects, including, but not limited to, exhibit planning and production and promoting the Archives through public outreach and publications.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

· Knowledge of archival principles and established archival practices.

· Broad knowledge of Missouri history.

· Knowledge of the organization of state government.

· Knowledge of sources, methods, and techniques used in historical research.

· Some knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, public officials, private groups, and the public.

· Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Qualifications:

· A master’s degree in history, archival administration, historical administration, or library science (with an archival component) is preferred, as is archival certification from the Academy of Certified Archivists.

· Experience working with CONTENTdm digital collection management software strongly preferred.

· Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and scanning experience strongly preferred.

· Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Access, and Excel.

· Must be able to lift and carry a forty-pound box and climb a ladder to retrieve materials.

Posting Period: Position posted September 1, 2010. The minimum posting period will end October 1, 2010. After the minimum posting period, the position may be closed to new applicants and filled at any time.

Application Procedures: Application materials (cover letter, resume, completed application) may be mailed to: Attention: Archivist (Visual Materials), Human Resources, Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 1767, Jefferson City, MO 65101. EOE.

Source: Thanks to Christina Johnson for passing this announcement along to me!

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American Lawn

2 Sep 2010
Room 26 Cabinet of Curiosities

Margaret Anderson (YCAL MSS 265)

***

Gertrude Stein on the terrace of her villa at Biliguin with Pepe and Basket I, photographed by Carl Van Vechten (ZA Van Vechten)

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[Eugene O'Neill, wearing striped robe, sitting on lawn, reading, 1931]. (YCAL MSS 123)

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Photograph of Ezra Pound reclining in lawn chair at St. Elizabeth’s. (YCAL MSS 24)

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[Photograph of Margaret Canby in a lawn chair with a cigarette, 1929]. (YCAL MSS 187)

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Elizabeth Jenks Clark (YCAL MSS 265)

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Josephine Herbst. (ZA Herbst)

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On the lawn at Newport — standing: Miss Edgar (Edith Wharton’s cousin) and Edith Wharton; seated: Mr. Hoyt Gould, Lucretia Jones (Edith Wharton’s mother), and Teddy Wharton, ca. 1884. (YCAL MSS 42)

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Chicago, IL: Index Editor, City of Chicago

2 Sep 2010
Archives Gig


INDEX EDITOR
Office of the City Clerk

Number of Positions: 1

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Supervises Editorial Assistants and Proofreaders engaged in the review, tagging and classification of legal documents, legislative proposals, city council documents or other matters received and filed with the Office of the City Clerk in order to track and reference documents.

Oversees the receipt, maintenance and cataloguing of documents filed with the Office of the City Clerk, including committee meeting notices, agendas, and quarterly reports.

Attends City Council meetings and directs staff engaged in collecting, tagging and routing of documents during meetings to ensure the proper and efficient flow of documents between officials and/ or submission or transmittal to the Office of the City Clerk.

Establishes and implements work procedures and processes to ensure the timely and accurate proper tracking, cataloguing, recording and retrieval of all documents.

Trains and oversees staff in identifying and preparing key information contained in legal documents for entry and inclusion in a database used for tracking, researching and indexing of documents.

Directs and trains staff in the review, collection and distribution of data pertinent to city council legislation, meetings and associated activities
Prepares and proofreads draft copies of the Journal of Proceedings, Legislative Index and companion publications against original materials to ensure accuracy of content.

Oversees the preparation, compilation and editing of legislative data for structure and clarity and to ensure format, content, arrangement, style and utility meets specifications.

Prepares and edits indices, glossaries and directories for City Council documents and publications including monthly and annual Legislative Indexes for the Journal of Proceeding of the City Council.

Conducts research of Legislative Indexes, database records and archived records maintained by Office of the City Clerk in response to information requests from city officials, freedom of information requests and general inquiries.

Communicates with city officials, city departments and other agencies regarding the exchange or transfer of legislative documents.

Oversees filing and arrangement of original current documents in secured on-site vaulted area and coordinates with the Archivist on long-term preservation.
Performs related duties as required.

Evenings and Weekends are required as needed.

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Library Science or a directly related field, plus one year of work experience in the areas of research, desktop publishing, records management , writing and/or editing; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Selection Requirements
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

AND

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:
Researching and editing legal and/or technical documents
Experience organizing, cataloguing or classifying legal and/or technical documents
Experience using computer systems and/or other systems related to electronic record keeping
Software Experience ( ie. Microsoft Office)
Oversight and/or Supervisory experience related to the responsibilities of the position

NOTE: To be considered for this position you must provide information about your educational background and your work experience. You must include job titles, dates of employment, and specific job duties. (If you are a current City employee, Acting Up cannot be considered.) If you fail to provide this information at the time you submit your application, it will be incomplete and you will not be considered for this position. There are three ways to provide the information: 1) you may attach a resume; 2) you may paste a resume; or 3) you can complete the online resume fields.

NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma, professional license, or training certificates at time of processing, if applicable.

VETERANS PREFERENCE NOTE: If you have served in the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty continually for six months and have received an honorable or general discharge, you are eligible for Veterans Preference. In order to receive Veterans preference, you need to indicate whether or not you are a Veteran by answering “yes” or “no” to the question on your application that asks “Have you served in the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty continually for six months and received an honorable or general discharge?” In addition, you must attach a copy of your DD214 to your online application which includes Character of Service status. Failure to answer the question and attach your DD214 will result in you not being considered for the Veterans Preference.

Evaluation: Your initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application form and documents submitted with the application. Applications must be submitted by the individual applicant. No second party applicants will be accepted.

Residency Requirement: An employee must be an actual resident of the City of Chicago. Proof of residency will be required at the time of employment.

If you are disabled and require a reasonable accommodation to file your application, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources at 312-744-4976, TTY: 312-744-5035. You will be required to provide information regarding your request.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

City of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Source: Indeed, City of Chicago

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San Antonio, TX: City Archivist, City of San Antonio

2 Sep 2010
Archives Gig


Job Number / Title: 0033-CITY ARCHIVIST
Closing Date: 09/07/2010
Salary: $42,345.29 – $63,517.93 / Annually
Date Posted: 08/30/2010
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Office of the City Clerk
Grant Funded: No

Job Summary
Under general direction, responsible for the development, collection, registration, planning and preservation of the Historic Municipal Archives Program under the Office of the City Clerk. May supervise assigned staff.

Essential Job Functions
- Assists with the San Antonio’s Archival Program under the Office of the City Clerk;
- Assists with the daily operations of the Archives;
- Appraises, organizes and processes archival collections;
- Oversees collection management and determines unit task priorities; monitors collections for problems regarding preservation or research access;
- Coordinates exhibits and other outreach activities;
- Coordinates computerization of archival cataloging and finding aids;
- Provides reference assistance with research inquiries involving archival materials; answers questions and gives advice on preservation of documents;
- Participates in long and short range work planning;
- Provides reference and research services;
- Prepares grant applications and budgets;
- Explains policies and procedures to internal and external customers;
- Conducts training and public programs;
- Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job/Driving Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Records Management, Business Administration or related field;
- Five years of increasingly responsible experience in records storage and management, to include two years of supervisory experience;
- This position requires a valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License or obtain a valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License within thirty (30) days after becoming a resident of the State of Texas;
- Use of your own personal vehicle may at times be required and proof of Liability Insurance will be required.
- Substitution Ratio: City employees are allowed to substitute two years of related experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience. Effective July 9, 2010, external applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the job without substitution;
- ANY APPLICANT SELECTED FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO MUST RECEIVE SATISFACTORY RESULTS FROM PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING, REFERENCES, BACKGROUND CHECKS AND CREDENTIAL VERIFICATION. ADDITIONALLY, EMPLOYEES IN SENSITIVE OR HIGH RISK POSITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO INTERVAL CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, EMPLOYEES IN CDL POSITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING.

Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Archivist;
- Experience with EAD records;
- Experience with MARC records;
- Certification through the Academy of Certified Archivists highly desirable;
- Knowledge of current archival processes;
- Knowledge of principals and techniques for preservation of permanent and electronic records;
- Knowledge of personal computer programs such as MS Office Suite, scanning, space and Records Management;
- Ability to analyze technical and statistical data, make evaluations and recommendations;
- Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with all department employees, management, and the public;
- Ability to maintain positive public relations with conservation organizations;
- Ability to work with the public and interested citizen groups in the establishment of meaningful goals and objectives for the preservation of the City’s Records;
- Ability to coordinate division activities with other municipal departments;
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Physical Requirements
- Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 5 pounds.

Work Location
- 719 S. Santa Rosa, Municipal Records Facility

Work Hours
- 8:00 a.m. – 5:O0 p.m., Monday – Friday, Occasional Weekends & Evenings as required;
- At the Dept.’s Discretion, the Work Location and Work Days/Hours May Be Subject to Change;
- This position can be closed at any time.

Contact Rita Aguilar (207-8108) for further information.

The City of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Source: Indeed, City of San Antonio

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Molding Young Minds

2 Sep 2010
Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies

Last year my colleague Jill Severn and I embarked on a new outreach experience – the Adopt-A-Class program. This is a relatively new program which brings Athens area business people into local middle schools to promote career education and development.Now, I know what you’re thinking – since when is the Russell Library a “business”? Well, it isn’t exactly. But as a part of the University system,

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A little note

2 Sep 2010
Covered with papers

This comes from the papers of a local parish priest, probably from the 1920s.

Translation follows.

“Rev Padre:

This is the list of the young ladies who don’t sing and who really like to talk in the choir.”

Too bad we don’t have the informer’s name.

From Mary Taylor papers (in process), copyright NMSU Board of Regents.

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Poet Jean Valentine Reading

2 Sep 2010
Poetry at Beinecke Library

Jean Valentine, Poetry Reading
Wednesday, September 29th, 4:00 pm
Beinecke Library, 121 Wall Street
Yale Collection of American Literature Reading Series

Jean Valentine won the Yale Younger Poets Award for her first book, Dream Barker, in 1965; her tenth and most recent book of poetry, Little Boat, was published in 2007. In 2004, Door in the Mountain: New and Collected Poems 1965 – 2003, was the winner of the National Book Award for Poetry. A chapbook, Lucy, was published by Sarabande Books in 2009. A new collection, Break the Glass, is forthcoming from Copper Canyon Books. She was awarded the 2009 Wallace Stevens Award from the Academy of American Poets; she has received a Guggenheim Fellowship and awards from the NEA, The Bunting Institute, The Rockefeller Foundation, The New York Council for the Arts, and The New York Foundation for the Arts. For more information visit http://www.jeanvalentine.com/home.html. For more information contact nancy.kuhl@yale.edu.


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Yesterday and Today: Visions of China’s Art and Culture

2 Sep 2010
The Top Shelf

by Shari A; Salisbury, Bibliographer for History and Art & Art History.

In conjunction with the UTSA Art Gallery’s opening of the new art exhibition, “Images Speak to the World: Today’s China,” UTSA Libraries’ Special Collections Department is hosting an exhibit of books from the rare books collection as well as the circulating collection.

The art exhibition, brought here by the University of Texas at San Antonio Department of Art and Art History and the Confucius Institute at UTSA, runs from September 1-October 10 at the UTSA Art Gallery and features renowned artists from the China Photographers Association.

The books and accompanying materials included in the UTSA Libraries’ exhibit echo the focus of the 76 photographs in the art exhibition: the 38 World Heritage sites in China chosen for their cultural significance and value to humanity. Selected titles on Confucius, Chinese history, calligraphy, Chinese landscape art and architecture, and contemporary Chinese art are also featured in the exhibit.
Stop by the Special Collections Reading Room on the fourth floor of the John Peace Library to see the book exhibit through the end of September.

Exhibit co-curated by Shari A. Salisbury and Juli McLoone.

Title List of Books on Display:

Ciarla, Roberto, ed. The Eternal Army: The Terracotta Soldiers of the First Chinese Emperor. Vercelli: White Star; Maidstone: Amalgamated Book Services [distributor], 2005.

Douglas, Robert Kennaway. China. New York, Putnam, 1899.

Gascoigne, Bamber. The Dynasties of China: A History. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2003.

Hart, Virgil Chittenden. Western China: A Journey to the Great Buddhist Centre of Mount Omei. Boston, Ticknor and Company, 1888.

Jones, David, ed. Confucius Now: Contemporary Encounters with the Analects. Chicago: Open Court, 2008.

Kwo, Da-Wei. Chinese Brushwork in Calligraphy and Painting: Its History, Aesthetics, and Techniques. New York: Dover, 1990.

Liu, Tun-chen; Joseph C. Wang, ed.and Chen Lixian, trans. Chinese Classical Gardens of Suzhou. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993.

Martin, William Alexander Parsons. A Cycle of Cathay; or, China, South and North. With Personal Reminiscences. New York, Chicago [etc.] F.H. Revell Company, 1896.

Sullivan, Michael. Symbols of Eternity: The Art of Landscape Painting in China. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 1979.

Tucker, Mary Evelyn and John H. Berthrong, eds. Confucianism and Ecology: The Interrelation of Heaven, Earth, and Humans. Cambridge, Mass.: Distributed by Harvard University Press for the Harvard University Center for the Study of World Religions, 1998.

Wei, Haitian et al. Zhongguo Gai Ge Kai Fang de Gu Shi = Stories of China’s Reform and Opening-up. [Shenzhen?] : Zhongguo de gu shi chu ban you xian gong si, 2004.

Wilson, Mark et al. New World Order: Contemporary Installation Art and Photography from China. Groningen: Groninger Museum; London: Art Data [distributor], 2008.

Wong, Young-tsu. A Paradise Lost: The Imperial Garden Yuanming Yuan. Honolulu: University of Hawai’I Press, 2001.

Worswick, Clark and Jonathan D. Spence. Imperial China: Photographs 1850-1912. [New York]: Pennwick Publishing; [distributed by] Crown, 1978.

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Selma, AL: Multiple Positions, National Voting Rights Museum

2 Sep 2010
Archives Gig


Archivist/Curator for the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama

Minimum requirements: Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree preferred, proficiency in software, Background in history, museum studies, archeology or anthropology preferred

Salary range $45,000; medical insurance included

The salary for this position is commensurate with education and experience.
To be considered for this position, please email a letter of interest, Curriculum Vitae, and salary history to: Olimatta Taal at Jerrejef2@yahoo.com.

The Archivist/Curator will develop and implement a conservation plan. This new professional staff member will be responsible for ongoing maintenance and development of the museum’s physical archives, training staff in conservation techniques in accordance with archival standards, organization of the collection, creating inventories and developing brochures of each exhibit for users. He or she will manage and coordinate the fabrication of physical exhibits and related research, and coordinate the Living Legend Exhibits and ensure that they are videoed for the archives.


Digital Archivist

Minimum requirements: Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree preferred
Background in digitizing and repurposing, video editing, proficiency in software required

Salary range $45,000-55,000, medical insurance included
The salary for this position is commensurate with education and experience.
To be considered for this position, please email a letter of interest, Curriculum Vitae, and salary history to: Olimatta Taal at Jerrejef2@yahoo.com

The Digital Archivist will work with the Executive Director to develop a digital conversion plan and with the Information Technology/Education Specialist to identify volunteers to assist in scanning and video editing. He or she will manage the virtual museum and conversion of all archives to digital format, edit digital products, manage the image archiving process including document tracking information (Meta data) and trouble shooting and maintain and organize digital products on external storage. He or she will develop a format for the collection of relevant Meta data for each type of digital product, for example, date taken, people, event, etc. The Digital Archivist will function as an administrator of the Museum’s digital assets and serve as the point person to work with the Web Developer to develop the virtual museum and digital archives on the NVRMI’s website.


Information Technologist/Education Specialist for the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute in Selma, Alabama

Minimum requirements: Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree preferred, proficiency in software, Background in information technology or research required and video editing preferred

Salary range $35,000-$40,000: medical insurance included

The salary for this position is commensurate with education and experience.
To be considered for this position, please email a letter of interest, Curriculum Vitae, and salary history to: Olimatta Taal at Jerrejef2@yahoo.com

The Information Technologist/Education Specialist will act as the data base manager and researcher for physical exhibits and digital products under the direction of the archivist and digital archivist. He or she will develop exhibit descriptions and Meta data for the digital archives including researching Meta data for the extensive photography archives and will work with a 1965 Voting Rights Historian to develop Meta data on the 500 public domain photographs from the 1960’s. He or she will recruit volunteers and develop partnerships with universities and scholars.

Source: A&A Listserv

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Washington, DC: Contract Cataloger, Smithsonian Institution

2 Sep 2010
Archives Gig


CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY

Advance Notice, Quick Response Required: Deadline September 8, 2010

For more detailed information on the position, see the formal “Request for
Proposal” under “*Upcoming Deadlines*” at http://anthropology.si.edu

The Smithsonian Institution Department of Anthropology, National Museum of
Natural History, is seeking a contract cataloger to provide services to
enhance its two online research databases, the object catalog and the
archives catalog (http://anthropology.si.edu/onlinedatabases.html ), to
facilitate searches across collections. The Department maintains one of the
most significant anthropological collections in the world, with two major
archival units, the National Anthropological Archives and the Human Studies
Film Archives, in addition to the museum collection of anthropological
artifacts. The cataloger will work closely with other professionals in the
Collections and Archives Program to enhance the intellectual integration of
these units.

The cataloger will work on two tasks: standardizing culture terms, and
identifying connections between artifacts and associated field notes.

*Standardization of Culture Terms *

The cataloger will standardize ethnonyms usage across the artifact and
archives databases, applying established Smithsonian terminology. This will
involve review of terms currently appearing in the catalogs, which may
include archaic usage, and identifying current preferred usage per
established departmental standards. Data revisions will be entered into one
or more databases, following review. Collection records for North America
and Africa will be the primary focus of attention of this contract.

*Connecting Collection Records *

The cataloger will carry out research in internal records to identify field
collections with material in both object and archival units. This will
involve research in Smithsonian accession records to identify collectors and in archival records to identify related papers and field notes. Resultant data will be entered into one or more databases. Collections of the Bureau of American Ethnology (BAE) will be the primary focus of attention of this contract.

*Qualification and Criteria for Selection *

We are looking for:

- familiarity with culture terminology as used in the field of anthropology

- familiarity with museum and archives record systems, as demonstrated by
either training or research experience

- strong research skills using archival or other primary source material

- excellent data management skills

- excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

- existing familiarity with the project data (North American and African
culture terms; BAE collecting) is a plus

This is a “fixed price contract” in the amount of $40,000 for services over
a period of one year. The contract will be awarded on the basis of best
technical qualifications to complete the work. The individual selected will
work as an independent contractor rather than as an employee. No personal
benefits will be offered.

*Proposal Submission *

- cover letter or narrative (not to exceed 3 pages) describing your relevant
education and experience and familiarity, if any, with the data involved in
this project;

- contractor resume;

- three professional references; provide names, telephone numbers, and email
addresses.

Please submit all materials to Candace Greene at greenec@si.edu by
September 8, 2010 (by 5:00pm Eastern Time).

Source: A&A Listserv

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Internship: SAA Reference, Access, and Outreach Section

2 Sep 2010
Archives Gig


The Reference, Access, and Outreach Section (RAO) of the Society of American Archivists seeks volunteers for at least one unpaid internship for 2010-2011. (Two interns were selected for the pilot of this program in 2009-2010, and a report about the internship is available online on the RAO page of the SAA website – http://www2.archivists.org/groups/reference-access-and-outreach-section.) The intent of the internship is to provide an opportunity for a current graduate student or an archivist with less than three years experience in the profession to be actively involved in and observe the activities of the Section. The intern’s responsibilities will involve general communications and governance, but may include other Section initiatives based on the interests and needs of the intern and the Section. The intern will serve from the time of selection through the 2011 SAA Annual Meeting. (Attendance at the 2011 Annual Meeting is not required.)

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in archives, as evidenced by their employment, volunteering, internships, and/or coursework. Also important are attention to detail, good organizational and communication skills, flexibility, and a sense of humor.

Responsibilities will include the following:

* Communicate with RAO Steering Committee members regarding ongoing business, projects, concerns, etc.

* Participate in RAO projects, working groups, sub-committees, etc. as appropriate. Topics may include: needs identified through the RAO meeting discussion groups; ongoing projects of the section (such as National History Day, impact of MPLP upon users and reference archivists, Web 2.0/social media education for archivists, teaching about primary sources); or other identified priorities of the section.

* Monitor the RAO blog and Facebook group for potential improvements, revisions and/or corrections, posts or comments requiring responses.

* Assist RAO Webmaster as needed, particularly as SAA continues its transition to Drupal to support its online presence.

To apply for the RAO Section internship, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your reasons for interest in the internship, including potential topics of interest, to RAO Chair Jim Gerencser, gerencse@dickinson.edu, by September 15.

Source: A&A Listserv

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Scholar explores vaudeville circuits and regional architecture

2 Sep 2010
Cultural Compass

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Paula Lupkin, a professor in the American Culture Studies Program at Washington University in St. Louis, recently spent time as a fellow working in the Hoblitzelle-Interstate collection at the Ransom Center. Her research yielded some surprises and insights into the regional vaudeville circuits in the Southwest, which she shares here.

When I arrived at the Ransom Center to take up the Mayer Filmscript Fellowship, my intention was simple: to learn as much as possible about the design and use of the fabulous vaudeville theaters designed by architect John Eberson for the Interstate Amusement Company in Texas. These theaters are an important component in my study of regional architecture in the Southwest at the turn of the twentieth century.

Many of them are no longer extant, and it was essential to find period photography and documentation of the buildings themselves. The Center is home to the Hoblitzelle-Interstate collection, which has the most complete photographic record of the theaters, as well as accounts of their planning, construction, programming, and management. Right away I found wonderful pictures, theater programs, and company records that suggested how and why the buildings looked as they did. Through these materials I learned a great deal about these fantastical structures, which included themed interiors, starlit skies, luxurious lounges, and even child care centers.

To an architectural historian, these archival sources were rich indeed, but they were not the greatest treasure I found during my fellowship month. After about a week, I came across something that transformed and enriched the way I think about those theaters: a 1912 program for Interstate’s southwestern vaudeville circuit.

Of course I knew about circuits before I saw this pamphlet. From the first day in the archives, the company’s business records made it clear that the theater buildings were only one part of Interstate’s system of delivering talent to the public in a profitable and efficient way. The company assembled talent into programs of entertainment, known as “bills,” and then sent the acts on a railroad journey from theater to theater. Some were the elaborate venues designed by Eberson, but equally important were the smaller towns and more modest opera houses that allowed performers to travel profitably the long distances between places in this region, with regularly spaced “jumps” between gigs. The circuit was an experience designed from a business perspective to make efficient use of the existing rail lines to offer as many shows as possible on consecutive nights.

With this basic knowledge of the vaudeville circuit, I began to see that Interstate’s theaters were more than a regional group of buildings linked by a common architect and ownership; they served as a series of nodes within an entertainment transportation system. Interstate’s building activity was not restricted to theaters; the company was constructing patterns and systems of movement along the Illinois Central, the Frisco, the KATY, and the Missouri Pacific Railroads.

The 1912 pamphlet I found crystallized and confirmed this rereading of the history of theatrical architecture. This clever piece of ephemera presented Interstate and its southwestern vaudeville circuit in the guise of a railroad system. The red cover introduced “The Interstate Line” as “the Route of Superior Attractions.” As was typical in railway literature of the time, the name of the president and local agents of both the national and local officials of the company are listed in the brochure. The “railway” president was the company president, Karl Hoblitzelle. The “traffic manager” is listed as Cecilia Bloom, the company’s booking agent. For each city on the circuit, the local theater manager is listed as the “city passenger agent.” The week’s entertainment bill is presented as a special train, “The Interstate Flyer,” which leaves from Chicago and runs in seven sections (acts) to Fort Worth, and then on to the rest of the cities on the circuit.

With this pamphlet in hand, as it became clear to me that the Interstate Company envisioned itself not as a series of theaters, but an infrastructural system and a space-time experience that united performers and audiences across the southwest. Actors traversed the territory in a series of rail cars, dressing rooms, hotels, and restaurants, playing to urban audiences in theaters in Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Galveston, and Birmingham. The performers and audiences were linked together, defining a regional entertainment landscape.

My newfound understanding of the theaters as part of the railroad-based geography of the vaudeville circuit fits very well into my developing project, “The Great Southwest: Trade, Territory, and Regional Architecture.” Most studies of regional architecture focus on formal and material similarities between buildings in a particular location. My project moves away from style and suggests instead that regional architectural patterns are formed by banking, commerce, and transportation networks. Looking at the triangular strip of land between St. Louis and Texas in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, I map financial and architectural connections between buildings and sites along the conduits of the railway lines.

What I found in the Hoblitzelle-Interstate collection helped me understand that these buildings are regional not on the basis of their appearance, but as elements of a regional entertainment system: like beads strung along a necklace. The “Interstate Line” brochure encapsulated that in a series of images, confirming that my own way of understanding the theaters was shared by the company itself, and no doubt by the vaudeville performers themselves, whose lives and experiences were defined by movement from theater to theater on the spine of the railroad system.

Exterior lights at night of the Majestic Theatre Fort Worth. Hoblitzelle-Interstate Collection.

Exterior lights at night of the Majestic Theatre Fort Worth. Hoblitzelle-Interstate Collection.

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A White House Renovation

2 Sep 2010
Theodore Roosevelt Center Blog

The White House yesterday released pictures of the remodeled Oval Office. Calm, soothing colors permeate the room with reupholstered sofas and a new rug. Upon the rug are quotes from some of the nation’s most respected leaders: Martin Luther King Jr. (though his quote is disputed), Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and, lastly, Theodore Roosevelt. It is fitting, then, that we take a moment to look at the first major restoration and renovation project at the White House, undertaken by the Roosevelts in 1902. The Rooseveltian renovation aimed to turn the damp and dark mansion into a symbol of the presidency itself.

During the summer of 1902, the president was forced to find new quarters to finish his business in Washington. The White House had been turned into a construction zone. Edmund Morris described the scene in Theodore Rex: “Carpenters were busy salvaging historic bits of floorboard, and plaster dust floated out of every window”. The president had already told architect Charles F. McKim of the urgency of the project. In a letter dated May 10, 1902, Roosevelt told McKim that the new office building (what would become the West Wing) and the living quarters had to be finished by October first. One of the most interesting things to me in this same letter is Roosevelt’s instructions that local labor be used as much as possible for the construction. I had thought the emphasis on using local labor and products was a more recent phenomenon.

Edith Roosevelt at her writing desk in the remodeled White House, 1903

Once the carpenters and painters had finished their work, first lady Edith Roosevelt finished the transformation. She decorated and furnished over twenty rooms, which were newly renovated or newly added to the White House. The rooms included new reception halls, an expanded State Dining Room, and a new entrance way with a grand staircase designed to showcase portraits. Edith’s letter to McKim on August 21, 1902 is almost entirely about pictures and where they should hang in the house. She decided to put “the ladies of the White House, including myself” in the new corridor near the grand staircase. However, she was “afraid the Presidents will still have to hang in the red and green rooms.” Edith was keen to get McKim’s opinion as she worked to prepare the White House to receive her family in the fall. Indeed, the White House would not be completed until the President’s return from his famous Mississippi hunting trip in November.

The effect of the renovations was to create the illusion, one observer of the time said, that the house was suddenly much larger. It was more open, lighter, and more welcoming. Pipes, boilers and radiators had been hidden from sight, and the new reception halls allowed for a greater flow of traffic, allowing the President to shake even more hands than before. The outside remained unchanged except for the removal of greenhouses from the western side, allowing the second pillared pavilion to be seen for the first time in years.

The renovation successfully conveyed what Roosevelt had hoped to achieve: access to power, prosperity, dignity and quiet elegance. However, Roosevelt could not resist adding a touch of himself into the renovations: the enlarged State Dining Room became home to several game trophies that calmly watched over the diners. I think I like the new striped wallpaper in President Obama’s Oval Office better myself.

Photo: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

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Archiving Failure

2 Sep 2010
Keeping Time

The Chronicle reports on the Beta Graveyard at MIT Libraries, a record of failed and retired apps.

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Letter of the Day: September 2

2 Sep 2010
A Repository for Bottled Monsters

War Department,

Surgeon General’s Office,

Washington, DC, Septbr. 2nd, 1870

 

General,

 

I have the honor to report that in obedience to instructions from the Adjutant General’s Office, dated September 1st, 1870, I have this day re-enlisted Hospital Steward Geo. A. Jones, to date from August 31st, 1870, and have ordered the steward to report in person, fro duty, to the Surg Genl.

 

I herewith resp. transmit a copy of his enlistment papers.

 

E. E. Townsend

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The Blood-stained letter and Native American documents

2 Sep 2010
UGA Libraries News & Events » Special Collections

“When you see this letter stained with the blood of my husband …”

Of the 1,000 or so original documents and visual images preserved in the Southeastern Native American Documents, 1730-1842 collection, few evoke pathos for the Indians’ plight as “the blood-stained letter” – written by the widows of Creek leader William McIntosh – appealing to the U.S. government for help.

McIntosh was killed by fellow Creeks opposed to the ceding of their land to the white settlers. In the letter, Peggy and Susannah McIntosh describe their dire situation and beg the officials to remember their pledge to assist and protect them. A description and transcription of the letter is available here, along with scans of the original.

Most of the documents, dated 1763 to 1842, are from the Cherokee tribe, but other tribes are represented, including Seminole and Creek. The documents include treaties,letters from tribal members, letters to the tribes from state representatives, military orders regarding Native Americans and the first 18 months of the first newspaper published in a Native American language, the Cherokee Phoenix.

The significance of these documents extends beyond traditional political and diplomatic history into the daily lives of Native Americans and their new European neighbors. These collections testify to the richness and continued viability of Native American culture even as it was encroached upon and eroded by European settlement. Letters of complaint to white government officials from Native Americans demonstrate their ability to contend with European institutions with a resourcefulness that belies the commonly held stereotypes from that period of Indians as violent savages or helpless victims.

Check out the Digital Library of Georgia’s blog at:

http://blog.dlg.galileo.usg.edu/

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TSLAFriends announces Board of Directors…

2 Sep 2010
The Posterity Project

Back in November 2009 I posted a note about the formation of a new group called TSLAFriends, whose mission is to “support the Tennessee State Library and Archives by joining in its work to preserve and share Tennessee history.”

After several months of hard work, TSLAFriends President, Steve Richards, formally announced by e-mail the completion of the group’s Board of Directors, of which I am honored to be a part as TSLAFriends Treasurer. Here’s the list of our inaugural Board of Directors:

  • Steve Richards, President, Nashville
  • Ellen Myrick, President Elect, LaVergne
  • Fletch Coke, Secretary, Nashville
  • Gordon Belt, Treasurer, Nashville
  • Rep Steve McDaniel, West Tennessee Representative, Parkers Crossroads
  • Paul Matthews, West Tennessee Representative, Memphis
  • Virginia Watson, Middle Tennessee Representative, Brentwood
  • Paul Clements, Middle Tennessee Representative, Franklin
  • Cheryl Henderson, East Tennessee Representative, Knoxville
  • Bruce Wheeler, East Tennessee Representative, Knoxville
  • David Ewing, Member at Large, Nashville
  • Chuck Sherrill, TSLA, Brentwood
  • Jami Awalt, TSLA liaison, Nashville

Our first board meeting will be held in Nashville on Thursday, October 7, 2010. Things are really starting to come together, and I’m looking forward to sharing with you more information about TSLAFriends and our activities in the very near future, including how to join TSLAFriends in its support of the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Stay tuned!

RELATED LINKS:

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Storm warning in Florida: Here comes Kester Sink

2 Sep 2010
North Carolina Miscellany

Mt. Airy native Alex Sink, 62, is the Democratic candidate for governor of Florida. This account appeared in the St. Petersburg Times during her successful 2006 campaign for state chief financial officer:

“Sink is the great-granddaughter of ‘the twins,’ as she calls them. She grew up in the house Chang and Eng built….  She speaks of their commitment to education, intellectualism and the business savvy for a couple of P.T. Barnum circus attractions to decide to cut out the middle man to make enough money to become farmers….

“Strangers would come to see her house growing up. On the streets of Mount Airy, people would sometimes stop and ask the little girl with the hint of oriental features, ‘Are you one of the Bunkers?’…

” ‘We didn’t talk about it a lot. I grew up in a puritan age and there was always the sex thing,’ she said, referring to twins’ nearly two dozen children. Then there’s the pride in community: ‘Here are these two circus attractions who ended up settling in redneck North Carolina and were accepted in the community.’

“Sink’s father, Kester Sink (a very un-PC pistol we last saw ogling waitresses at a West Tampa campaign event during her husband Bill McBride’s gubernatorial campaign in 2002 –  precisely why, Sink says, he’ll be kept out of sight in this campaign) still lives in the Eng/Chang home and talked to National Geographic:

” ‘Sink, a successful businessman who owns the largest chunk of Bunker land, does not suffer fools and ferociously protects the Bunker legacy. “They were not freaks,” he says with a stare that dares you to think otherwise. “They were human beings who had a tremendous physical adversity to overcome. They left their home in Siam, their mother and family, and immediately picked up the language, mores, and manners of their adopted country. They were gutsy, smart, and self-confident.” ‘ ”

This just in from the Mt. Airy News: Kester Sink, now 86,  “so far has only participated in [Alex's] campaign from a distance [but] is planning to journey to Florida as the governor’s race hits the home stretch.”

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PHOTO GALLERY ‘CHURCHES ON THE MOVE’

2 Sep 2010
Presbyterian Research

The traction engine maneuvering the Owaka Church vestry

Over the years photographs have accumulated highlighting the various strategies used to tranfer  a church building from one location to another.   Our Spring Gallery highlights the moving of several churches spanning 100 years.  There are others which we know of but have no images to display.  If you have knowledge or photographs of churches on the move we would be delighted to learn more.

Tagged: Photographs, transporting churches

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Ashland Pennsylvania Tennis Club Invitation 1888

2 Sep 2010
ephemera

Tennis anyone? An eBay seller is offering this 1888 invitation from the Ashland Tennis Club of Ashland, PA. A very rare item and a must for anyone who collects tennis-related ephemera.


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Can you date this photograph? (Hero of Waterloo Hotel, The Rocks)

2 Sep 2010
Archives Outside

 It’s a well known fact that The Rocks has many hotels/pubs…..although there are elegant 5 star establishments the ones with the most character are those that are still standing and serving drinks just like they were over a 100 years ago.  One that falls into the later category is the Hero of Waterloo…….and like most Aussie pubs it’s on a corner.  This is such a great image and we would like help in identifying the time period it was taken…so over to you…. 

Larger version on Flickr

We have many other undated photographs in Photo Investigator and on our Flickr account. If you know the dates or any other interesting facts about these images please let us know.

Post from: Archives Outside@State Records NSW

Can you date this photograph? (Hero of Waterloo Hotel, The Rocks)

Most Commented Posts

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2010 New York Archives Month poster

1 Sep 2010
L'Archivista

October is New York Archives Month, and the 2010 Archives Month poster, which features a great image from the holdings of the Rochester Museum and Science Center Archives, is now available. If you would like to help publicize Archives Month, your friendly Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) Regional Archivist has a supply of posters on hand.
If you work at a repository that is hosting a New York Archives Month event, please inform your DHP Regional Archivist, who will ensure that your event is listed on the New York State Archives’ October 2010 Events and Activities calendar.
If your repository is located in the New York City area and your event is taking place between October 10-16, please contact both your DHP Regional Archivist and the Archivists Round Table of Metropolitan New York, which will list your event in its 2010 Archives Week calendar (NB: Archives Week listings must be submitted no later than September 15).

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Howard Finster Documentary

1 Sep 2010
Coca-Cola Conversations

Finster Jennifer Lindsay Sullivan (in photo to left) of TheArtTrade.Com and David Leonardis of the Howard Finster Vision House Museum were in the Archives today filming an interview for a documentary they are producing on Howard Finster and his art.  The documentary, titled Delivering on Howard Finster’s Painted Message will include a section on Finster’s use of the contour bottle shape as a canvas for his art.  The interview was fun and I can’t wait to see the finished piece.

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Bonjour. Hello. Hola. Aloha.

1 Sep 2010
Historical Notes from OHSU

Just like Sara mentioned yesterday here I am, the “lovely and capable” Emily Ford. I won’t out-rightly contest her claims about me, but I will say this: I’m not new to blogging, and I’m not new to historical and special collections, but I am new to this blog and to these historical collections and archives. I hope that over the next few months I’ll be able to share my insights into our collections and work with you.

More information here.
One of the things I love about living in the digital age is making connections between resources in our communities. Perhaps one of my favorite connections is browsing through the OHSU Historical Collections & Archives Collection on the OHSU Digital Resources Library. It contains entertaining nuggets like this image of a female student holding a skeleton on her lap.

One of my other favorite ways to explore historical collections is to find connections from what happened “on this day.” According to the New York Times, September 1st marked the beginning of WWII in 1939 (and the day that Bobby Fisher won the international chess crown in 1972), among other events.

More information here

So what was happening at OHSU during WWII? Well, a quick search in the Digital Resources Library, finds numerous images, but this one struck me more than the others. Drill practice! Can you name the buildings in the picture?

I’ll be back next week, faithful readers, with more of my impressions of OHSU history, and the materials we have. I regret that I may not be able to bring to you daily what Sara was able, but I’ll try my best to give you nuggets a few times a week. And of course, Karen will continue with her in depth historical views this Friday.

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New York, NY: Assc. Head of Archival Collections, New York University

1 Sep 2010
Archives Gig


Associate Head of Archival Collections (#20091581)
New York University

Position Summary: New York University’s Tamiment Library is an internationally known special collection repository that collects, preserves, and provides access to the documentary and visual heritage of the American radical and labor movements.

New York University Libraries seeks an Associate Head for Archival Collections to manage the Tamiment Library’s archival program (both text and non-text). The Associate Head for Archival Collections is a key member of senior management team of Tamiment Library and will help set policy and formulate the library’s strategic direction. This is an exciting opportunity to administer a growing archival program that has attracted considerable grant funding and scholarly attention. The Associate Head will also work with NYU’s Digital Library Team and Preservation Department to develop programs and policies for digital preservation and managing digital records.

Responsibilities include managing all aspects of the Tamiment Library’s archival processing, preservation, public service, and digitization programs; establishing policies and procedures, and working with processing staff including professional archivists, interns, and student workers to determine workflows, arrange and describe archival collections, personal papers, photographs, oral histories, and other non-text collections; training staff in archival practice, Tamiment’s internal procedures, and the use of the Archivist’s ToolKit. The Associate Head for Archival Collections oversees access to Tamiment’s archival collections, consults with users, and conducts classes in bibliographic instruction.

The Associate Head will work with NYU’s Digital Library Team to set priorities and manage digitization projects including the compilation of technical and descriptive metadata and with the Preservation Department to manage preservation and conversation programs.

Qualifications/Required Education: M.A. in History or related field; Formal archival training

Preferred Education: Advanced degree in labor history and the history of radical politics. Candidates with MLS degrees are desirable

Required Experience: 7 years of progressively responsible archival experience, including at least three years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Experience: Experience managing digital projects; record of professional involvement in archival organizations at the national and/or regional level.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Expertise in EAD, the use of the Archivist’s ToolKit, the DACS standard, managing digital projects, technical and descriptive metadata, archival preservation.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Applicants should have excellent organizational and communication skills, subject knowledge, ability to work independently and collaborative with donors from the labor and left communities, administrators, colleagues, students, and faculty, commitment to engage in scholarship relating to archival theory and practice and/or the Tamiment Library’s subject areas. Certified Archivist preferred. Candidates with MLS degree desirable. For those with appropriate credentials, a faculty appointment will be considered.

When you come to work at New York University, it’s more than just a job that awaits you. You have the opportunity to Experience Excellence.

You are joining an exciting intellectual and cultural community, one where employees – faculty and staff – come together to create a unique product: excellence in education and research. You are part of a diverse, multi-cultural and creative institution, one with a world-wide reputation as a leader in higher education. NYU is the largest private university in the United States, with 12,000 faculty and staff from all over the world and 40,000 students from all 50 states and more than 120 foreign countries. NYU offers opportunities to have an impact on a truly global level.

To add to the stimulating environment, NYU is centered in Greenwich Village – a legendary urban neighborhood, rich in cultural offerings and with a delightful small town character quite unlike any other. Employees have the experience of working in a small town inside a big town, with the best that both have to offer.

For more information about working at NYU and to apply for this position, visit our website at: www.nyucareers.com. When asked “How were you referred to NYU?”, please select “X3-HERC” from the drop-down menu. We accept online applications only.

NYU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Source: HERC

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Nacogdoches, TX: 2 Positions, Stephen F. Austin State University

1 Sep 2010
Archives Gig


Archives & Repository Librarian
POSTED: Aug 31
Salary: 40,000.00 – 50,000.00
Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
Employer: Stephen F Austin State University
Type: Full Time – Experienced

Job Description

The East Texas Research Center (ETRC) at Stephen F. Austin State University seeks to fill the position of Archives & Repository Librarian. This is a faculty-status position responsible for implementing and coordinating the processing and digitization of university archival materials in all formats for inclusion in the university’s institutional repository. The successful candidate will also be responsible for coordinating and maintaining the university’s Records Management Program in accordance with standards established by the Texas State Library. S/he will perform inventories of record storage areas and coordinate scheduling of records disposition.

NOTES:
Additional Salary Information: Commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Requirements for this position include a master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association-accredited institution, or a master’s degree in public history with an emphasis in archival studies. Two years of related experience and familiarity with historical research methods and database searching are preferred.


Special Collections Librarian
POSTED: Aug 31
Salary: 40,000.00 – 50,000.00
Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
Employer: Stephen F Austin State University Type: Full Time – Experienced
Required Education: Masters

Job Description

The East Texas Research Center (ETRC) at Stephen F. Austin State University seeks to fill the position of Special Collections Librarian. This is a faculty-status position responsible for preserving, arranging, describing, and processing materials along with the creation of finding aids for the ETRC. The successful candidate will provide professional reference and research assistance and assist in developing public programming and outreach activities, including the research and installation of exhibits, tours, orientation sessions, and classroom programs. S/he will identify material for inclusion into the library’s digital repository and will be responsible for ETRC’s Regional Historical Resource Depository (RHRD) requests and statistical data.
NOTES: North American Residents Only.
Additional Salary Information: Commensurate with experience

Requirements

Requirements for this position include a master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association-accredited institution, or a master’s degree in public history with an emphasis in archival studies. Formal training in archival management and preservation is required. Two years of related experience and familiarity with historical research methods and database searching are preferred.

Source: SAA Career Center

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Lexington, KY: Director of Archives, University of Kentucky Libraries

1 Sep 2010
Archives Gig


Director of Archives
Posted Sep 01
University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington, KY

Lexington, KY 40506-0456
http://www.uky.edu/Libraries
September 1, 2010

POSITION: Director of Archives, Job #SM532124
AVAILABLE: Immediately

DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The University of Kentucky seeks an archivist to administer the Archives Department within the Special Collections Division (SC) http://www.uky.edu/Libraries/SCDP .

• Reports to the Associate Dean for Special Collections (SC)
• Serves on SC management group that collaboratively administers a division comprised of Archives, the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History Center, Special Collections Library, the Keeneland Library, and the Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Research Center.
• Responsible for the administration of an archival program which includes manuscripts, university archives, audio-visual, public policy and Bert T. Combs Appalachian collection.
• Archives personnel include four faculty archivists, two professional staff, and two staff archivists. Evaluates and facilitates employee development towards effective service, tenure, and professional achievement.
• Administers Archives budget. Responsible for the archival supply budget, the materials budget, and the student budget.
• Working collaboratively with archivists within the Archives, develops long-range planning for Archives in the context of SC strategic planning and implementation. Establishes priorities for collection development, collection management, processing, preservation, access, and resource development in line with the goals of SC.
• Cultivates past and prospective donors and pursues grants and other development opportunities to further the goals of the Archives. Has primary responsibility for university donor relations.
•Maintains archives web pages and oversees finding aid submissions to the Kentuckiana Digital Library and catalog records to Voyager as primary access tools to the collection.
• Working collaboratively with archivists within the Archives, establishes and maintains collection development, collection management, processing and preservation procedures in relation to nationally recognized best practices and standards.
• Works with Special Collections Library to ensure smooth and effective provision of service to primary source material and referral of involved reference on these materials from the Research Room.
• Provides outreach services and activities that draw the University community in to use SC facilities and Archives collections.
• Leads collection and preservation assessment activities including gathering of collection statistics for ARL.
• Works with Digital Library Services to ensure opportunities presented by online access are maximized to enable self-sufficiency by users.

QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED):
= Graduate degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program.
= Minimum three years professional library experience working with archival materials.
= Demonstrated commitment to high archival standards.
= Substantive public service and supervisory experience.
= Effective written and oral communication skills.
= Demonstrable computer and information technology skills.
= Strong management skills.
= Ability to interact positively and productively in a collegial academic environment with library colleagues and library users.
= Commitment to ongoing professional development and activity and evidence of the ability to meet University of Kentucky requirements for promotion and tenure.

QUALIFICATIONS (DESIRED):
= Academic specialization/advanced degree in a related field such as history or archives/records management.
= Experience working with special collections materials in an academic library setting.

SALARY and BENEFITS: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Tenure track, 12-month appointment, 22 days annual leave, TIAA/CREF and Fidelity retirement plans. Additional benefits information.
LIBRARY: Located in the beautiful bluegrass region of central Kentucky, the University of Kentucky Libraries system includes the main William T. Young Library, Medical Center Library, Special Collections, Agricultural Information Center, Little Fine Arts Library, Design Library, Education Library, Engineering Library, and Science Library. Combined holdings total more than 3.5 million volumes. The system has a faculty of 70 and a support and professional staff of 100 and serves a student body of 28,000. The UK Libraries use the Voyager integrated library system. Library membership includes ARL, SOLINET, ASERL, and the Center for Research Libraries, and is a regional depository for U.S. government publications.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
TO APPLY FOR JOB for job #SM532124, a UK Academic Profile must be submitted online by clicking below.
If you have any questions, contact HR/Employment, phone (859)257-9555 press 2 or email ukjobs@email.uky.edu .

Application deadline is September 30, 2010, but may be extended as needed.
Upon offer of employment, successful applicants for certain positions must undergo a national background check as required by University of Kentucky Human Resources.

The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from minorities and women.

Faculty Recruitment Web pages:
http://www.uky.edu/professors/
http://www.uky.edu/Provost/APFA/Recruitment/

Additional Information About Lexington, Kentucky and the Surrounding Area:
http://www.visitlex.com
http://www.commercelexington.com

Source: LibGig

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North Carolina Emeralds

1 Sep 2010
North Carolina Miscellany

One of our faithful readers pointed out this recent story about a 310 carat emerald that was recently found in Alexander County.

North Carolina Emerald: Big, green, and very rare

The NC Collection has several items related to emeralds in North Carolina. Click on the link below to see a catalog record of the items:

Emeralds — North Carolina

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History in the palm of his hand…

1 Sep 2010
The Posterity Project

Apparently, Glenn Beck must have confused the time he visited the National Archives with his screening of “National Treasure.” Nicolas Cage would be so proud…

During his much-ballyhooed “Restoring Honor” rally on Saturday, Glenn Beck told a whopper involving the founding father who was supposedly unable to tell a lie: George Washington…

…Beck also invoked Washington while describing the inspiring experience of visiting famous tourist destinations around the nation’s capital. “I have been going to Mt. Vernon,” he explained. Holding out his hands for emphasis, he declared with emotion, “I went to the National Archives, and I held the first inaugural address written in his own hand by George Washington.”

It was an eyebrow-raising revelation and certainly an original image: Beck cradling the actual words of the first president. But would the persnickety gatekeepers of the nation’s historical legacy at the National Archives allow some talk show bombthrower to put his mitts on a rare (and fragile) artifact? The answer, it turns out, is no way. Beck was not telling the truth.

Beck did receive a special VIP tour of the archives, arranged by an as-yet unidentified member of Congress. During that tour, he did get a peek inside the “legislative vault,” which isn’t open to ordinary visitors. But Archives spokeswoman Susan Cooper insists that Beck didn’t lay a finger on any precious documents, much less George Washington’s inaugural address. That would be a major violation of policy. “Those kinds of treasures are only handled by specially trained archival staff,” she explains. Cooper acknowledges that someone at the archives did show the document to Beck, but that was the extent of it. Regarding Beck’s claim that he held the document, Cooper says that seeing such documents for the first time can be a very emotional experience. “I’m certain it was a figure of speech,” she says.

Click here to read more from this article by Mother Jones staff reporter, Stephanie Mencimer.

RELATED LINKS:

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