Position Summary

The Instruction and Outreach Archivist is responsible for archival instruction and outreach to the University of the South students, faculty, staff, and the local community. This individual promotes the Archives as the University’s liberal arts laboratory. In so doing, they lead archival instruction initiatives and collaborate with faculty and staff to create related primary source instruction and hands-on opportunities with archival and special collections resources. In addition, this individual works to increase the visibility and use of Archives collections and exhibits across campus, foster relationships with University projects and programs, and create community outreach and engagement opportunities. They also actively participate in general Archives support activities.

Typical Duties & Responsibilities:

Education and Instruction

• Develop and lead general orientations to the University Archives and Special Collections
• Collaborate with faculty to design and teach customized archival instruction sessions
• Work with faculty to develop archival projects within classes or to integrate archival materials into classes
• Design instructional materials, such as LibGuides, for frequently researched topics or for class use
• Schedule, plan, and organize class sessions at the Archives
• Work with the Digital Archivist to help determine materials for digitization and online exhibits useful for University classes and general outreach

Outreach and Community Engagement

• Strengthen outreach and connections to University programs, departments, projects, and student organizations 
• Promote awareness of Archives through various outlets, including social media
• Plan special events, tours, workshops, etc., related to archival resources
• Enhance and increase engagement with archival exhibits by creating activities for University classes or school groups upon request

Actively participate in general Archives and Special Collections support activities

• Assist with reference services
• Contribute to exhibit research, production, and installation
• Collaborate on ensuring resources are easily discoverable and accessible to users
• Participate in departmental planning, policy development, and decision-making
• Participate in LITS and University organizations, committees, and task forces
• Page and reshelve materials
• Other duties as assigned

Education

Master’s degree in archival studies, library science, history, or a related field with an archival concentration or significant coursework in archives.

Experience

• 1-2 years of experience in archives or special collections strongly preferred. 
• Some experience providing instruction. Experience providing archival instruction is highly desired. 

Job-Related Skills

• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of active learning and best practices related to teaching with primary source materials. 
• Engaging teaching and presentation skills.
• Experience with special collection, archival, or museum exhibition promotion. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of professional archival standards, best practices, and technologies for accessing, arranging, describing, and preserving archival materials.

About The University of the South

The University of the South, commonly known as Sewanee, comprises a nationally ranked residential College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. The University is strongly committed to the values of intellectual inquiry, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and living and serving in community. Situated on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is known for its stunning natural beauty while providing easy access to Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to help employees of all backgrounds and identities flourish.

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