How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and a resume as one PDF file (due to system limitations).
Job Summary
The Bentley Historical Library seeks a user-oriented, creative, and collaborative Archivist for Reference to join our Reference Team. The successful candidate will be committed to inclusive access and building an equitable researcher experience. This position will report to the Associate Director for Public Engagement.
The Reference Team, a part of the Bentley's Public Engagement division, facilitates access to the library's collections through in-person research, remote reference requests, and patron requests for duplication. We support researchers of all backgrounds and experience levels, including students, academics, and community members. Our work, guided by a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to applying archival standards and the principles behind them, is informed by user needs.
The successful candidate will have a passion for engaging in professional growth and development as well as sharing knowledge and giving back to our professional communities. Flexibility and an ability to adapt to various and evolving staff and user needs are a must.
Who We Are
The Bentley Historical Library, a vital part of the University of Michigan, is dedicated to collecting and promoting the study of the histories of the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan. Open to the public without fee, the Library welcomes researchers of all backgrounds. With over 11,000 research collections, including the papers of Michigan governors, records of student and faculty life, and the complete historical archive of Michigan's intercollegiate athletics, the Bentley provides a rich resource for historical research. The Library features a state-of-the-art conservation lab where expert archivists and conservators teach and preserve materials, including books, maps, and architectural drawings. Additionally, the historic Detroit Observatory located on the University's central campus is a division of the Library, further enhancing its resources and outreach.
For more information, please visit our website: bentley.umich.edu
Responsibilities*
- Support researchers in the reading room and around the world through reference and research consultation services
- Supervise Reference Assistants working in the reference department
- Serve as a primary point of contact for incoming remote reference requests and ensure efficient communication in support of the researcher's needs
- Collaborate with Reference Team members to develop new policies, documentation, and workflows to improve the research process for staff and researchers
- Contribute to the archival profession, whether through professional organizations or other efforts, and engage in continued education
Required Qualifications*
- Master's degree from an ALA-accredited institution and a minimum of three years of experience working in archives. An advanced degree in a related discipline, combined with experience in archival reference services, may be substituted
- Demonstrated experience providing research support to users with various levels of exposure to archives
- Demonstrated experience in using finding aids and other archival descriptions for discovery, and explaining the use of these tools to researchers
- Demonstrated experience creating a supportive and participatory supervisory environment for student employees or full-time team members
- Working knowledge of Aeon or another archival location and request management system
- Coursework or training in archival reference; knowledge of related standards and best practices
- Proven skill in effectively handling incoming requests and tracking deadlines
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Salary Information
The salary range for this position is $66,000-$69,000 annually. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position, and internal equity within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.
The mode of work for this position is Hybrid, with occasional Saturday hours.
Excellent benefits are available; for details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/
Union Affiliation
This faculty position is subject to the U-M/LEO-GLAM collective bargaining agreement. Appointment is anticipated at the Associate Archivist level. The minimum salary for this position is $66,000 at the Associate Archivist level. Salary ranks are dependent on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The salary range for this position is $66,000-$69,000 annually.
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, on behalf of their Librarian, Archivists, and Curator bargaining unit (LEO-GLAM), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
The University of Michigan complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. The Administrative Designee, who is responsible for communicating with Employees about requests for reasonable accommodations in the Bentley Historical Library, is Camille Ulrich. They may be reached at [email protected].
Employees on the Ann Arbor or Dearborn Campuses may also contact the Disability Equity Office by email at [email protected], by phone at 734-763-0235, or by visiting their website.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and will continue until the position is filled. The estimated beginning date for the appointment is mid-March.
Decision Making Process
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and will continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.