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. In addition, provide a sample of a finding aid (or several finding aids) for recently processed collection(s).
Submit both a cover letter and a resume as one PDF file. Please provide links to examples of DACS-compliant finding aid/s from your cover letter or attach them to the application and cover letter, as the system will only allow one upload. Applicants should submit examples of finding aids created in a professional or internship setting; class assignments will not be considered.
If you are having trouble and would like to submit the finding aids via email, please use [email protected].
Job Summary
The Bentley Historical Library (BHL) at the University of Michigan is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic, collaborative, and innovative professional as Archivist for Archival Processing (Archivist). This role plays a key part in BHL's mission to preserve the University of Michigan's history by focusing on making the university records and historical collections related to the University of Michigan accessible.
Working under close supervision of the Assistant Director for Collections Management and in close collaboration with members of BHL Curation Team and the University Archives and Records Program (UARP) within the BHL's Collections Team, the Archivist will primarily process the university records and collections related to the University of Michigan history, as well as select collections related to the history of the state of Michigan. These include records and publications from the University of Michigan academic and administrative units, executive officers, student and alumni organizations, as well as personal papers. Formats of materials include paper-based documents, born-digital records, and analog audiovisual materials.
As a member of the Curation Team, the Archivist will follow established guidelines for processing and managing both physical and digital records. This work includes the use of archival and digital preservation systems such as ArchivesSpace and Archivematica to ensure long-term access, organization, and stewardship of materials. The Archivist will receive all necessary training as well as ongoing mentoring and professional development support.
Because BHL operates in a highly collaborative environment, the ability to communicate effectively, work across teams, and consider the needs of diverse stakeholders is essential.
This position is primarily based at the BHL location within the North Campus Research Complex on Huron Parkway in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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 University of Michigan and the State of Michigan. Open to the public without fee, the Library welcomes researchers of all backgrounds. With over 11,000 research collections, including the records of U-M academic and administrative units, student and faculty life, 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 such as books, maps, and architectural drawings. Additionally, the historic Detroit Observatory on the University's central campus is a division of the Library, further enhancing its resources and outreach. This position is located with the Curation Team of the Bentley Historical Library. The team is responsible for access and long-term preservation of archival collections and provides storage and ongoing collections management for them.
For more information, please visit our website: bentley.umich.edu.
Responsibilities*
For extended Job Responsibilities, click here
- Appraises, arranges, describes, and performs collections management activities to preserve University of Michigan records and historical collections across diverse physical and digital formats, applying nationally accepted archival principles, standards, and best practices
- Applies inclusive and reparative description practices to new and existing collections to enhance representation of marginalized and underrepresented communities
- Collaborates with others on creating a systematic action plan aimed at reducing BHL's physical and digital backlog of university records and provides support for initiatives that strengthen web archiving practices for university resources
- Provides Reference Desk coverage on select Saturdays several times throughout the year
- Expands professional expertise by attending professional conferences and workshops, and engaging in continuing professional education opportunities.
Required Qualifications*
- Master's degree from an ALA-accredited institution, in-hand or in-process, or an advanced related degree, with relevant experience required
- Experience processing format-diverse archival collections of varying size and complexity in a professional setting, using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
- Familiarity with preservation practices and ethical considerations involved in processing archival collections
- Experience with, or understanding of, principles of More Product, Less Process (MPLP) and extensible processing methodologies
- Understanding of tools and software used to manage, preserve, and provide access to physical and born-digital archival records; familiarity with physical and digital collection management workflows
- Demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships and collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners
- Ability to work autonomously and make independent decisions within the scope of the assignments
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, and ensure deadlines are met
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
We believe all individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and have the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and a safe space for collaboration. Any concerns shared with Individuals with Reporting Obligations in the Bentley Historical Library will be reported to the Equity, Civil Rights, & Title IX Office to be reviewed and addressed, and the Bentley Historical Library encourages reporting of any forms of harassment, including sexual and gender-based harassment.
Additional Information
The salary range for this position is $61,000-$64,000 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. In-person Saturday Reference desk shifts are scheduled several times throughout the year.
Excellent benefits are available; for details, see http://benefits.umich.edu/.
Union Affiliation
This full-time faculty position is subject to the U-M/LEO-GLAM collective bargaining agreement. Appointment is at the Assistant Archivist level. The minimum salary for this position is $61,000 at the Assistant Archivist level. The salary range for this position is $61,000-$64,000 at the Assistant Archivist level.
This appointment is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between The University of Michigan (the "Employer") and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFT Michigan Local 6244, AFL-CIO on behalf of their Librarian, Archivists, and Curator bargaining unit (the "Union" or "LEO-GLAM"). Any questions on union membership should be directed to LEO-GLAM at [email protected]
It is the policy of the University of Michigan to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Pursuant to the 2025-2029 UM LEO-GLAM agreement, each appointing unit will designate an administrative contact ("administrative designee") who is responsible for communicating with the necessary parties about accommodation requests made by Employees in that appointing unit on each campus. The Administrative Designee for 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 are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. The anticipated hire date for this position is June 2026.
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.