Archivist (Permanent, Full-Time)

University Archivist, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON - Deadline - February 19, 2024

University Archivist, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON - Deadline - February 19, 2024
University Archivist, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

McMaster University houses one of North America's leading academic research libraries. Mills Memorial Library (humanities and social sciences); Thode Library (science and engineering); Innis Library (business) and the Bertrand Russell Archives. The University Library is home to the world-renowned William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections as well the Lewis & Ruth Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship.
The University Library aims high, aspiring as it does to be a catalyst of intellectual activity for the University and its many diverse communities. Through its many programs, the University Library supports the University's research and teaching mission by advancing knowledge and discovery, inspiring creativity and building community. The Library delivers innovative and inclusive services, welcoming spaces and exemplary collections to accelerate research, enhance learning and improve the user experience.
The University Library employs approximately 100 permanent FTE as well as 80 student assistants, post-doctoral fellows, interns and co-op students. Employee Group: McMaster University Academic Librarians Association
Salary Grade/Band: Level 2 or 3
McMaster University Library is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative archivist to join the Distinctive Collections Division.
Working closely with the Associate University Librarian for Distinctive Collections, the Health Sciences Library Archivist, and the Privacy & Records Management Specialist in the University Secretariat, they will draft policies, procedures, and guidelines for a university archives program for discussion and approval. The incumbent will participate in meetings and outreach with McMaster University departments and offices in support of this work.
As policy and other documents take shape, the incumbent will, with support from the Libraries and the University Secretariat, collaborate with the Privacy & Records Management Specialist to identify potential archival records in the possession of McMaster departments and offices, giving attention to at-risk or high-priority records that may require more immediate action. As time allows following the approval of draft documents, transfer of such records may begin as proof-of-concept for the policies and procedures developed in the earlier stages of work, with the incumbent completing the necessary transfer processes and archival arrangement and description. Policies and procedures may be edited or refined based upon this experience.
Work collaboratively on the development of policies, practices, and guidelines related to university archives. Collaborate with the University Secretariat, University Library, and Health Sciences Library to integrate university archives with broader university records management practices. Draft a proposed mandate for the University Archives and a University Archives Collection Policy outlining the anticipated scope of the collection for approval by University leaders and leadership in the Libraries, ensuring that the Collection Policy is aligned with broader university records policies. As needed, based on the mandate and Collection Policy, draft appraisal guidelines for related non-university records (e.g., personal archives of faculty or alumni, records of student organizations, etc.).
Develop processes and procedures for transferring archival records in all formats from departments and offices to the university archives, the management of university records in the archives, institutional and research access to archived university records, and anticipated preservation needs. Develop necessary documentation to record the transfer of records to archival control. Collaborate with the Privacy & Records Management Specialist to identify potential archival records in the possession of McMaster departments and offices, giving attention to at-risk or high-priority records that may require more immediate action.
Arrange and describe university records transferred to archival control to provide institutional and research access, as time allows.Collaborate with existing repositories, such as the Health Sciences Archives and the William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections, to leverage existing expertise and university resources. Contribute to the development of a business case and/or other planning documents for an ongoing university archives program.
This is a full time, 24-month contractually-limited appointment reporting to the Associate University Librarian, Distinctive Collections. Normally scheduled weekly hours will be Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm (35 hours/week).
Three or more years of experience working with organizational or corporate records.
Understanding of the role of records management and its connections to organizational records and archives.
This position is included in the McMaster University Academic Librarians' Association bargaining unit. The full Position Responsibility Statement is available from the Library Human Resources Office. McMaster University Library expects librarians to be active and engaged with the broader library and research community through both professional service and professional or scholarly activity as defined in Article 3 of the MUALA Collective Agreement.
As one of Canada's most research-intensive universities, working at McMaster University is an opportunity to be involved in a thriving community comprised of internationally renowned professionals and research institutes.
McMaster University is principally sited on an attractive campus in west Hamilton, adjacent to residential neighbourhoods and the Royal Botanical Gardens' Cootes Paradise wetland and trails. It is possible to live within easy walking or cycling distance of the campus, with easy pedestrian-safe transportation on the nearby rail-trail.
Employer-paid benefits including Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out-of-Country Travel Coverage & Basic Life Insurance
Pension or Group RRSP matching plan (eligibility varies by employee group)
Training, coaching and professional development opportunities
Opportunities to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. School of Graduate Studies at ext. Hybrid Work Language:
To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
February 19, 2024 at 11:59pm The ACA office is located on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.


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