Project Archivist, James M. Buchanan Papers

The George Mason University Libraries seek to fill the faculty position of Project Archivist, James M. Buchanan Papers, in the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) for the two-year National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant: Preserving the Legacy of James M. Buchanan. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the Special Collections Research Center: The Special Collections Research Center is the unit within George Mason University Libraries charged with acquiring, documenting, preserving, and providing access to primary research collections and documents, and is responsible for the retention and disposal of non-permanent university records through the University Records Management Program. SCRC also manages the permanent archival records of George Mason University; is responsible for the administration of, and preservation and access to, the University's theses and dissertations; and undertakes through its Oral History program, the creation of audiovisual documentary resources. SCRC also adds value to its holdings through selective digitization, interpretive exhibitions, instruction, records management and other workshops, and educational programming.

Responsibilities: The Project Archivist, James M. Buchanan Papers, supports Special Collections Research Center goals in the areas of processing and providing access to the James M. Buchanan papers, a 282 linear foot collection of manuscript material created during the career of Nobel Prize and National Medal for the Humanities-winning economist James McGill Buchanan.

Specific Duties: * The Project Archivist will have overall responsibility for successful grant project completion and responsibility for overseeing part-time graduate and undergraduate student assistants, while reporting to the Manuscripts and Archives Librarian, and consulting with the Director, SCRC; * Responsible for all steps in life-cycle of a processing project, including: surveying and developing the processing plan for the James M. Buchanan collection and, in conjunction with the Manuscripts and Archives Librarian, ensuring that processing standards and expectations are met; arranging and describing the collection and supervising graduate and undergraduate students to assist in these tasks; creating an ArchivesSpace record and EAD-encoded finding aid for the collection; and assisting in writing NEH grant reports; * Assures appropriate handling, physical housing, and storage of collection materials; identifies and refers items as necessary for preservation; * Reports statistics throughout the year and in the annual report. These statistics include data on linear feet processed and any other information pertinent for reporting purposes; * Participates in outreach and curatorial activities, which may include reference and research consultation, instruction, exhibits, publications, and programs related to the James B. Buchanan Papers; * Hires and trains graduate and undergraduate-level student assistants to aid in processing tasks; * Initiates and responds to complex communications in carrying out daily operations of functional area in person, in writing, via telephone, video communication, e-mail, and social media tools; * Participates within SCRC in working groups and committees as appropriate; * Participates in the professional life of the Libraries and the University.

Required Qualifications: * ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library or Information Science with archives concentration, OR certification in archives combined with graduate degree in history; OR related discipline an equivalent certified foreign degree; * Experience in archival processing (appraisal, arrangement and description); * Experience with multiple formats, including textual, visual, audio, both analog and digital; * Familiarity with DACS and EAD; * Demonstrated knowledge of current archival theory, practice, and standards; * Ability to build collaborative and mutually beneficial working relationships with people of varying backgrounds; * Ability to thrive in a team-based environment and work collaboratively; * Demonstrated commitment to professional development and growth; * Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Preferred Qualifications: * Experience in special collections environment in a university setting; * Experience managing students and/or staff; * Project management experience; * Experience processing large archival collections; * Familiarity with preservation and conservation issues and practices; * Familiarity with ArchivesSpace collections management software, LCSH, LCTGM.

Appointment/Benefits: 12-month professional faculty appointment without rank; health plan options and paid life insurance; several retirement plans, including TIAA-CREF; 24 vacation days and 12 paid holidays; tuition waiver for self.

The George Mason University library system, comprised of a large central library and three other distinctive libraries, is located on three campuses in the Northern Virginia-metropolitan Washington, D.C., region. One of Virginia's leading academic research libraries, the Mason Libraries continues to gain steadily in national stature as it has transformed in all areas that are key to a 21st century research library-innovative technologies and services, expert library faculty and skilled staff members, extensive digital collections, publishing, modern facilities, and transformational engagements and partnerships. Visit us at library.gmu.edu for more information.

For full consideration, applications for this position (FA29Hz) MUST be submitted online at George Mason's employment page (https://jobs.gmu.edu/). Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses (including e-mail) and phone numbers of three current references. Questions should be directed to Renee Prokop (rprokop@gmu.edu), Human Resources Coordinator, Office of the Dean of Libraries. Review of applications will begin December 7, 2020.

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George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

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