Project Archivist (Arrangement & Description)
Job Description
The Health Sciences Library in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University is currently accepting applications for a Project Archivist to join our team! This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced archives professional to work on an exciting project.
About McMaster
At McMaster University, we strive to attract, develop, and retain talented faculty and staff, and to foster inclusive excellence which values the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of each individual. McMaster is one of the Top 70 Universities in the World and is recognized as Canada’s Most Research-Intensive University. McMaster continues to be recognized as one of the top employers in the Hamilton/Niagara region and one of Canada’s Top Diversity employers.
Our Faculty and Culture of Excellence
The Faculty of Health Sciences, the largest Faculty within McMaster, is unique as the only Canadian university that combines schools of medicine (including two regional campuses), nursing, rehabilitation science, and the programs of midwifery, Bachelor of Health Sciences, physician assistant and postgraduate health sciences education within one faculty. Our pioneering approaches to education and our reputation for world-class research has consistently placed McMaster and the Faculty among the top 50 universities in the world for health and medicine.
Those who join FHS will find a community of 5,400 talented individuals who are inspired by the faculty’s commitment to our values of inter-professional collaboration, commitment to our communities, accountability, innovation, excellence, integrity, respect, and optimism.
About this Opportunity
The Health Sciences Library has played a central role in supporting health research and promoting student learning for more than 50 years. Our commitment to lifelong and interdisciplinary learning has allowed us to build one of the most sought-after learning and collaboration spaces on campus.
Established in 1974, the Library’s Health Sciences Archives holds over 300 metres of records documenting the fascinating history of the health sciences in Hamilton over the past two centuries. Our collection contains information on a diverse range of topics including: the history of public health and medicine in Canada, the evolution of medical education, hospital architecture, the development of midwifery and nursing education, healthcare during wartime, the treatment of disease, and developments in women’s and children’s healthcare. This rich collection is widely sought after by researchers around the world.
Reporting to the Director, Health Sciences Library, and working closely with colleagues, the Project Archivist will be primarily responsible for processing the Hamilton Academy of Medicine fonds. Processing will include research, appraisal, re-housing, arrangement and description, as well as some digitization. The incumbent will also participate in outreach and reference activities as needed. The Hamilton Academy of Medicine fonds is a mixed media collection spanning 29 metres and documenting the medical history of Hamilton and surrounding communities over the past 200 years.
Requirements & Prerequisites
The successful candidate will:
- Appraise, arrange, and describe archives in all formats following accepted professional standards and practices
- Work collaboratively with peers
- Provide research help, both in-person and remotely
- Support the delivery of online access to descriptions, including fonds descriptions and finding aids, and maintenance of the archival description database
- Participate in the management of collections, including their security, the proper storage of archives and books
- Digitize archival material in various formats and maintain metadata in accordance with internal procedures
- Perform basic preservation and conservation activities, such as, encapsulation, cleaning and repair on a wide variety of materials
- Assist as needed in outreach activities and in promoting use of the collections by McMaster students and faculty, as well as external users
- Contribute to committees, task forces, and projects aligned with position responsibilities
Qualifications:
The successful candidate must have the following:
- A Master degree in Archival Studies, Library Science, or Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or its equivalent.
- Knowledge of archival concepts and descriptive standards, such as provenance, original order, and RAD (Rules for Archival Description)
- A strong attention to detail and ability to handle repetitive work with a high degree of accuracy
- Proficiency in general office equipment and multiple computer software applications, including Microsoft 365
- Ability to work independently in a diverse and fast-paced academic environment
- High level of communication, interpersonal, customer relations, and conflict resolution skills
- Strong time-management and organizational skills
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
- Ability to communicate policies with empathy, respect, and diplomacy
- Knowledge of Canadian copyright and privacy legislation
- 1 year of relevant experience
Preferred qualifications include:
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
- Experience in the arrangement and description of archives or special collections materials.
- Ability to work for extended periods of intense concentration and attention to detail and accuracy of all data entry
What We Offer
In addition to joining a Top Ranked University, McMaster offers a very competitive Total Compensation Package that includes, but is not limited to:
- Employer Paid benefits such as Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out-of-Country Travel Coverage & Basic Life Insurance.
- Progressive paid annual vacation plan.
- Training, coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Employee tuition assistance for continuous development and education.
- Opportunity to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning.
How To Apply
To apply for this opportunity please visit Job Opening 55802 at McMaster’s Current Opportunities website.
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