Posted: 28-May-25
Location: Hays, Kansas
Type: Full Time (In-Office)
Salary: $57,484
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Salary Details:
Required Education:
Internal Number: R-04611
Fort Hays State University and Forsyth Library invite applications for an Archives and Special Collections Librarian. Forsyth Library is undergoing a comprehensive renovation of the 1967 facility--including the development of our first, dedicated Special Collections and University Archives reading room. With expected completion in 2026, this role will be instrumental in the planning and execution of moving materials into a new reading room and collection storage space. Reporting to the Dean of Library Services, the Archives and Special Collections Librarian is responsible for the organization and preservation of a wide range of primary sources. The Librarian assists the Coordinator of Special Collections in the evaluation of potential acquisitions and in providing research use of Forsyth Library special collections. In consultation with the Coordinator, the librarian is responsible for developing policy, processing, and preserving materials for Forsyth Library special collections. The librarian also collaborates closely with the Digital Curation Librarian and the Coordinator on selection of materials for digitization, exhibition, and promotion / outreach. As part of the campus records management team, the Librarian fills the role of university archivist and is responsible for the long-term retention of historical university records deposited with special collections. This is an on-campus 12-month tenure-track faculty position. Workload is negotiated with the Dean and typically includes 60% librarianship, 20% service, and 20% scholarship responsibilities. Appointment and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Organizes, curates, and provides intellectual and physical access to rare books, manuscripts, historical documents, and university records;
- Creates finding aids using best practices and standards including DACS and EAD for online patron research;
- Implements basic preservation and conservation methods to extend the life of physical and digital materials;
- Works with Dean and Coordinator to draft and implement standards for appropriate climate and environmental standards;
- Works with a records management team to provide a university records retention schedule and user training;
- Works with Coordinator to advise and assist researchers in the use of archival materials in research activities as needed;
- Supports the Coordinator’s work with donors of archival and special collections materials both internal and external to the organization, including providing consultation in recommending collection additions and identifying curation and preservation concerns;
- Participates in development and implementation of policies and standards relevant to special collections;
- Hires, supervises and trains student employees;
- Works closely with Coordinator and Outreach Team to promote collections through physical and online exhibitions, publications, presentations, instruction, teaching, and other outreach activities;
- Provides support for faculty and student success as a library liaison to assigned disciplines;
- Engages in professional activities and participates in various University or Library committees and groups.
- Maintains professional knowledge base and skills through continued professional development and research;
- The nature of this work requires the majority of work hours to be spent in person. Typical work hours include Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Rank: Assistant Professor, 12-month tenure-track faculty position
Priority Deadline: Preference given to applications received by June 12, 2025.
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.
Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.
Required Application Documents:
- Cover letter that addresses the candidate’s skills and qualifications for this position, no more than two pages in length.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact: Ginger Williams, Dean of Library Services, ghwilliams@fhsu.edu, 785-628-4539
Minimum Qualifications:
- American Library Association-accredited Master’s degree (e.g., MA/MLS/MLIS/MIS) completed by December 2025
- Demonstrated experience in academic libraries or other archival institutions
- Experience arranging, describing, and providing access to physical manuscript collections
- Experience in providing reference and research services for archival materials
- The ability to perform physical activities associated with the archival environment
- Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated through the application and interview process
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent organization and follow-through skills to ensure achievement of objectives within established timeframes, working independently and as a member of a team.
- Ability to promote an inclusive and welcoming educational and work environment
- The ability to collect, share, and utilize data to make informed decisions
- Experience supervising the work of student employees
- Experience with relevant technology platforms associated with special and archival collections (e.g., ArchivesSpace, Archive-It, Digital Commons)
- Familiarity with climate and environmental standards for archival facilities
- Certificate or educational concentration in archives
- Experience using metadata standards such as RDF, Dublin Core, EAD, METS, MODS, PREMIS, or DACS
- Experience navigating the legal and ethical issues affecting privacy, content restrictions, digital rights management, and access to archival materials
- Experience engaging diverse communities through the planning and implementation of programing and the curation of exhibitions