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Archives and Special Collections Librarian, Forsyth Library
Fort Hays State University
Application
Details
Posted: 28-May-25
Location: Hays, Kansas
Type: Full Time (In-Office)
Salary: $57,484
Categories:
College & University Archives
Pay Frequency:
Annual
Salary Details:
The good faith estimate of the salary for a tenure track Assistant Professor is $57,484. This salary is based on current College and University Professional Association (CUPA) averages by rank and discipline.
Required Education:
Masters
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Organizes, curates, and provides intellectual and physical access to rare books, manuscripts, historical documents, and university records;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.
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
Fort Hays State University was founded in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School-a teacher's college. Our hometown, Hays, Kansas, is located on the high plains of north-central Kansas. The original home of the institution was on the grounds of Fort Hays, a Nineteenth-Century frontier military outpost. The state of Kansas initially intended the university's academic programs to focus on agriculture, but it opened in as a "normal" or teacher's college. Our mission is to develop the engaged global citizen-leaders our world needs.
FHSU today is a regional comprehensive public university where determined, innovative, and caring faculty and staff share a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring students. Total enrollment at FHSU exceeds 14,000 students who pursue their educational goals on-campus, online, and at our two international partnership campuses in China.
Employers tell us the combination of challenging academic programs, close faculty/student relationships, and the abundance of experiential learning opportunities our students enjoy while at FHSU set our students apart in competitive job markets worldwide. More than 95% of FHSU students secure jobs or ...higher education opportunities after they graduate. And FHSU consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the American Midwest.
A pioneer in distance education, we began delivering correspondence courses to teachers in rural Kansas early in the 20th Century. Today, FHSU Online delivers more than 200 flexible, affordable, and high-quality online programs. Over the years, FHSU Online received many accolades, including U.S. News & World Report Online Programs rankings, GetEducated.com, Best Buys in Education, among others.
The university has rich sports and cultural programming, all of which enjoy tremendous community support. The Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center is home to the Encore Series, which hosts many traveling Broadway shows, the Hays Symphony, university, and other national and world-caliber performances.
The university supports one of the most extensive and successful intercollegiate sports programs of any comparably sized college or university in America, boasting numerous All-American athletes and eight national championships. Nearly 400 athletes compete annually in eight men's and eight women's sports. FHSU is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, which comprises 14 schools from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.