Archives and Special Collections Librarian, Forsyth Library

Department

Job Posting Title

Job Description

Fort Hays State University and Forsyth Library invite applications for an Archives and Special Collections Librarian. Beginning summer 2024, 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. Anticipated start date in June 2024.

Minimum Qualifications:

• American Library Association-accredited Master’s degree (e.g., MA/MLS/MLIS/MIS) completed by December 2024
• 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

Rank:  Assistant Professor, 12-month tenure-track faculty position

Salary: 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.

Priority Deadline: Preference given to applications received by June 12, 2025.

Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits.

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.

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

About Forsyth Library:  

Forsyth Library is about to begin a major building remodel, including the establishment of the Fenwick Reading Room. Special Collections and University Archives will be prominently featured in the renovated facility. Expected completion will be summer 2026.

Forsyth Library is the campus leader in guiding students and faculty in their pursuit of knowledge as we develop engaged global citizen-leaders. We value student success, equal access to information, intellectual curiosity, academic freedom, inclusivity, intellectual and cultural diversity, civic engagement, and lifelong learning. We are the experts our learners and scholars seek first for the acquisition, discovery, application, creation, and curation of high quality information and research and for the preservation of university and regional history and heritage. Our Special Collections contain university history, classic children’s literature, and Great Plains history; rich digital collections (http://contentcat.fhsu.edu/); an institutional repository (http://scholars.fhsu.edu/) for research scholarship; and collections of state, federal and international government documents. The library has 18 full-time staff and faculty members. More information is available on our web site (http://www.fhsu.edu/library).

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.