Job Opening URL: https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/269343/archivist-community-collections

The Bentley Historical Library seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and service-oriented Archivist for Community Collections to expand the Library's engagement with communities and organizations across the state of Michigan. The position will build and strengthen relationships with collections donors, community groups, and partner institutions to ensure that the historical records of diverse communities are preserved and accessible.

As part of the Bentley's Michigan Historical Collections team, the Archivist for Community Collections will serve as the Library's primary point of contact for community-based collecting initiatives. This includes outreach to organizations and individuals, onsite fieldwork to identify and appraise historically significant materials, and stewardship of collections.

This position will serve as a cornerstone of the Bentley's commitment to inclusive collecting and reparative archival practices, facilitating partnerships where the Library is sometimes the steward, and at other times an advisor and collaborator in community-based preservation efforts.

Responsibilities*

Community Engagement and Fieldwork (50%)

Build relationships with individuals, organizations, and communities across Michigan whose records reflect the state's cultural, social, and political history.
Travel throughout Michigan to meet with potential donors, assess collections, and guide preservation and transfer.
Act as liaison for communities traditionally underrepresented in archives, supporting inclusive and equitable collecting practices.
Collaborate with local historical societies, libraries, and community archives on shared stewardship models.
Develop and implement collecting strategies that expand the representation of under-documented communities in the archives.
Organize and facilitate community-driven events (e.g., History Harvests).
Serve as liaison for reparative description efforts in collaboration with communities.
Raise awareness among source communities of Bentley holdings and research opportunities.

Collection Development and Stewardship (20%)

Identify, appraise, and recommend acquisition of collections with enduring historical significance to Michigan.
Oversee transfer, accessioning, and initial preservation of archival collections, including both physical and born-digital materials.
Contribute to the creation of collection development strategies that align with Bentley priorities and statewide needs.
Collaborate with processing archivists and digital curation staff to integrate field-collected materials into Bentley's archival systems.
Collaborate with Michigan repositories and grassroots archives to coordinate collecting efforts, avoiding duplication and ensuring holistic preservation.
Contribute to statewide efforts documenting marginalized histories through shared stewardship and post-custodial models.

Outreach and Public Programming (15%)

Design and deliver presentations, workshops, and consultations to community partners on archival practices, documentation, and preservation.
Provide capacity-building workshops for community groups on archival practices, digital tools, and grant-seeking.
Adapt and distribute toolkits (e.g., Archivist in a Backpack) to empower local history keepers.
Support oral history initiatives and other documentation projects in collaboration with communities.
Participate in Bentley public programs and exhibitions to highlight new and diverse collections.
Participate in the reference rotation, including occasional Saturday shifts.

Professional development and service (10%)

Actively participating in professional development and service at the library, university, and within regional, national, and international professional organizations.
Monitor industry developments and best practices to support ongoing activities and foster innovation.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Engage in presentations, committee work, and library-wide or university-wide initiatives. 
 

Required Qualifications*

Master's degree from an ALA-accredited institution (completed, or in progress with 50% of credit hours earned). An advanced degree in a related discipline, combined with relevant experience, may be substituted.

Demonstrated commitment to community engagement, outreach, or public service.

Experience working with archival principles, practices, and descriptive standards.

Experience working with born-digital materials and digital preservation practices.

Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse communities and organizations.

Familiarity with post-custodial archiving models and community-based participatory practices.

Knowledge of, or capacity to learn, Michigan history and culture.

Willingness to travel frequently throughout Michigan.

Additional Information

The general salary range for this position is $61,000 - $64,000. Candidates can expect to be paid a competitive and equitable salary. Factors used to determine salary include education level, experience, knowledge and skills for the position, and internal equity within the unit. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

The salary for this position will be based on the selected candidate's education and experience.

The mode of work for this position is Hybrid.