Well played, Ms. Sanford

In June 2009, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, who had told aides that he was planning an Appalachian Trail hiking trip and would be out of touch for a few days, tearfully admitted that he had been having an extramarital affair and that he had actually been visiting his mistress in Argentina.  Sanford's marriage fell apart, and in 2010 his ex-wife, Jenny Sanford, published a best-selling memoir detailing her former husband's stinginess, emotional tone-deafness, and other defects.  The book -- at least according to the reviews I've read -- also makes it plain that, politically, the two were well-matched. Both Sanfords are staunch conservatives, and she was his closest adviser and his phenomenally effective congressional and gubernatorial campaign manager.

Mark and Jenny Sanford's post-divorce relationship is apparently pretty contentious.  Nevertheless, when Mark Sanford decided earlier this year that he would run in a special election for a congressional seat, he asked Jenny Sanford -- who is now an adviser to South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley -- to serve as his campaign manager.  She said no.

Much to everyone's surprise, a few weeks ago Mark Sanford -- who is now engaged to his former mistress -- won the special election.  And earlier this week, the College of Charleston made available to the public the Jenny Sanford Papers.  Sanford said that she donated her personal papers to the college in summer 2012 because she was moving and needed to downsize and because she thought they would be of interest to scholars of political campaigns and, in future years, her sons. 

In addition to political materials, the Jenny Sanford Papers include letters that the Sanfords wrote to each other, a scrapbook that she created to celebrate their fifteenth wedding anniversary, and photographs and other materials documenting their public and private lives. 

Jenny Sanford has not restricted access to any of this material. Every item in the collection is open to anyone who wishes to see it.

Wyoming State Archives is searching for a Deputy State Archivist

If you have a some archival or records management experience, some information technology and project management skills, immense amounts of vision and drive, and love the thought of living in a small, sunny, semi-arid Western city, the Wyoming State Archives may have a job for you:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The Wyoming State Archives' mission is to be a resource to those within and outside state government in need of records with administrative, legal, fiscal and/or historical value; a source for those interested in Wyoming's non-governmental history; and an active participant and leader in the archival community. To help the Archives achieve and maintain these goals, the Deputy State Archivist will direct and instruct professional and other staff on completion of duties as assigned, promote access to documents and information held in the Wyoming State Archives, and facilitate communication between the different work areas within the Archives, and between the Archives and other archival institutions, state agencies and departments, and county and city governments. The Wyoming State Archives has been charged by the state legislature to develop a comprehensive approach for records management of born-digital state records, and the incumbent will play an active role in that project. The incumbent will also represent the Wyoming State Archives as the Deputy State Archivist in local, state, and national professional groups and organizations.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work with the State Archivist to plan, organize, and direct the daily operations of the Wyoming State Archives. 
• Work with the State Archivist to develop, track, and manage the Wyoming State Archives’ budget. 
• Work with the State Archivist to develop long-term and short-term goals and priorities consistent with the Wyoming State Archives’ mission statement and strategic plan. 
• Work with the State Archivist to motivate and assist staff professionals in continuously expanding and improving their archival knowledge and regularly advocating for the mission and needs of the entire agency. 
• Promote the Wyoming State Archives’ services and resources to our many constituencies including state agencies and departments, county and city governments, and Wyoming residents. 
• Manage the first line supervisors in the State Imaging Center and Records Management Unit, the latter charged with a major project to develop processes and methods for the control, preservation, and access of born-digital state government records. 
• Directly supervise reference and processing archivists and directly assist researchers. 
• Work with the State Archivist to review and develop standards, policies, and procedures. 
• Facilitate communication among different work areas in the Wyoming State Archives. 
• Coordinate projects involving Wyoming State Archives staff. 
• Interact with other archival institutions to exchange information about best practices and explore opportunities for collaborative projects. 
• Engage in professional activity including attending meetings, workshops, and other professional gatherings.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of archival theories, principles and practices. 
• Knowledge of records management theories, principles and practices. 
• Knowledge of governmental records systems, particularly electronic records systems. 
• Knowledge of principles and concepts of program management and project management. 
•  Skill in information technology. 
• Skill in leadership, including managing and motivating others, and defining and implementing change. 
• Excellent communication skills. 

The hiring salary range for this position is $4,569.00 - $5,375.00 per month, and Wyoming offers its employees a wide range of benefits. There is no application deadline; this position will remain open until filled. For more information and detailed application instructions, consult the job posting.

University of Illinois at Chicago is looking for a Special Collections Librarian

If you're an experienced university archivist or special collections librarian, have the knowledge, skills, and drive needed to lead a large academic special collections department, can spur the development of digital preservation and digital asset management protocols, and live or would like to live in the Chicago area, the University of Illinois of Chicago would like to hear from you:

The University of Illinois at Chicago, a Carnegie RU/VH institution located near the Chicago Loop, with a student enrollment of 27,000 and offering doctoral degrees in 60 areas and master’s degrees in nearly 80, seeks a talented and innovative librarian to head its Special Collections Department. This is a tenure-system faculty position with research and publication expectations.

The Special Collections Librarian provides innovative user-centered leadership to a department comprised of 10.5 FTE professionals, 4 civil service staff members and several student employees. Reporting to the Associate University Librarian and in consultation with the Assistant University Librarian for the Health Sciences, this position will lead the department in expanding collections and enhancing in-person service, outreach activities and online presence. The Special Collections Librarian will serve as a key point of interaction with other library departments, faculty members and external stakeholders to assess needs and deliver value added services. The successful candidate will work with the department staff and UIC stakeholders to implement comprehensive digital asset management and preservation practices.

The department includes Special Collections, University Archives, and Maps and Geographic Information Systems. Special Collections at the Richard J. Daley Library houses collections of rare books, manuscripts, photographs and artifacts with particular strength in the social, political, and cultural history of Chicago. Special Collections at the Library of the Health Sciences-Chicago documents Chicago's rich history as a center for the education and practice of the medical arts. The University Archives at both locations is the depository for historical records of the University of Illinois at Chicago and also contains selected papers of prominent faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The University Archives also manages the Chicago portion of the University-wide Records and Information Management Services program. The Maps and Geographic Information Systems section at the Richard J. Daley Library supports research and instructional needs by providing access to cartographic materials and digital data.

A current specially funded project includes processing of Chicago Board Options Exchange historical records. The Library also actively participates in collaborative efforts to increase awareness, discovery and access to special collections materials through organizations such as the Chicago Collections Consortium and the Black Metropolis Research Consortium.

Responsibilities

• Lead the department in creating a clear vision for Special Collections and University Archives. Develop and implement priorities and long-term planning.
• Oversee the acquisition, processing, cataloging, preservation, public service, and outreach activities of the manuscripts, rare books, university archives, maps, and records management staff.
• Engage staff in planning, goal setting, and problem solving. Coach and mentor staff to enhance skills and build self-managing capabilities.
• Work with the Library Development Officer to initiate and pursue external funding sources. Identify and pursue grant opportunities.
• Establish and cultivate donor relationships and build the collections according to the mission of the department.
• Contribute to and participate in the overall mission of the library.
• Cultivate external relationships with University faculty to assess needs, develop and deliver value-added services, and promote collaborations.
• Actively promote Special Collections and University Archives to the campus and the scholarly and public communities.
• Work with the department and UIC Library stakeholders to implement comprehensive digital asset management and preservation practices. This includes digital copies of department materials as well as a range of born-digital content increasingly being donated to Special Collections and University Archives.
• Foster and contribute to newly emerging collaborations across Chicago academic and cultural institutions to enhance discovery and digital access to Special Collections and University Archival materials.
• As a tenure-system faculty member, exhibit continued progress in meeting the library’s norms, expectations and standards of excellence in research and scholarship.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited library school program.
• Five years progressively responsible experience working in library special collections or archives in a university setting.
• Outstanding donor relations and collections development skills.
• Proven track record of fundraising and grant writing.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of emerging trends in special collections and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues, staff, and users.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills contributing to a collaborative environment that empowers others to excel.
• Evidence of ability to meet University standards in publication and professional service commensurate with appointment as a tenure-system faculty member. Rank is dependent on the candidate’s record of scholarship.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Experience managing large and diverse collections in a public research university.
• Understanding of digitization initiatives and knowledge of digital formats and standards.
• Knowledge of Chicago history.
• A second master’s degree in a related area.
• Certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists.

The salary for this position is "competitive and based on education and experience," as is the successful candidate's faculty rank; the person who takes this job will become either an assistant or an associate professor.

For more information and detailed application instructions, consult the job posting.  Please note that the deadline for applying is 28 May 2013.

Brandeis University seeks a Records Manager

Are you an experienced records manager who relishes the thought of creating a new records program from scratch?  Does the prospect of working for a small but selective research university appeal to you?  Do you live or would you like to live in the Boston area?  If you answered "yes" to all of these questions, Brandeis University may have a position for you:

Library and Technology Services (LTS) at Brandeis University is looking for a Records Manager. The Records Manager is responsible for establishing and managing a university-wide Records Management program.

Examples of Key Responsibilities

• Survey department's records. Provide advice on the management of their records, often determining their appropriate disposition.
• Help departments coordinate with records vendors providing records storage, imaging, and confidential records destruction services. Facilitate the transfer of appropriate records to University Archives, including the submission of digital assets to the Brandeis Institutional Repository. 
• Develop and maintain records retention and disposition schedules. Develop university-wide records policies.
• Develop and implement strategies and methods for managing and preserving electronic records and digital assets.
• Develop and conduct training sessions; deliver presentations to the Brandeis community on managing records and the services of the Records Management program. 

Qualifications
Master's degree in Information Science, Library Science, Archival Science, or related subject area from an ALA-accredited institution with records management coursework. Minimum of three years of professional experience as a records manager or archivist or information manager with records management responsibilities.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of records management and archival theory and standards, including legal and fiscal issues governing university records. Effective oral and written communications skills and public service orientation to convey program rationales and benefits to audiences at all organizational levels and backgrounds.

Demonstrated ability to work with confidential information and to handle sensitive situations with diplomacy and respect for privacy rights; ability to maintain and safeguard confidentiality of documents and information collected and reviewed. Evidence of accuracy, attention to detail, reliability, and discretion.

Knowledge of and/or experience with electronic records management systems and digital preservation issues. Excellent interpersonal, problem solving, and organizational skills. Familiarity with developments in the electronic records and digital repository fields.

Evidence of program building success; experience leading public programs and outreach preferred. Knowledge of and/or experience with enterprise business and content management systems preferred.

Experience working in a university/college setting preferred. Certified Records Manager preferred.

Physical requirements: Ability to operate barcode reader and computer keyboard; visually inspect paper and electronic documents; and to lift, shelve, and retrieve boxes weighing up to 40 pounds. Exposure to dust/dirt/mold is possible.

The position description says nothing about the salary range for this position, and I wasn't able to find any detailed information about compensation on the university's website.  However, information about the wide range of employee benefits that Brandeis offers is available.

For additional information and detailed application instructions, consult the job posting.

State Archives of North Carolina is searching for an Archives and Records Professional

If you're familiar with the theory and practice of electronic records management, relish the thought of working for a large state government archives that employs energetic, talented, and generous people, and live or would like to live in North Carolina's Research Triangle, the State Archives of North Carolina may have a job for you.

Nota bene: the deadline for applying for this position is 10 May 2013.  (Apologies for my tardy posting.  I was away from home last week and missed this announcement when it was released on 1 May.) 

Description of Work
Position reports to Government Records Section, State Agency and University Records Unit. Provides records management services; surveys records systems; consults on creation, maintenance, and disposition of information in all formats and media, including electronic records; provides advice on public records concerns, imaging technologies, filing and storage systems, and disaster recovery; conducts records management workshops for state agencies; and drafts and amends retention and disposition schedules. Position collaborates with section staff to identify and develop appropriate practices and standards of records management; requires extensive contact with agency officials; requires collaboration with State Agency and Electronic Records Archivists to identify methods for preserving archival state agency records. Acts as liaison with State Records Center on storage and retrieval needs. Occasional Saturday work is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies
Considerable knowledge of records management techniques and practices, and organization of state government. Considerable knowledge of technology, equipment, and materials used in creation and maintenance of records. Knowledge of archival techniques and practices. Ability to analyze records systems and recommend changes and improvements. Ability to express oneself clearly and effectively in oral and written form. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials. Ability to use personal computers and word processing and allied software such as used for spreadsheets and database management and familiarity with online resources. Ability to evaluate and analyze electronic records and to apply records management principles to modern records systems. Ability to lift records storage cartons weighing as much as 40-50 pounds. Valid NC driver’s license required.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor's degree in history, public history, public administration, or a related social science discipline and one year of archival or records management experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

The salary range for this position is $29,791 - $63,459, and the starting salary of the successful candidate will be somewhere between $29,791 - $44,085. The State of North Carolina offers employees a comprehensive benefits package.

For more information and application instructions, consult the position description.

Princeton University is looking for a Digital Archivist

If you have a solid grasp on digital preservation and electronic records management theory, possess at least some real-world archival experience, relish challenge, and would like to work at a world-class research library located in the northeastern United States, Princeton University may have a job for you:

Position Summary
The Princeton University Library is one of the world's leading research libraries, serving a diverse community of 5,200 undergraduates, 2,600 graduate students, 853 faculty members, and many visiting scholars. Its holdings include more than 7 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, 2 million non-print items, and extensive collections of digital text, data, and images. The Library employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support staff working in a large central library, 9 specialized branches, and 3 storage facilities.

The Digital Archivist will work at the Princeton University Library's Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, a unit of the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. This library houses the Princeton University Archives (current holdings of approximately 15,000 cubic feet) as well as a major collection of 20th-century public policy papers (current holdings of approximately 20,000 cubic feet).

Major Responsibilities
Reporting to the Assistant University Archivist for Technical Services, the Digital Archivist is dedicated to the processing, description, and preservation of University records in both digital and analog form. The Digital Archivist's primary focus will be to participate in the continued development and evolution of an electronic records program at the Mudd Manuscript Library. This work will include developing, implementing, and executing processes enabling effective acquisition, appraisal, ingest, description, preservation, access to and security of born-digital and hybrid archival collections acquired by the University Archives. The archivist will be expected to remain current with emerging standards and professional best practices and be able to manage complex projects.

The Digital Archivist will be integrated into the functions of the Library and the Mudd Library Technical Services Unit. The position will participate in the archival processing, accessioning, and reference programs of the Mudd Manuscript Library and contribute to work relating to development and evaluation of infrastructure for digital archives, access systems and tools, digitization, and related technical issues. This position also works with a variety of stakeholders, including archivists and librarians, developers, IT staff, and donors, and will supervise the work of student assistants.

Essential Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of archives and records management theory and practice, including experience processing archival records.
• Comprehensive knowledge of electronic records management principles and practices and digital preservation theory and practice.  Knowledge of strategies, such as computer forensics, and technology developed or adopted by the archival community for managing born-digital archival and manuscript material. 
• Knowledge of relevant standards for archival description including DACS, EAD, and EAC-CPF, and familiarity with other metadata standards such as METS and PREMIS. 
• Excellent supervisory and organizational skills and ability to plan, coordinate, and implement complex projects. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a variety of staff in a rapidly changing environment. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Two to three years of relevant professional experience. 
• Experience implementing policies, standards, and procedures for stewardship of digital material in an archival or special collections setting.
• Experience with FTK, floppy drive controllers (e.g. Catweasel, Kryoflux), writeblockers, Sleuth Kit, fiwalk, and emulators.
• Experience with XSLT, XQuery and/or scripting languages (e.g. Ruby, Python).
• Experience working in an active university records program.

As is often the case, the successful candidate's salary "will be competitive and commensurate with experience and accomplishments" -- and negotiating skills.  Princeton also offers a comprehensive array of employee benefits.

Princeton will begin reviewing applications on 1 June 2013 and will continue until this position is filled.  For more information and detailed application instructions, consult the position posting.

Sunday reading: rescue, thievery, and the archival salvage heap

Oh, the things you find when you're procrastinating on the Internet.  I was avoiding working on upcoming presentation when I came across "The Book Thief," a thought-provoking Tablet article by historian Lisa Leff.  Any archivist interested in the history of archives, the transatlantic movement of European Jewish cultural heritage materials, or the impact of war and genocide upon the historical record should read it.

Leff focuses on pioneering historian and archivist Zosa Szajkowski (1911-1978), who spent most of his young adult life in France and emigrated to the United States in the early 1941.  He returned to France in 1943 as a U.S. soldier and devoted his wartime and postwar years to tracking down materials that documented the history of French Jewish communities and giving or selling them to American repositories.  To many American archivists and Jewish community leaders, Szajkowski is a hero who ensured that archives and rare books documenting the history of French Jews were rescued and rehomed inAmerican repositories.  To many French archivists and Jewish community leaders, Szajkowski was a thief -- he was arrested in 1961 for stealing documents from the Strasbourg Municipal Archives -- who robbed French Jews of their cultural patrimony.  Leff examines the social, political, and cultural currents that led American Jews and many European Jewish emigrés to conclude that European Jewish cultural heritage materials should be brought to the United States and French archivists' postwar efforts to rebuild their damaged institutions and concludes that both perspectives are partially correct. Before and during the Second World War, Szajkjowski helped to save materials that might otherwise have been lost or destroyed.  However, after the war, he became a thief -- as evidenced by his 1961 arrest in Strasbourg and his arrest for stealing rare pamphlets from the Judaica Room of the New York Public Library (!) a week before his death.

Leff's analysis of Szajowski's complicated career also leads her to qualify the arguments that Derrida and Foucault made about archives and state power:  instead of serving as a centralized monument to state power, the archives that document Europe's Jewish communities are scattered in ways that reflect the disasporic nature of Jewish settlement and the postwar rise of the United States as a center of Jewish life.  They also highlight aspects of the archival endeavor that some people might find distressing:

On the one hand, the creators of archives rescue the past for us.  They gather together and preserve records from the past, making it possible for historians to study them.  On the other hand, there is also violence in the project of archiving.  The very process of making an archive re-contextualizes documents and -- in subtle or not-so-subtle ways -- changes their meaning.  Rather than the work of the powerful, some archives, at least, are actually the work of the powerless.  If our understanding of archives is broadened to include all those who shaped their histories, these institutions look less and less like a coherent monument and more and more like a salvage heap.

 Read this article. It's well worth your time.

 "The Book Thief" is a distillation of arguments that Leff made in "Rescue or Theft? Zosa Szajkowski and the Salvaging of French Jewish History after World War II, Jewish Social Studies:  History, Culture, Society n.s. 18, no. 2 (Winter 2012): 1-39.  If you have access to JSTOR or Project Muse, you should be able to access this article.