University Archivist and Assistant Librarian: Special Collection

Position Purpose andSummary

The University Archivist and Assistant Librarian: Special Collections primary responsibility is managing all aspects of the University Archives and Special Collections. The position also provides reference support to TWU students, faculty, staff, and other library users, both in person and through the Library’s involvement with a provincial-wide chat reference service.

The Archives serves as the repository of the recorded history of Trinity Western University. Through the acquisition and preservation of archival records and the provision of access to them, the Archives supports and furthers the mission of the University. Special collections include the C.S. Lewis and Friends Collection, which supports the University’s Inklings Institute of Canada, and other rare books, including Christian texts and hymnals.

As a dual role, the position is approximately 80% Archives/Special Collections and 20% reference services.

The Norma Marion Alloway Library currently houses more than 211,000 print volumes, access to over 1 million e-books and 140,000 e-journals, in addition to archival and curriculum collections. The Library is a member of the Archives Association of British Columbia, British Columbia Electronic Library Network, Canadian Research Knowledge Network, Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries, and the Electronic Health Library of British Columbia.

Key Areas of Accountability

University Archives and Special Collections

• The identification, acquisition, preservation, discovery, and accessibility of archival records created by the University and its affiliated institutes, campus organizations, and individuals (collectively constituting the University community).
• The identification, acquisition, preservation, discovery, and accessibility of private archival records and fonds held in the TWU Archives.
• The identification, acquisition, preservation, discovery, and accessibility of published materials suitable for addition to Special Collections.
• Digital preservation and curation of materials, including those "born-digital" records creating by the University or private donors, as well as the products of digitization projects undertaken by the Archives.
• The promotion and marketing of the archives and special collections to both internal and external user communities.
• Creation of policies and procedures related to archives and special collections.
• Provide reference / information services to users of the Archives.

Reference Services

• Contribute to AskAway, B.C.’s academic virtual reference service, on scheduled basis.
• Provide reference / information services at the Research Help Desk on a scheduled basis, including evenings and weekend work, as required.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and evaluation of library collections, in all formats.
• Act as liaison librarian to TWU faculties/schools as directed by the University Librarian.

Other

• Serve on library / university committees, as directed by the University Librarian.
• Pursue professional development opportunities.

The Person

Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of archival science as practiced in a Canadian context. Experience in a faith-based academic setting is an asset.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Rules of Archival Description (RAD).
• Comprehensive knowledge of digital preservation theory and practice.
• Comprehensive knowledge of specialized archival software systems. Detailed knowledge of AToM (Access to Memory) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and experience in providing reference services in both face-to-face and electronic mediums.
• Competent database, Internet and print reference research skills. Familiarity with product of major database vendors (ex. EBSCO, OVID, and Proquest) an asset.
• Competence in promotion and marketing using social media and other print/digital platforms.
• Competence with computer applications generally used in a business environment, such as MS Office.
• Strong leadership and time management skills.
• Ability to supervise student workers and practicum students.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated with general supervision from the University Librarian.

Personal

Driven and inspired by the idea of positively impacting the various marketplaces of life through the development of godly Christian leaders by serving the Trinity Western University community.

Warm-hearted, dedicated, committed and mature evangelical Christian with a keen desire to serve in family, church, work and community. A firm commitment to TWU’s Mission Statement, Core Values, Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. Strength of character and reputation, a pleasant personality with a positive and friendly attitude in the midst of a very busy and challenging atmosphere.

Servant-Leader Way of Life: Act in a manner that exemplifies Jesus Christ in all on and off campus contacts thereby living out the servant leadership mission of the university and contributing effectively towards achieving the institutional and Kingdom goals of the organization.

Key Internal Interactions

Reports: Assigned student employees

Reports to: University Librarian

Standards & Requirements

Education: Master’s Degree in Archival Studies from a recognized university archival education program or a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program with an archives specialization.

Experience: Minimum 3 years’ experience in archives management preferred, ideally in an academic environment, as well as experience providing reference/public service in a library setting.

Duties and responsibilities that do not constitute a major change may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of the supervisor either orally or in writing.

Created: Revised April 2024

Agreed to by: University Librarian & HR

Trinity Western University encourages applications from all eligible candidates who are able to commit to TWU’s mission, values, Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. We do not discriminate, contrary to law, on the basis of any applicable prohibited ground of discrimination. We particularly invite applications from women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and indigenous people. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Trinity Western University is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Sto:lo people.