How to Apply

Submit the required cover letter and resume as one attachment. Your cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that relate to the requirements for this position.

Job Summary

The Bentley Historical Library seeks a user-oriented, creative, and collaborative Archivist for Reference to join our Reference Team. The successful candidate will be committed to inclusive access and building an equitable, anti-racist researcher experience. This position will report to the Assistant Director for Reference Services.

Who We Are

The Bentley Historical Library collects material related to the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan. The Bentley's 11,000 research collections range from the papers of governors of Michigan, to the records of student and faculty life at the University, to the historical record of intercollegiate athletics at Michigan, and more. 

The Reference Team manages access to the library's collections through in-person research, remote reference requests, and patron requests for duplication. We support researchers of all backgrounds and experience levels, including students, academics, and community members. Our work, guided by a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to applying archival standards and the principles behind them, is informed by user needs.

The successful candidate will have a passion for engaging in professional growth and development as well as sharing knowledge and giving back to our professional communities.

Responsibilities*

• Support researchers in the reading room and around the world through reference and research consultation services
• Develop ways to meet user needs using archives software such as Aeon, LibAnswers, and LibGuides 
• Shape and evaluate workflows for the processing and review of on-demand duplication orders and facilitate communication across Bentley teams and with researchers 
• Collaborate with Reference Team members to develop new policies, documentation, and workflows to improve the research process for staff and researchers
• Contribute to the archival profession, whether through professional organizations or other efforts, and engage in continued education

Required Qualifications*

• For Assistant Archivist Rank: 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.
• For Associate Archivist Rank: Completed MLIS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited institution and three years of experience in reference or public services at an archives or special collections
• Experience working with researchers of different experience levels in archives
• Working knowledge of Aeon or another archival request management system  
• Coursework or training in archival reference; knowledge of related standards and best practices
• Knowledge of archival discovery tools and commonly consulted databases
• Demonstrated ability to set, track, and meet goals and deadlines

Desired Qualifications*

• Familiarity with assessment techniques in an archival setting

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This full-time, permanent faculty position is subject to the U-M/LEO-GLAM collective bargaining agreement. Appointment is anticipated as an Assistant Archivist or Associate Archivist. Salary and rank are dependent on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The salary minimums for this position are $61,000 for the Assistant Archivist rank and $66,000 for the Associate Archivist rank.

It is the policy of the University of Michigan to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.  Pursuant to the 2022-2025 UM|LEO-GLAM agreement, each appointing unit will designate an administrative contact ("administrative designee") who is responsible for communicating with the necessary parties about accommodations requests made by Employees in that appointing unit on each campus. The Administrative Designee for the Bentley Library is Camille Ulrich. They may be reached at [email protected]@umich.edu.

This position will primarily work onsite during Monday-Friday daytime hours, with occasional evening or weekend hours and the possibility for limited remote work. 

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.