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.
Minimum Qualifications:
- American Library Association-accredited Master’s degree (e.g., MA/MLS/MLIS/MIS) completed by December 2025
- 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 programming 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.
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