Denver Public Library (DPL) is a growing urban library system that serves the residents of the City & County of Denver. DPL sees more than 4 million visitors every year across its 27 locations, serves Denver’s most vulnerable communities through outreach and mobile services, hosts thousands of programs a year and manages a collection of more than 1.4 million physical and digital materials. We believe a strong library is vital for a strong community. DPL is committed to serving the evolving needs of Denverites through inspired programming, diverse collections, culturally-representative spaces, and equitable policies & procedures.
About Our Team:
The Special Collections and Archives (SCA) unit at Denver Public Library comprises two repositories: the Central Library and the African American Research Library at Blair-Caldwell Library. Our team of over thirty librarians, archivists and paraprofessionals are committed to exceptional access, preservation and customer service for our world class collections.
DPL is hiring an Archivist Librarian to join the Special Collections and Archives team at the Central Library. You will create positive experiences for library customers by performing professional library work including archival processing, collection management, and research and reference services. You will assist in the development and maintenance of a special library collection requiring specialized handling, security, and subject expertise.This role collaborates on preservation, digitization, and reformatting projects. The work includes arranging and describing archival collections and creating online finding aids; and collection and data management in the form of creating and organizing digital, technical, and administrative files, and archival metadata. The role conducts research and answers reference inquiries in person and via email for the Special Collections and Archives sub-division at the Central Library, and may develop and present occasional programs for a wide variety of audiences.
About Our Job
- Approximately 10 hours per week providing customer service to a diverse community on a busy reference desk and via correspondence
- Ability to organize, arrange and describe unpublished archival materials of various formats, including digital, audio-visual, and web-based items. This includes knowledge of basic preservation processes, rehousing, and storage best practices. Also necessary is knowledge of archival standards; content management systems and spreadsheets to describe materials in a user-centered manner; and some familiarity with library cataloging practices.
- Developing and presenting informational and educational materials for classes, lectures, tours, exhibits, and on-line instruction. Audiences range from internal colleagues to the larger public, including students from primary through graduate levels.
- Knowledge of the history of the American West with emphasis on Denver and Colorado. Knowledge of reference services. Knowledge of print and electronic information retrieval. Familiarity with archival, genealogy, and property research methods and tools.
- Ability to creatively problem-solve, negotiate, and handle stressful situations in a positive manner. Ability to demonstrate innovation and flexibility.
- This position must also communicate effectively and kindly about issues and initiatives with customers, coworkers, and administration.
ABOUT YOU
- Do you have a passion for libraries and archives? Are you dedicated to providing public service? Do you have a strong sense of inquiry and excitement to share the story of our region’s history? Are you a team player with a strong track record of collaboration and problem solving?
- For the Archivist/Librarian - Special Collections role, we’re looking for someone who has some or all of the following skills and experience:
- A passion for archives and special collections work in a public library setting.
- Knowledge about or interest in United States and American Western history and genealogy, preferred.
- Experience working with archival collections, required. May include experience with paper documents, audio-visual media, photographs, digital and web-based archival collections.
- Excellent organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple projects at once with an attention to detail and strong stakeholder communication.
- Strong writing, communication, and customer service skills.
- Ability to use workplace technology effectively including email, calendar, internet, video conferencing, searching databases, and creating spreadsheets.
- Ability to demonstrate initiative, innovation, and flexibility. Ability to identify and propose process improvements, meet deadlines under pressure, and have excellent problem-solving skills.
- Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, a collaborative attitude, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of humor in working with customers, coworkers, and community members
We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements will be considered:
- Master of Library Science from an American Library Association accredited program, or a Master of Arts in Archives and Public History, or other specialized master’s degree required. No substitution of experience for education is permitted.
- Two (2) years of experience working in libraries, archives, and special collections required, one (1) year of which must include experience working with records, processes, maintenance, and preservation of materials, required.
- Experience with academic or historical research, and public reference services, required.
- Experience with various library databases and management systems including ArchivesSpace, preferred.
- Experience with archival preservation best practices and knowledge of various analog audio and visual media types, preferred.
Other Things to Know:
Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in this position.
Please submit a resume outlining your work experience and educational background. We value colleagues from all communities and identities. If you’re excited about this position, we encourage you to apply even if your professional experience does not align perfectly with the listed “ideal candidate” expectations. Your cover letter is an opportunity to explain your interest in the role, and why you believe you would be a good candidate.
This position is located at the Central Library in downtown Denver. Please note that there are no free parking options surrounding our building, but it is easily accessible by public transportation.