The Wyndham Robertson Library at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia is a small and nimble library that actively supports the campus community through its teaching, collections, events, and engagement with university initiatives. The staff strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion through every aspect of the library’s resources and services, and they regularly seek feedback and modify their practices in order to be a welcoming and accessible space for the university’s diverse student body. Qualified candidates for the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian are sought who are passionate about connecting Hollins’ historical collections to its campus community in ways that encourage critical engagement. Early-career candidates are encouraged to apply.

About the Role

Reporting to the University Librarian, the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian manages, develops, and encourages the use of the university’s special collections, including the university archives, rare books, manuscripts, zines, and Hollins authors collections. The librarian also manages the institutional repository, Hollins Digital Commons, which is an online repository of the scholarship, creative works, and historical record of Hollins University. As part of this work, the librarian will create original metadata and assist with the integration of resource metadata across library platforms.

The Archivist and Special Collections Librarian will have the opportunity to contribute to multiple library priorities:

• Modernize the library’s approach to the accession, organization, description, and access provision of special collections
• Develop a systematic approach to engage Hollins students, whether in part-time work-study positions, internships, independent research, or coursework, and enable them to claim ownership of and make meaning from special collections
• Grow the library’s suite of digital initiatives and exhibits in partnership with the Digital Pedagogy & Scholarship Librarian
• Partner with student, faculty, and staff in efforts such as the Working Group on Slavery and Its Contemporary Legacies to help Hollins uncover and understand its history

Position Qualifications

Successful applicants must have a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association, a master’s degree in a related field such as history or cultural heritage, or a bachelor’s degree and equivalent experience working in an archival setting. Candidates must have experience with descriptive and structural metadata standards and a strong working knowledge of archival theories, practices, and procedures.

Candidates must have excellent communication skills, including in teaching or training and in the development of successful working relationships with a variety of partners. Additionally, they must have abilities to work both independently and collaboratively in order to manage multiple projects for different stakeholders. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. President Mary Dana Hinton has prioritized diversity, equity, and justice at Hollins, and the Wyndham Robertson Library has responded to this call to action by integrating those goals into the work of the library.

Preferred qualifications include experience supervising, training, and mentoring students; familiarity with creating original cataloging records for a variety of formats; demonstrated knowledge of best practices for digitization of materials in a variety of formats and management of digital assets and associated data through their lifecycle; experience using archival collection management software; and a working knowledge of a digital repository, such as BePress Digital Commons.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae or resume to hollinshr@hollins.edu. Candidates should comment in their cover letter on how their contributions will further the university’s efforts to ensure the success and inclusion of all members of its community. Final candidates will be asked to submit contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About Hollins

Hollins is an independent, liberal arts university offering undergraduate education for women and selected graduate programs for men and women. Founded in 1842 as Virginia’s oldest chartered women’s college, Hollins provides abundant opportunities to students for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and provides access to real-world experience through internships around the globe supported by an extensive alumnae/i network.

Hollins is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity at every level of the university. Persons of all genders; persons with disabilities; persons of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; and first-generation college graduates are encouraged to apply.

For more information about Hollins, please visit our website (www.hollins.edu).