Position Summary

The University of Dayton Archives and Special Collections are seeking a project archivist to process and arrange the papers of artist and educator, Willis “Bing” Davis. This collection consists of the personal and professional papers of this world-renowned artist, educator, and community activist. Bing Davis has used his work to inspire change in communities near and far. He was one of the first in the Dayton region to create African and African American art history courses, which he taught at numerous universities. He also helped create many Dayton-based influential art organizations and has organized cultural programming. His studio on West Third Street in Dayton is more than a “studio”, serving as a community beacon for thought-provoking art and cultural awareness.

This collection will provide an avenue for tomorrow’s difference makers to access his work and understand how he uses art as a catalyst for change, with the goal being to inspire them to find their own path to enact change in the world.

In conjunction with the University Archives staff, the Project Archivist will arrange, describe, and re-house the Willis “Bing” Davis Papers; create a detailed finding aid for the Wills “Bing” Davis Papers according to DACS standards; implement basic preservation methods; assist with exhibit planning for the collection; and provide reference and other research assistance as needed. This position will work closely with the donor. This position may also engage in outreach including social media posts and presentations to support communications related to the collection.

This is a temporary, limited-term, one-year appointment at the rank of assistant professor of practice with an anticipated start of November 1, 2023. The University of Dayton offers a strong benefits package, including tuition remission for self, 22 vacation days, and 17 University holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Relocation assistance is available for candidates who live outside the Dayton region. To make it easy to learn about benefits, the University has posted information on the Human Resources website: http://www.udayton.edu/hr/. The University is located on a picturesque 388-acre campus comprising over 40 academic, recreational, athletic, and administrative facilities. Visit here for a virtual tour of our campus!

At the University of Dayton, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we encourage all candidates to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

• An advanced degree in History with an emphasis on archival management or a Master’s Degree in Library Science with relevant experience in special collections.
• At least one year of professional experience processing and cataloging archival collections in a museum, archive, library, or similar institution
• Knowledge of current library and archival descriptive and metadata standards (e.g. Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), Encoded Archival Description (EAD), Dublin Core, MODS)
• Knowledge of archives operations including understanding of contemporary archival practices, trends, and emerging technologies
• Knowledge of basic preservation practices
• High level of proficiency with computers and desktop applications, including Microsoft Office suite (especially Word and Excel)
• Demonstrated consistent accuracy and attention to detail while maintaining a high level of productivity
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment
• Ability to bend, reach and lift boxes or volumes weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Effective written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

While not everyone may meet all preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• Successful experience working with socially and culturally diverse communities
• Experience using ArchivesSpace
• Effective interpersonal communication skills
• Effective oral communication skills
• Expressed willingness to engage with/in Catholic and Marianist educational values that promote inclusive excellence, educate the whole person, and provide service to the community, university and profession

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please submit:

• Letter of interest that must address all minimum qualifications and any preferred qualifications met,
• CV,
• names and contact information for three professional references who may be contacted later in the interview process.
• Candidates must also provide a 300-500 word statement about their previous and planned contributions to diversity, equity, and/or inclusion and how that informs their work and plans as a librarian.

Posting closes on October 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM EST

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Closing Statement

The University of Dayton is a top tier, Catholic research university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, the University is a diverse community committed to advancing the common good through intellectual curiosity, academic rigor, community engagement and local, national and global partnerships. Guided by the Marianist educational philosophy, we educate the whole person and link learning and scholarship with leadership and service.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The University is also pleased to provide support for spouses of prospective and newly hired faculty through its dual career program. While we cannot guarantee placement, we serve as an effective resource and support system for your spouse. Information can be found at http://www.udayton.edu/hr/employee_resources/dual_career_resources.php

As one of the largest employers on campus, we employ up to 60 students each year. Student jobs include processing and digitizing special collections; cataloging, shelving and circulation; data entry; technology support; facilities support; and office work. 

Our student employees develop customer service, time management, leadership, information literacy and collaborative skills. Paid professional development opportunities, facilitated by library faculty and staff, are offered throughout the year. 

Student staff also participate in the Flyers GROW® program, which prompts them to connect their learning to work through reflection in conversation with their supervisors. They are able to articulate what they’ve learned through their library work in relation to their personal development, chosen fields of study, vocations or future job interests.

Open student positions are only posted on Handshake.

We are a founding and participating library of the OhioLINK Luminaries Internship Program, which exposes students to a wide range of work experiences based on the students' interests; pairs students with a mentor to gain valuable knowledge of the libraries and information sciences field; helps students develop marketable skills that are extendable to a variety of career disciplines; and supports our library work environments becoming more inclusive. The application process typically begins in early February.