Special Collections & Archives Sackner Archive Project Graduate Assistant

Interested applicants should send a CV and letter of interest to Rich Dana (richard-dana@uiowa.edu) by April 24, 2023.


UNIVERSITY OF IOWA LIBRARIES
Special Collections & Archives
Special Collections & Archives Sackner Archive Project Graduate Assistant

 

Department: University Libraries
Supervisor: Rich Dana, Sackner Archive Project Coordinator Librarian
Hrs/week: 20 hrs/week – 2023-2024, with possibility for a one-year renewal for 2024-2025

 

The University of Iowa Libraries seeks a detail-oriented graduate student with an interest in the avant-garde to serve in the grant-funded position of Sackner Archive Project (SAP) Graduate Assistant. The SAP Graduate Student will work with the Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry to establish it as a more integrated part of the University of Iowa Libraries Special Collections & Archives.


Job Description: Reporting to the Sackner Archive Project Coordinator Librarian, the SAP Graduate Assistant will assist in implementation of the grant funded Sackner Archive Project, which focuses on rehousing, description, and cataloging of the Archive. They may also contribute to instruction, reference, and outreach activities pertaining to the Sackner Archive as needed.

The SAP Graduate Assistant will work closely with the SAP Coordinator Librarian and conservators to identify, barcode, mark, and rehouse materials from the Sackner Archive. In the second year of their employment—the third year of the project—they will help with the expansion of a Sackner Archive website. They may also help to guide student workers assigned to the SAP as they perform related duties.

Primary tasks will include:

  • Identify, barcode, mark, and rehouse materials from the Sackner Archive
  • Communicate with the SAP Coordinator Librarian to assess materials of highest priority for cataloging and description.
  • Update finding aids within ArchivesSpace to include location information.
  • Mark and label materials within the Archive to align with Libraries tracking systems.
  • Improve upon a website providing enhanced access to Sackner Archive materials.
  • Process archival materials within the Sackner Archive.
  • Collaborate as needed with colleagues working in areas of libraries technology, collection development, archival and manuscript processing, preservation, and digitization.

Required Qualifications:

  • Current graduate student at the University of Iowa, graduating in May 2025 or later
  • Demonstrated interest in art, art history, museum studies, special collections, archives, or a related field
  • Strong organization and prioritization skills
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, and collaboration are essential

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience handling art, rare books, archival materials, or similar

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.