Special Collections and Archives Assistant

Program stream:: Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Job title:: Special Collections and Archives Assistant
Organization name:: University of Victoria Libraries
Job location:: Victoria , British Columbia
Length of assignment:: 2018-05-14 to 2018-08-31 (16 weeks)
Hourly wage:: $25.15

The University of Victoria Libraries Special Collections and University Archives is seeking one eligible Young Canada Works student for the position of SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND ARCHIVES ASSISTANT. The duration of the position is for 16 weeks, excluding statutory holidays, from Monday, May 14, 2018 – Friday, August 31, 2018. The rate of pay is $25.15/hr + 4% vacation pay. English fluency is essential; and although French is not required, it will be considered an asset.

The University of Victoria Libraries Special Collections and University Archives preserves and provides public access to: medieval manuscripts; rare and unique printed materials; private archives relating to local history and arts, including archives of local, national and international writers and artists; primary sources on anarchist studies, arts and culture, literary history and criticism, political and historical affairs, transgender studies, and women's studies.

The main objectives of the position of Special Collections and Archives Assistant are to:
1) assist with processing back-logged materials and providing access to users, both on site and online, of recently acquired and incoming archival materials;
2) assist with migrating legacy descriptions into Access-to-Memory (archival description software used by the unit to provide online access to finding aids);
3) curate exhibitions and contribute to the unit's social media presence on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

This project will not only provide valuable career-oriented skills and knowledge in special collections and archives, but provide increased knowledge of archival holdings and the critical job skills needed for working in libraries and archives and in a heritage-related field.

In order to be most successful, the candidate should:

- be currently enrolled in a MAS +/or MLIS program at a Canadian university (preferred); or currently enrolled in a graduate level program in Humanities, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or Social Sciences
- have completed an introduction to archival description course (preferred); or have had experience working in a Canadian heritage/memory institution (archives, library, museum, historical society)
- have high level of computer skill and digital fluency
- be able to work both collaboratively and independently
- have experience building and designing web content as well as knowledge of content management software
- have excellent written and verbal communication skills
- be comfortable interacting with the public

The deadline for applications is Thursday, April 12, 2018. All interested candidates who are eligible for the YCW program should apply by email with a cover letter and resume (as a single PDF file) to:

Lara Wilson, Director Special Collections and University Archivist
University of Victoria Libraries
Lower Level Mearns Centre for Learning, McPherson Library, Room A005
Email: ljwilson@uvic.ca
Web:www.uvic.ca/library

The University of Victoria is an equity employer and we will encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

Please note only those candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Characteristics of City/Region:

"Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island with a population of 345,000 people. With its mild climate, Victoria can be enjoyed all year-round.

You have your pick of outdoor excitement here. Take a sailing course, hike a mountain, explore the coastline by kayak or drive up island for a weekend of skiing. We've got it all.

Victoria may be surrounded by rainforest but it’s actually a lot drier than nearby Seattle or Vancouver. Annual rainfall is just 23.9 inches and Victoria is home to the warmest winters in Canada. Snow isn’t common in the city, so golfers, hikers and tennis enthusiasts can play outside all year long.

With a vibrant population like ours, there's a great selection of things to do. From international film, music, art and cultural festivals to poetry readings and musical performances, there are countless opportunities."

Taken from http://www.uvic.ca/home/about/victoria/index.php
For more information visit http://www.tourismvictoria.com/

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