Univeristy Archivist - West Virginia & Regional History Center, WVU Libraries

West Virginia University is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and forward-thinking University Archivist to lead the development of a comprehensive University Archives program. Housed within the West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC), the University Archives preserves the permanent records of WVU that document the institution’s operations, achievements, and campus life since 1867.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how the University’s history is preserved, interpreted, and shared. The University Archivist will play a critical role in safeguarding institutional memory, supporting innovative research and student learning, strengthening engagement with alumni and campus partners, and advancing records management across the University. Working collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators, alumni, and library colleagues, the successful candidate will help ensure that the stories, decisions, and experiences that define WVU are preserved and accessible for generations to come.

The University Archivist is responsible for developing and stewarding collections documenting the history of West Virginia University; building relationships with campus and other stakeholders to collect the full scope of the University’s history; and supporting outreach and instruction using University archives. The position advances the University’s land-grant mission by preserving and providing access to institutional records that document teaching, research, and service, ensuring they inform scholarship and support institutional memory.

Major Responsibilities 

University Archives Collection Development and Stewardship

• With the director of the WVRHC, develop strategic priorities and plans for the West Virginia University archives. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for university units, including administrative offices, academic departments, and student organizations, as well as individual donors, such as faculty, alumni, and students, regarding the appraisal and transfer of archival records. 
• Conduct site visits to assess, appraise, and document potential accessions in alignment with the WVU Record Retention Policy & Schedule, including both physical and born-digital materials.
• As necessary and in coordination with the Research Services and Engagement department, determine appropriate steward of records and help ensure representation of faculty and student research outputs in the Institutional Repository. 
• In collaboration with the Head of Collections Management and Processing and the Digital Collections Archivist, coordinate physical and digital transfer logistics, including preparing materials and assisting with scheduling. 
• Prepare and document donor agreements and records transfer documentation. 
• In coordination with the Head of Collections Management and Processing, coordinate accessioning, processing, and digital archiving priorities and operations to ensure efficient arrangement and description of university records. 
• Prepare and support accurate and up-to-date donor files, accession records, and finding aids in appropriate databases.
• Assess and manage access decisions for unprocessed and legacy university collections and potential legal, policy, and/or cultural restrictions. 
• Select and recommend university archives for preservation and/or digitization. 
• Collaboratively develop and maintain policies, procedures, and workflows related to university archives in compliance with professional standards. 
• In collaboration with the WVRHC Director and in partnership with the Assistant Dean of Strategy, Planning, and Impact, develop and implement assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of University archives services, resources, and initiatives.
• Lead areas under direction in proactively identifying and responding to emerging trends in university archives, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs and expectations of WVU’s students, faculty, and researchers.

Outreach and Instruction 

• Proactively build relationships with campus partners and stakeholders, including administrative offices, such as the Office of General Counsel, academic departments, and student organizations.
• Participate in meetings, presentations, and collaborative initiatives with campus partners and stakeholders. 
• Develop and contribute to events, presentations, and exhibits that promote the awareness and understanding of the university archives. 
• Develop and conduct training for university offices on archival and records management best practices. 
• Provide specialized information services, including instruction, reference, and research consultation, related to the University archives and in coordination with the Head of Instruction and Public Services.

Condition of Work and Benefits

• Twelve-month assignment, 37.5 hours weekly M-F with occasional weekend and evening work possible
• Flexible Hybrid work schedule 
• Faculty rank and status, non-tenure track
• Health and retirement benefits
• Generous paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave
• A supportive work environment with funding support for research and professional activities
• This position is open rank. Rank and salary are dependent upon experience and credentials. 
• Salary range commensurate with experience and faculty rank, salary for Assistant appointment starts at $61,000. Rank is determined by years served in a professional librarian capacity.
• Assistant University Librarian (5 years or fewer), Associate University Librarian (6 year to 12 years) and University Librarian (13 years or more) years of professional library experience or its equivalent.   
• Exemplary job performance, professional development and/or research, and service are required for reappointment and promotion in rank  

• Master's degree from an ALA accredited program for library and information science (or equivalent); concentration in archival studies preferred. Second master’s in a relevant subject area desirable.  
• Three (3) or more years post-MLS experience working in an archival repository or special collections unit. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of archival processes and standards in appraisal, arrangement, and description. 
• Knowledge of national standards and best practices for the description of archival materials (DACS, EAD), authority control, and other data content and structure standards relevant to archival control. 
• Working knowledge of standards related to electronic records, digital objects, and metadata (Dublin Core), and knowledge of various digital content formats and standards. 
• Demonstrated project planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Strong oral and written communication and critical thinking skills. 
• Ability to work in a collaborative and collegial manner.
• Experience providing outreach to students, faculty, or community groups. 
• Cultural competency and interest in participating in discussions and initiatives that reflect the WVRHC’s commitment to expanding and supporting a diverse historical record.
• Record of engagement with professional groups and activities and/or contributions to the profession.

Preferred: 

• Experience with university archives and/or records management.
• Supervisory experience.

Application Procedure

The application review process will begin August 5, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. A complete application must include:

• Cover letter
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae 
• Three current, professional references

Performance Standards

Evaluation is based on West Virginia University Libraries: Criteria for Library Faculty Appointment, Retention, Promotion, and Merit, the current Position Description and the Assignment Document for the year under review.