Archives Technician: Art, Archives and Special Collections
Mount Royal University
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, Union: MRSA
Position Classification: SLB07 Library Assistant VII
Salary Grade: $55,982.00 – $70,841.00
Hybrid Work: This position is ineligible
Location: MRU Main Campus
Closing Date: April 11, 2025
About the Role
Reporting to the archivist and special collections librarian, this position supports the management of and access to the University’s Art Collection. They are responsible for ensuring that works of art are properly inventoried, described and catalogued. They support exhibition, storage, and the provision of access to the art collection to members of the campus and the wider community. This position collaborates with a range of teams and units across campus, including the University’s Art Committee, campus interest groups, and employees in Facilities Management and Security Services to ensure that the University’s art collection is displayed, described and maintained in alignment with campus policies and collections management best practices. A member of the Archives and Special Collections team, they also contribute to describing, cataloguing, digitizing and processing the Library’s archival collections and special library collections. Archival duties include rehousing of records for storage and preservation, development and maintenance of finding aids, cataloguing of rare books, and instructing and assisting users in the use of archival resources.
This is a permanent full-time position working 35 hours per week. This is primarily an on-campus position; however, the opportunity to work approximately one day per week remotely may be available.
Responsibilities
This position supports the care and maintenance of the university’s Art Collection, which includes the follow responsibilities:
- Prepares, processes and maintains art collection records related to acquisition, accessioning/deaccessioning, loans, storage, exhibition and display.
- Conducts an annual audit to ensure that the location and condition of works is accurately documented.
- Describes art works according to defined standards for collection management, access, and exhibition purposes.
- Assists with the organization of exhibitions and the coordination of loans for display purposes
- Conducts research related to artworks and artists in the Art Collection, and other topics as required.
- Liaises with the university’s Art Committee to ensure that the Art Collection is managed according to defined policy and procedures.
- Coordinates appraisals and ensures proper record keeping.
Archival responsibilities include:
- Supports the Archivist in the acquisition of archival and special library materials.
- Prepares and updates finding aids according to the Rules for Archival Description (RAD) and other descriptive standards.
- Physically prepares records for storage through rehousing (boxing, foldering, labeling) according to archival best practices.
- Ensures the long-term preservation of records in various formats through encapsulation, scanning, and by conducting minor conservation processes.
- Assists with research and outreach projects, develops support materials, and helps with exhibit preparation as required to promote and expand access to collections.
- Staffs the archives service desk, providing research support in person or via email, ensuring user needs are met effectively.
- Instructs and assists users in the effective use of archival resources to meet information needs, drawing on up-to-date knowledge of archival practices and cataloguing standards for reliable and informed guidance.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- At least two (2) years of relevant experience.
- Experience working with archival materials and rare books, or experience working with art or museum collections.
- Experience collaborating across diverse teams to achieve goals.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Library, art, museum or archives-specific training or education such as Archives Society of Alberta’s Archives Institute, Library or Archival Technician diploma, or a Masters in Library and Information Studies is an asset.
- Experience in a post-secondary organization is an asset.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our career opportunities page.
If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify erecruiter@mtroyal.ca and we will work together on your accommodation request.
