GL of Kansas Looking For Librarian/Archivist

Official notice from the Kansas Masonic Foundation in Topeka, Kansas:

The Grand Lodge of Kansas Masonic Museum & Library is seeking a full-time archivist as it renovates and re-purposes its internal collection of Masonic material, records, books and artifacts. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and forward-thinking with a commitment to access, public service, collection management and preservation.

Reporting to the Grand Librarian, the archivist will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude in initiative and independent judgment. He or she will be held to the highest ethical standards of a professional archivist in categorizing, maintaining, preserving, and providing access to the Museum's archival collection. Although prior subject knowledge of the history of Freemasonry and fraternalism is not required, the successful candidate will be familiar with American fraternalism and be willing to acquire such additional subject knowledge on the job as is required, with guidance from the Grand Lodge staff.

The archivist is responsible for all aspects of the archives collections. The archives collections are comprised of a number of important collections pertaining to Freemasonry, fraternalism, and American history, as well as the institutional archives of the Grand Lodge of Kansas, which date back to 1856; and the institutional archives of Kansas Masonic lodges in general from 1856 to the present.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and maintain a collection policy for a disparate collection of books, periodicals, intra-state and interstate Masonic records, artifacts and ephemera.

• Arrange, describe, and house archival materials according to current professional standards, including the creation of finding aids and MARC records

• Provides archival reference services for in-house staff and external researchers

• Actively seeks new acquisitions via donation and/or purchase

• In conjunction with the Grand Librarian, the Grand Secretary, and the Council of Administration, advise on the development and/or refinement of policies and procedures for the records management program of the Grand Lodge of Kansas

• Maintain a thorough and up-to-date understanding of digital file formats, electronic records management, and digital sustainability practice and theory

• Continue to inventory, prioritize, and catalog archives backlog

• Assist with the planning, research, and organization of reading room exhibitions

• Participate in digitization projects

• Promote archives collections to academic, Masonic, and other audiences through various outlets, including the Kansas Lodge of Research’s publications, and The Kansas Mason, the membership magazine of the Grand Lodge of Kansas

• Staffs reference desk as required

• Recruits and supervises archives interns and volunteers as needed

• Performs other duties as assigned/required by supervisor

• Master’s Degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution, or graduate degree in archival studies, or graduate degree in a related discipline with equivalent experience in archives

• Minimum of three (3) years professional archives experience, preferably in a museum or academic setting, and including experience with reference, acquisitions, and collections processing

• Demonstrated knowledge of trends, principles, and practices in archival collections, including issues in

• electronic/digital archives

• Enthusiasm for Masonic, fraternal, and American history

• Strong and broad historical research and analysis skills; excellent attention to detail

• Sound and effective writing skills

• Excellent   interpersonal  and   organizational  skills   evidenced   by   success   working   in   a   collaborative environment

• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and growth

• General knowledge of issues in records management, along with practical experience, or at least one course in records management

• Strong customer-service orientation and excellent interpersonal skills

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Must be team oriented, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible

• Ability to regularly lift 40 lb. records storage boxes

• Second Master’s degree in American history or American studies

• Subject knowledge of the history of Freemasonry and fraternalism

• Institutional archives and/or records management experience

• Familiarity with archival collections management systems or databases, such as ArchivesSpace

• Knowledge of archival metadata schemas and standards, EAD, DACS

• Familiarity with current technology collection management software (e.g. Mimsy XG)

Grand Secretary
Grand Lodge of Kansas A.F.&A.M.
320 SW 8th Avenue
Topeka, Kansas  66603-3912
om@kansasmason.org

Position Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

Work Schedule

Position requires working Saturdays every other month: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30-4:30.  Alternating month schedule is Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30.

Salary & Benefits

$31,000 to $42,000 per year. Benefits include Medical & Dental health plan, paid vacation, and 401K plan.

About the Grand Lodge of Kansas Library and Archives

The Grand Lodge of Kansas Library and Archives is undergoing a major renovation transforming it from a small, underfunded, and largely uncategorized, private library to a major Masonic repository withing ten years.  Founded by the Grand Lodge of Kansas in 1917 and supported by Kansas Freemasons and the Kansas Masonic Foundation, the Grand Lodge of Kansas Library and Archives collection reflects the scope and influence of Masonry in the State of Kansas which predates Kansas statehood.  As it is repurposed the Library and Archives will encompass the scope of Fremasonry, fraternalism, and American history and will support research on the Museum's collections, as well as the exhibitions the Museum has displayed throught its nearly 100 year history.

The collection is comprised of numerous materials including unpublished Masonic records from individual lodges, fraternal regalia dating from the mid nineteenth century, a large collection of published Masonic and fraternal material, a small but significant art collection, and minute and ledger books of various other fraternal groups.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:

Tracy Bloom