Minnesota Orchestra Archive Assistant

ABOUT THE POSITION

Overview:

The Minnesota Orchestral Association Archives, part of the Performing Arts Archives at the University of Minnesota Libraries, are among the most complete of any major symphony in the country. The Minnesota Orchestra, known as the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra from 1903 until 1968, began depositing its records at the University in 1977. Since that time, the collection has received additional material annually. The archives contain scrapbooks that detail the first fifty years of Orchestra history; correspondence from several offices within the Association; thousands of photographs of conductors, guest artists, staff and board members; financial records; programs and other publications; and recordings in a variety of formats.

The University of Minnesota Libraries Archives and Special Collections department is seeking an individual to work with the Minnesota Orchestra Archive within the greater Performing Arts Archive located in Andersen Library. The appointment's focus is on the extensive Minnesota Orchestra archive for processing and in preparation for exhibition and to manage reference questions.

Archival Processing (40%)

• Reorganize and process the collection according to UMN archive protocol and coordinate a shift in the thematic and chronological order as needed to improve the conceptual arrangement.
• Process any records that have been missed and update the Finding Aid with descriptive notes.
• Correct errors in records within the collection.
• Shelve and reshelve materials.

Exhibition and Preparation (45%)

• Work with the MN Orchestra Records in preparation for a long-term exhibition that will be installed at Orchestra Hall.
• Collaborate with Minnesota Orchestra staff and the Performing Arts Archivist to identify exhibition themes and select materials that will be suitable for display in the exhibition such as posters throughout the history of the collection, photos, and other enticing materials.
• Actively involved with preparing materials for the final installation.
• Participate in the exhibit installation once materials have been selected and approved.

Research Services (15%)

• Assist the Performing Arts Archivist as needed on reference questions related to the MN Orchestra that come from students and faculty and non-campus scholars or the interested community. Requests include anything from pulling photos, programs, scores, etc.
• Communicate via email, phone, and in-person to answer reference inquiries.
• Prepare materials for research requests - identify needed materials, pull from shelves, schedule appointments.

Required:

• BA/BS or a high school diploma/GED and at least two years of related experience.
• At least one year of library experience with processing, organizing, cataloging and/or handling archival materials.
• Excellent time management, organizational and communications skills.

Preferred:

• Previous archival processing experience.
• Previous experience with exhibition installation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Minnesota Orchestra, including its history, prominent conductors and composers, as well as notable performances and performers.
• Demonstrated knowledge of classical music history with ability to identify composers and performing artists.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift, move and shelve boxes up to 20 pounds up to two times per week.

The Minnesota Orchestral Association Archives, part of the Performing Arts Archives at the University of Minnesota Libraries, are among the most complete of any major symphony in the country. The Minnesota Orchestra, known as the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra from 1903 until 1968, began depositing its records at the University in 1977. Since that time, the collection has received additional material annually. The archives contain scrapbooks that detail the first fifty years of Orchestra history; correspondence from several offices within the Association; thousands of photographs of conductors, guest artists, staff and board members; financial records; programs and other publications; and recordings in a variety of formats.

Pay Rate: $19 per hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).