Library Assistant Oral History Project

Andersen Horticultural Library (AHL), the largest horticultural research library in the Upper Midwest, is located at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) in Chanhassen, MN. It is nationally known for its Historic Seed & Nursery Catalog Collection, its collection of George Nakashima furnishings, and for its 500+ years of garden and natural history resources. AHL is part of the University of Minnesota Libraries and reports through the Research Division/Sciences, Agriculture & Engineering (SAgE) department. Andersen Horticultural Library seeks a collaborative, creative individual with a passion for plants and/or animals.

Primary Function

• The primary functions of this position are: planning and conducting oral history interviews related to the history of the Arboretum; ensuring accurate transcription, metadata, and record-keeping; and developing training materials for volunteers.
• Work Hours/Days: (Flexible Tuesday-Saturday, up to 14 hours)

**This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

1. INTERVIEWS (60%)

• Develop a thoughtful, flexible approach to the oral history interviewing work.
• Conduct interviews ethically, adaptively, and in accordance with established best
• practices.
• Oversee ingest, transcription and upload of interviews.
• Manage and maintain recording equipment and release/permissions forms.
• Perform follow-up with participating organizations and individuals as needed.

2. PLANNING AND OUTREACH (25%)

• Work collaboratively with the Curator to develop a thoughtful, detailed, achievable plan of work.
• Perform preparatory research, conduct outreach to potential interviewees, and build meaningful connections with participating organizations and individuals.
• Craft and adapt appropriate project policies, metadata collection instruments, release forms, and other project-appropriate tools.

3. DOCUMENTATION (10%)

• Develop training materials to allow additional staff and volunteers to conduct oral histories.
• Maintain thorough documentation of project values, practices, workflows, and activities.
• Develop strategies for publicizing the project through blog posts, social
• media, and other venues.
• Devise and implement other documentation and communication efforts, as needed.

4. SPECIAL PROJECTS/OTHER DUTIES (5%)

• The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree with 5 or more years of related experience, or master's degree with 3 years of related libraries, archives, museum studies, or public history.
• Knowledge of oral history professional practice, methodology, theory, and ethics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Experience or coursework related to horticulture, gardening, botany, or natural history.
• Knowledge of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
• Ability to work independently and to work effectively as a team member.
• Experience with digital recording and editing technology, equipment, and software.
• Experience with or knowledge of best practices in archival description, digital preservation, audiovisual archives, and/or the digital humanities.
• Experience with or knowledge of the University of Minnesota's accessibility requirements for digital content.

Pay Range: $20.00 - $22.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

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.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format (DO NOT copy and paste.)

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.

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