Job: Coordinator, Commercial Pattern Archive (PT), Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Amanda Izenstark
The University of Rhode Island Libraries has an opening within our University Archives and Special Collections unit. We’re looking for a part-time (16-hour/week) Coordinator for our Commercial Pattern Archive (CoPA).
CoPA is both an extensive collection of commercially-produced paper sewing patterns and a unique scholarly database of pattern metadata used by costumers, fashion designers, museum professionals, scholars, and vintage aficionados the world over.
The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by March 14, 2025. Applications received after March 14, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
Details below. Apply at https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/14757
Please direct any questions about the position to Karen Walton Morse at kwm...@uri.edu
Coordinator, Library Collection (Commercial Pattern Archive)
Part-time: 16 hours/week
Pay rate: $30-$35 per hour
BASIC FUNCTION:
Responsible for the administration, development, organization, services, and maintenance of the Commercial Pattern Archive (CoPA) within the University Libraries’ University Archives and Special Collections Unit. Manage CoPA’s extensive collection of commercially produced paper sewing patterns and a unique scholarly database of pattern metadata.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform, under the general supervision of the Director, University Archives and Special Collections (UASC), independent, complex duties.
Manage donations of collection material (liaise with potential donors; work with Director, UASC to facilitate collection transfers from other repositories; process pattern donations; liaise with Metadata and Content Management to facilitate the cataloging of non-pattern materials; and send donor acknowledgments).
Organize and catalog patterns following established procedures and metadata standards.
Provide subject- and collection-specific research support (assist faculty, students, and other patrons in accessing and using materials in CoPA and related UASC collections; respond to related reference questions from local and distance patrons)
Manage and plan enhancements to the CoPA database.
Promote CoPA through outreach activities like public exhibitions and presentations; work with faculty to incorporate CoPA material in their teaching.
Work with Director, UASC to prepare grant proposals to government agencies and funders in accordance with Library and University policies.
Keep abreast of current and trending, relevant, professional subject knowledge.
Contribute to Unit reports.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the University Archives and Special Collections Unit by providing coverage for general research support service.
Perform other duties as required.
LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:
Personal computers, printers, scanners, word processing, database management, and spreadsheet software. Social media. Ability to occasionally lift 40 pounds.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree.
Demonstrated experience in library collections management (i.e., coursework in archives or museum studies, library work experience, library volunteer experience, etc.), OR library collection subject matter (i.e., familiarity with late 19th- and 20th-century fashion history, garment construction, costuming, and social and/or industrial history as it pertains to clothing and home sewing, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to work independently.
Demonstrated organizational skills.
Demonstrated attention to detail.
Demonstrated strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to occasionally lift 40 pounds.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in Library Sciences, Archival Management, Museum Studies, or related field (i,e., Historic Fashion and Textiles, Textile Conservation, Cultural Analysis, Decorative Arts, Design History, Material Culture).
Minimum of two years of post-graduate experience working with library, archival, or museum collections.
Demonstrated database management skills.
Demonstrated ability to prepare proposals for successful funding.
Apply at https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/14757
(formerly Director of Distinctive Collections)
University of Rhode Island
kwm...@uri.edu | 401-874-2128
http://web.uri.edu/specialcollections/