74532true74532falseSubmission for the position Hamon Library Project Archivist HR Title Librarian I - Job Number PRO00000353false74532falsetrue
Hamon Library Project Archivist HR Title Librarian IPRO00000353
Salary Range 54581.40-60646.00. Salary is commensurate with experience.
About SMU SMUs more than 12,000 diverse high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the Universitys small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs. SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools:
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences Cox School of Business Lyle School of Engineering Meadows School of the Arts Simmons School of Education and Human Development Dedman School of Law Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies
SMU is data-driven and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty, and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMUs relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nations fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social, and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Department About SMU Libraries Southern Methodist University is a nationally ranked private research university located in Dallas, Texas. The SMU Libraries include six libraries on the main campus and one in Taos, New Mexico, with the Rees-Jones Library of the American West scheduled to open in 2027. SMU Libraries is committed to collaboration, professional growth, and access to information, providing a supportive environment for library and archival professionals.
About Hamon Arts Library Hamon Arts Library supports teaching, learning, and research in the visual and performing arts, including art, art history, architecture, dance, film, music, and theatre. The library holds distinctive archival and special collections that support scholarly inquiry and creative practice.
About the Position This role is an on-campus, in-person position. SMU Libraries seeks a skilled and collaborative Archivist to support the processing, description, and access of archival and manuscript collections held at Hamon Arts Library for a term of two years. This position plays a critical role in advancing collection stewardship, improving discovery, and supporting research use of archival materials related to the visual and performing arts.
Reporting to the Director of the Hamon Arts Library and collaborating closely with the Archivist of the Bywaters Special Collection, the Archivist will survey, preserve, arrange, and describe special collections related to theatre and film in the special collections of Hamon Arts Library, Bywaters Special Collections, and G. William Jones Film & Video Collection.
Essential Functions • Arranging, describing, and processing archival and manuscript collections in accordance with professional standards and best practices. • Creating and editing finding aids and collection documentation to support discovery and access. • Supporting researcher access to archival materials and assisting with reference inquiries related to collections. • Promoting responsible handling and use of archival materials. • Contributing to collection maintenance, preservation workflows, and environmental best practices. • Identifying preservation needs and collaborating with colleagues on long-term stewardship strategies. • Working closely with librarians, archivists, and staff across SMU Libraries to support project goals, workflows, and shared priorities. • Participating in meetings and contributing to documentation and reporting related to archival projects. • Applying ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsible archival practices. • Adhering to SMU Libraries policies, procedures, and professional standards.
Education and Experience Required Qualifications Masters degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, Public History, or a related field. Experience working with archival or special collections. Knowledge of archival standards and best practices.
Preferred Qualifications • Experience processing archival collections in an academic or research setting. • Familiarity with archival description tools and systems. • Experience working with arts-related or culturally significant collections.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. • Strong written communication skills. • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems as well as devise solutions. • Strong organizational planning and time management skills.
Physical and Environmental Demands Deadline to Apply Position is open until filled. Applications submitted by February 8, 2026, will receive priority consideration. To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume or CV and a cover letter that addresses the education and experience required and preferred for this position.
EEO Statement SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Benefits SMU offers staff a broad competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract support and retain employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution. SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU, and if you meet SMUs retirement eligibility criteria during your retirement years after you leave SMU. The value of learning at SMU isnt just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.