Oral Historian

Special Collections and University Archives advances scholarship, research, and teaching at UNC Charlotte by building, preserving, and providing access to collections of unique and distinctive value. We work collaboratively with diverse internal and external constituencies to document, preserve, and share the history and culture of the University and the Charlotte region for UNC Charlotte affiliates and for members of the broader community.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte recognizes the differentiation of mission, goals, and objectives inherent in the diversity of disciplines represented by its colleges and departments. Thus, the job responsibilities and essential functions for library faculty should be interpreted in the context of the Library's strategic plan.

Library faculty engage in service to the University, community, and profession. We create physical and digital environments that encourage learning and innovation, build and preserve collections, support research, and advance scholarship. We provide access to and promote the discovery of information. We help our communities become proficient information users and lifelong learners. Library faculty serve current and future UNC Charlotte students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Greater Charlotte and global community by sustaining the intellectual and creative life, and facilitating lifelong learning, discovery, and engagement.

Library faculty are expected to collaborate within the Library and beyond in the performance of professional duties that may include, but are not limited to: selecting, organizing, preserving, and facilitating access to materials; supporting teaching, learning, and research; providing outreach to the campus and community; and developing and maintaining digital and technological innovations.

Library faculty participate in scholarly research, creative endeavors, and professional activities to serve the Library, the University, and the information professions. Library faculty are strongly encouraged to pursue external funding for library-related initiatives.

This position is responsible for planning and conducting oral history project activities, and
managing oral history recordings deposited in J. Murrey Atkins Special Collections and
University Archives. These activities include identifying potential interviewees, conducting
interviews, creating descriptive metadata using professional standards, training campus
partners and community members in oral history interview procedures, and managing interview
data. This position works closely with archivists within the Special Collections and University
Archives unit for oral history project planning, instruction, outreach, description, and digital
preservation. This position also provides reference public services for the department.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
* Leads efforts to conduct outreach and coordinate oral history projects on topics relating
to the university and the Charlotte region
* Coordinates oral history project logistics including conducting background research,
scheduling interviews, securing equipment, and preparing interviewees
* Conducts oral history interviews in accordance with Oral History Association best
practices
* Ensures accurate documentation of interviews, including summaries, descriptive
metadata, and transcripts (where appropriate)
* Collaborates with colleagues on community engagement, instruction, and outreach
efforts
* Collaborates with colleagues on developing policies, procedures, and workflows related
to the arrangement, description, and preservation of oral history recordings and related
materials
* Develops relationships with University and community partners, organizations, and other
potential interviewees
* Carries out arrangement, description, and preservation activities for oral history
interviews
* Trains community and campus partners in oral history interview procedures
* May supervise student workers and interns
* Participates in providing reference services
* Engages in professional service and scholarship
* Participates in library and university faculty governance
* Performs other duties as assigned

Completion of a master's degree in the field of library and information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association by the time selected applicant begins job.

*Minimum of two years of experience working with and conducting oral histories
(including internships, student and volunteer work, community archives, etc.)
* Demonstrated experience with oral history programs, historical research, interview
techniques, and audiovisual equipment
* Familiarity with the history and culture of Charlotte, the Carolinas, or the American South
* Knowledge of archival principles, metadata standards, and digital preservation practices
related to managing oral history recordings
* Demonstrated experience teaching or training others to conduct oral histories
* Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
* Knowledge of ethical practices in oral history, including informed consent and
confidentiality
* Excellent written, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills, with a
demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a diverse community setting
* Demonstrated ability to work with others on the formation of policies, procedures, and
long-range plans
* Proficiency in relevant software applications for audio editing, digital asset management,
and archival databases
* Commitment to fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusion
* Project management experience
* Participation in relevant professional organizations.

The minimum academic credential required for applicants for faculty positions in Atkins Library
is completion of a master's degree in the field of library and information science from a program
accredited by the American Library Association by time of application.

Graduation with a master's degree in a specialized area directly relevant to the position
description may be an acceptable substitute in certain situations if approved by the Dean. A
second master's degree in another discipline or an earned doctorate is highly desirable.

Template for Special Note to Applicants:

Salary range for this position: $66,000

The following Application Materials must be attached to your electronic submission:

The Search Committee will not contact references before verifying permission with the candidate.

The review of applications will begin January 5, 2026. Anticipated start date is June 15th, 2026. Applicants with degrees in Public History or other relevant disciplines are encouraged to apply.

The candidate chosen for this position will be subject to a criminal background check and verification of academic credentials.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte is committed to equality of educational and employment opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on any protected status.

Please see this guide for information about accessibility at UNCC and Atkins Library:

Hiring is subject to budget availability.

For additional information about The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, please see the following informational resources:

Full accessibility information: http://library.charlotte.edu/visit-study/accessibility

For questions, please contact Adreonna Bennett at asimmo74@charlotte.edu