About the University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island (URI) is the state’s public, learner-centered research university, dedicated to fostering knowledge and innovation. As a land, sea, and urban grant institution, URI enriches students’ lives through a dynamic blend of education, research, and community engagement.
As Rhode Island’s only public research university, URI offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs that extend beyond state borders, shaping leaders and advancing discovery. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni share a commitment to learning and leadership, grounded in independent thought and academic excellence.
At URI, we embrace and uphold the following core values:
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Creativity and Scholarship – Advancing knowledge through research and innovation.
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Diversity, Fairness, and Respect – Fostering an inclusive and equitable community.
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Engaged Learning and Civic Involvement – Encouraging hands-on experiences and community participation.
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Intellectual and Ethical Leadership – Preparing students to lead with integrity and vision.
Position Overview
The University Libraries’ University Archives and Special Collections Unit seeks a dedicated professional to oversee the Commercial Pattern Archive (CoPA). This role involves managing CoPA’s extensive collection of commercially produced paper sewing patterns and maintaining its unique scholarly database of pattern metadata. The position is responsible for the administration, development, organization, and overall maintenance of CoPA, ensuring accessibility for researchers, faculty, and students.
Key Responsibilities
Primary Duties:
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Work independently under the supervision of the Director, University Archives and Special Collections (UASC) to manage and enhance CoPA.
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Oversee donations, including communicating with potential donors, coordinating collection transfers, processing pattern donations, and collaborating with cataloging teams for non-pattern materials.
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Organize and catalog patterns in accordance with established procedures and metadata standards.
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Provide research support by assisting faculty, students, and patrons in accessing CoPA and related collections, including responding to inquiries from local and remote users.
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Maintain and improve the CoPA database to enhance user experience and research capabilities.
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Promote CoPA through outreach efforts such as exhibitions, presentations, and collaborations with faculty to integrate CoPA materials into academic coursework.
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Assist in grant proposal preparation for funding opportunities in alignment with Library and University policies.
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Stay current with trends and best practices in relevant professional fields.
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Contribute to unit reports and provide general research support as needed.
Additional Responsibilities:
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Support the University Archives and Special Collections Unit with general research services.
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Perform other related duties as required.
Tools & Equipment:
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Technology: Personal computers, printers, scanners, and relevant software (word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and social media).
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Physical Requirements: Ability to occasionally lift 40 pounds.
Qualifications
Required:
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Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
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Experience in library collections management (such as coursework in archives or museum studies, library work experience, or volunteer experience) OR knowledge of fashion history, garment construction, costuming, or home sewing trends from the late 19th and 20th centuries.
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Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
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Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
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Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
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Capability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally.
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Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Preferred:
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Master’s degree in Library Sciences, Archival Management, Museum Studies, or a related field (e.g., Historic Fashion and Textiles, Textile Conservation, Cultural Analysis, Decorative Arts, Design History, or Material Culture).
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At least two years of post-graduate experience in library, archival, or museum collections management.
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Strong database management skills.
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Experience in grant writing and securing funding.
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