Archivist

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Archives Manager, the Archivist is responsible for supporting the day-to-day functions of the archives, including arranging and describing archival collections, creating and updating finding aids, assisting with reference services, and performing collections management activities. The successful candidate will have excellent organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively and will demonstrate initiative and follow-through with projects and tasks.  

Responsibilities

The Archivist will:

• Maintain library and archival materials (papers, posters, books, periodicals, photographs, artwork, audio, film, video, ephemera, and digital files) ensuring proper inventory, arrangement, description, storage, and preservation
• Prepare finding aids and other reference guides to assist staff and researchers with finding relevant materials
• Participate in reference duty rotation and provide in-person and email reference assistance to researchers
• Contribute to the development and revision of archival policies, procedures, and workflows
• Manage, track, and order archival supplies
• Coordinate and collaborate with exhibitions team on use of archival materials in exhibits
• Assist in accessioning physical and digital collection materials
• Assist in supervising volunteers, interns, and graduate assistants
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and information science with a concentration in archival studies; or an advanced degree in a related discipline, combined with relevant experience; or nearing completion of an ALA-accredited master's degree in library and information science
• Experience working in special collections, archives, records management, museums, or cultural heritage settings
• Ability to prioritize projects, work on multiple projects simultaneously, work independently, and collaborate with colleagues
• Knowledge of and experience with archival theory and practice
• Knowledge of DACS, EAD, and ArchivesSpace or a related archival management system  
• Experience with databases, online search and discovery tools, and cataloging/metadata applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of metadata standards such as Dublin Core, MODS, and PBCore
• Experience providing reference services to researchers
• Experience working with digital files in a variety of formats
• Experience supervising student workers or volunteers

Physical Requirements

• Frequently sit to perform desk-based tasks, including repetitive data entry and handwriting; frequent standing and sitting while processing materials
• Occasionally climb and reach on ladders and step stools
• Ability to lift and carry or transport materials up to 40 pounds; ability to push book carts or flatbed trucks up to 200 pounds
• Occasionally work with materials that may have been exposed to dust, pests, mildew, or mold

Knowledge, Skills, and Work Standards

• Excellent written, verbal, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members and to carry out work independently on archives projects
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint), scanning software, and web navigation
• Familiarity with guidelines and best practices for the digitization of archival materials, including paper and photographic materials
• Ability to learn and implement new systems and techniques as required

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