Utah State University

Processing Archivist
Listing for: Utah State University
Full Time position
Overview:

Utah State University (USU) Libraries seeks a collaborative, innovative, and service-minded professional to arrange, describe, and enable access to archival collections. The Processing Archivist (Library Professional I) will oversee appraisal, arrangement, and description of tangible and born-digital materials across the Special Collections & Archives curatorial areas. As part of the program for processing and access, the Processing Archivist will coordinate workflows, apply standards, and ensure best practices for all archival description.

They will work closely with curators to ensure timely processing of newly acquired materials and comprehensive secondary processing of materials. The Processing Archivist creates EAD-encoded, DACS-compliant finding aids in Archives Space that will be accessible to the public via the Archives West portal. The Processing Archivist supervises student assistants performing processing tasks.

The successful applicant will work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with support for professional growth and development. USU Libraries is currently undergoing a realignment process, which is anticipated to be finished by the start date for this position. This realignment process identified the Processing Archivist as an integral part of the newly aligned Special Collections & Archives section and the successful applicant will report to the Special Collections Librarian within the program overseeing accessions, processing, arrangement, description, and collection access.

This is a 0.80 benefit-eligible position within the Special Collections and Archives of USU Libraries. The anticipated start date is August 2023.

Responsibilities:

Apply the principles of archival arrangement and description for personal papers and organizational records in many formats including manuscripts, university records series, photographs, and other materials

Work with curators to prioritize, assess, appraise, arrange, and describe collection materials

Apply project management principles to processing workflows, creating archival processing plans and submitting regular reports on processing to ensure efficient and effective description for newly acquired materials and backlog collections

Oversee accessioning of newly acquired materials and work with curators to assign priority for arrangement and description

Ensure appropriate use of EAD, XML and other machine actionable metadata schema to describe collections at appropriate levels/hierarchies

Oversee the archival collection management system, Archives Space, with training and support from peers

Train and supervise student staff members who process collection materials

Qualifications:

USU Libraries understands that successful candidates possess a variety of experiences and abilities, some of which lend themselves to demonstrating these qualifications better than others. We encourage candidates to think broadly about how their experiences, knowledge, skills, and abilities can apply to the qualifications. We remain committed to professional development and training to continue to build and evolve skills for the future.

Minimum Qualifications:

Six years of relevant experience; or an Associate’s degree plus four years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus 2 years of relevant experience; or an ALA-accredited Master’s degree is required

Experience processing materials in an archives or special collections setting

Knowledge of archival methodology including appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including listening, speaking, and writing

Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills with meticulous attention to detail

Demonstrated commitment to practices that foster inclusion and belonging

Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, team-based environment

Ability to work independently

Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing assignments and needs

Preferred Qualifications:

Pursuing or holds certification from the Academy of Certified Archivists

Knowledge of archival management tools (e.g., Archives Space and EAD) and standards (e.g., DACS)

Experience with integrated library systems (e.g., Sierra)

Supervisory experience

Project management experience, especially with cultural heritage collections

Demonstrated ability to lead a team or coordinate work shared by others

Demonstrated software troubleshooting skills

Salary minimum of $36,000 annually for the 0.80 benefit eligible position, plus excellent benefits including a 14.2% (starting at $5,112 for a $36,000 annual salary) annual retirement contribution. Utah State University offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical and dental, as well as vacation and sick leave. The Libraries supports a flexible work environment while recognizing the level of flexibility within positions will vary based on individual job responsibilities.

https://www.learn4good.com/jobs/logan/utah/design_and_multimedia/2460080719/e/

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