Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
Reference Archivist
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Inc. - 2.9
Belmont, NC
Job Details
Full-time
$50,000 - $55,000 a year
Full Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Reference Archivist Original Date: 10/2023
DEPARTMENT: Mercy Archives Revision date: 07/2023
REPORT TO: Director, Mercy Archives
FLSA Status: Exempt
TELECOMMUTE ELIGIBILITY:
This position has the option to telecommute.
JOB PURPOSE: Mercy Archives preserves, relates, and promotes the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas through professional archival, library, heritage, and records management practices. This full-time position will be an integral part of the Mercy Archives team and will work closely with the Mercy Archives Director and the Collections Management Archivist, in providing direct services to sisters, staff, academic and specialized researchers and the public by interpreting, evaluating, and analyzing their reference and research needs. This role will apply knowledge of the archival, library, artifact, and heritage holdings to guide, guide, instruct, or provide information necessary to answer inquiries and to make the collections of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas available for use according to the usage best practices and policies of the Archives department. Fieldwork across the Institute will be a part of this role. As we are a smaller department with limited resources, this position will collaborate, and support other department initiatives and projects as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage both an active in-person and remote reference program, including providing research assistance via website forms, email, phone, zoom. Provide problem solving and troubleshooting skills for inquiries.
Respond to internal and external requests for information and assist sisters, staff, historical, genealogical, and other researchers. Support requests for information from Mercy ministries and related organizations.
Manage the duplication order process according to Mercy Archives policies, including handling payments, tracking orders to completion, maintaining order data, and facilitating electronic delivery of files.
Manage the research room operations and enforce reading room rules and security.
Engage in the analysis, development, and implementation of systems, tools, technologies, and standards to improve research access, user interfaces, and efficiency of processes.
Work with the team to collect and maintain statistics, reports, and other metrics on various aspects of reference operations and services.
Collaborate with Mercy Archives team, sisters, staff, Mercy ministries and other stakeholders to promote the use of the collections.
Participate in the creation, execution, and maintenance of programming, including exhibitions and heritage displays among others, to educate audiences on the history and legacy of Mercy. Advocates for the Archives function and how it contributes to the ongoing vibrancy of the community.
Assist in staff training and education efforts related to reference and research services.
Support the supervision of volunteer, intern, and contract staff performing duties related to reference and research services.
Participate in professional activities of archives, religious, and other archival groups, including attending and representing Mercy Archives at professional conferences, workshops, or regional meetings.
Actively participate in activities to make more visible and build upon multiculturalism and international initiatives reflected in the Mercy history and culture.
Promote efforts to appreciate the historic background and tradition of Mercy and replies to inquiries that draw on the historical riches of the MHC (Mercy Heritage Center) collections.
Travel may be required.
Other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Accomplishes all tasks appropriately assigned
Safety
Follows all safety procedures and protocols and reports all hazardous conditions, defective equipment, accidents, or incidents to supervisor immediately.
Perceives potential problem situations and reports to supervisor.
Assists in maintaining a safe, neat, and clean environment;
Miscellaneous
Demonstrates initiative in observing what needs to be done and does it without having to be asked to do so.
Remains in compliance with employee handbook and other established community guidelines
Communicates with co-workers, management, sisters, visitors, families, and others in a courteous, tactful and professional manner
Conforms with and abide by all regulations, policies, work procedures and instructions,
Other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Competencies and Experience
To perform the job successfully, an individual should have the following education, competencies, and experience:
Required
Master's degree in history, or an ALA-accredited MLIS degree along with formal course work in archives administration or other archival training or experience.
Commitment to special collections and archives research services, including a keen interest in promoting the research use and appreciation of rare and primary source materials.
Three to five years’ experience conducting reference and research services using archival materials.
Ability to maintain professional confidentiality when working with sensitive non-public documents.
Familiarity with intellectual property issues related to archives and special collections.
Knowledge and appreciation of the demands and requirements of research, and the ability to recognize and evaluate the historical value of documents, records and artifacts.
Ability to build relationships and work both independently, collaboratively, proactively, and constructively.
Computer proficiency with a working knowledge of Microsoft applications, scanning software and equipment and image-editing software.
Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
Ability to relate to a broad and diverse clientele.
Ability to manage varying duties and priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred
Understanding and appreciation of the traditions and culture associated with the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and religious life.
Subject-area knowledge related to women’s history, religious history both in the United States and across the world.
Certified Archivist or intent to work towards certification.
Experience in training and supervising interns and volunteers.
English/Spanish bilingual communication and comprehension skills
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Experience:
Archival research: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
Master's degree in history, or an ALA-accredited MLIS degree (Required)
Work Location: In person
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