Archivist

Iowa United Methodist Conference Center; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 6,800 - 16,000; Part time

Job summary

The Iowa Methodist Conference Archives is seeking an Archivist in Des Moines, IA to collect, preserve, and manage historical records and artifacts related to Iowa Methodism.

This part-time position (10–20 hours/week or 20–40 hours per pay period) is housed in the Conference Office and offers the opportunity to work with church historians and staff.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process church archival items and related records.
• Assess and preserve archival materials, remove non-value items.
• Catalog, process books and develop inventories.
• Assist local churches and conference staff with archives guidance.
• Respond to research enquiries by phone, email, or in person.
• Coordinate with General Commission on Archives and History for guidelines.
• Attend training and workshops to improve archival practices.
• Report activities to Archives Committee and assist with special projects.

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Archivist

Des Moines, IA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1052

Salary Range: $13.00 To $15.00 Annually

Iowa Methodist Conference Archivist Job Description (updated April 2023)

This position is 10-20 hours a week or 20-40 hours per pay period. This position would be housed in our Conference Office located in Des Moines, IA.

The Iowa Methodist Conference Archivist is responsible for collecting, evaluating, preserving, organizing, storing, and managing important historical records, documents, and artifacts pertaining to Iowa Methodist Churches and pastors who have served in Iowa for future information.

Receive Methodist Archival Items and Collections

• a. Church information: Historian Reports, histories/updated histories, celebration booklets, directories, important pictures, newspaper articles, etc.
• c. Membership books, histories, and important documents from closed churches
• f. Other Methodist related books (preferably relating to Iowa Methodism)
• g. Bibles, hymnals, disciplines (well supplied)
• h. Artifacts with options to keep in archives or another location

Assess, Preserve and Store Methodist Archival Items and Collections

• a. Assess documents (manage disposal of documents which hold no value)
• b. Ensure use of proper preservation techniques

• Preserve paper records, letters and documents on acid-free paper
• Remove staples, scotch tape, etc.
• Use archival pens, archival tape, stainless steel staples, etc.
• Enclose documents in archival (acid-free) sleeves, folders, boxes, etc.
• Make necessary repairs on archival items

• c. Catalog and process books
• d. Develop and keep an inventory
• e. Scan - create electronic (preserved) copies of important records for future research

Provide Assistance to Local Churches and Conference Staff

• a. Revise Church Historian Report Forms periodically
• b. Compare new Church Historian Reports with previous years before filing
• c. Update and share brochure, “The Iowa Methodist Conference Archives”
• d. Update and share brochure, “Tips for Church Historians and Secretaries”
• e. Provide information from archives files on pastors, church information, etc.
• f. Suggest items to be included in our archives
• g. Assist church historians as to what to keep and how to preserve documents
• h. Assist church historians or other personnel in writing church histories
• i. Suggest ideas for celebrations
• j. Share statistics from Conference Journals

Research Enquiries Received by Phone, E-mail, Snail-mail and in Person

• a. Provide dates of births, baptisms, and other genealogy information from closed church membership records for social security purposes, for joining another church or for family genealogy
• c. Identify and retrieve research materials, photocopy documents, and monitor people who come to do their own research

Receive Assistance from General Commission on Archives and History

• a. Use GCAH Guidelines for Archives from website
• b. Seek help and suggestions from GCAH
• c. Correspond with other state Methodist archivists
• d. Attend some training meetings (when available)

Attend Training and Workshop Opportunities in Person or on Zoom

• a. Iowa Conservation & Preservation Consortium (on-line and training sites)
• b. Historical Societies, libraries, colleges
• c. Suggested Archives reference books

Be Responsible to the Iowa Methodist Archives and History Committee

• a. Address concerns to Committee Chair
• b. Write reports of your activities for archives meetings
• c. Offer archival “keepsakes” for display at Conference Center
• d. Assist Archives Committee with special projects and activities
• e. Suggest needed items, such as new computer, printer, scanner, cabinets, etc.
• f. Suggest ideas for future organization, storage, etc.
• a. Check with designated Committee Member and/or Conference Personnel for needed additional archival supplies (acid free paper, archival file folders, stainless steel staples, archival pens, acid testers. etc.) – Submit voucher for approval.
• b. Check with designated Committee Member and/or Conference Personnel for needed office supplies (computer ink cartridges, mailing envelopes, pens, markers, etc.) Submit voucher for approval.