Archivist & Library Coordinator

United Against Human Trafficking; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

United Against Human Trafficking seeks an Archivist & Library Services Coordinator to lead the museum's research library, archival holdings, oral testimonies, and related collections, ensuring access, organization, and preservation in line with professional standards and the Museum's mission.

The role involves public-facing research support, cross-department collaboration, and supervision of volunteers, with responsibility for strategic growth, acquisitions, and access to digitized resources.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, History, or related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a museum, library, or archival setting.
• Experience with integrated library systems and digital databases.
• Background in Holocaust studies, genocide studies, or related fields preferred.
• Experience with digitization and digital preservation workflows preferred.
• Experience with SirsiDynix ILS software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess holdings to identify materials for reclassification or accessioning into the permanent collection.
• Maintain distinctions between institutional archives and collections archives.
• Accession, catalog, and preserve materials per professional standards (DACS, MARC, Dublin Core).
• Ensure proper storage and environmental conditions for rare materials.
• Develop and implement archival management, access, and preservation policies.
• Oversee digital asset organization and metadata standards.
• Support collections and exhibitions projects as needed.
• Manage the museum’s research library, including planning, policies, and budget oversight.
• Coordinate and facilitate research appointments, including oral histories access.
• Provide reference and research assistance to staff, scholars, and the public.

Skills

Cataloging standards

Project management

Public service

Written & verbal communication

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science / Archival Studies

Two years museum/library/archival experience

Tools

SirsiDynix ILS

DACS

MARC

Dublin Core

OverDrive

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Archivist & Library Services Coordinator is a full-time professional responsible for the leadership, management, and stewardship of the Museum’s research library, archival holdings, oral testimonies, and related collections. This role is vital for long-range planning, access, organization, and preservation of both archival and library materials, ensuring alignment with professional standards and the Museum’s mission to educate, remember, and inspire action against hatred and prejudice.

As an often public-facing role, this position provides research and library support to staff and external audiences, collaborates across departments, and engages with volunteers, researchers, and community partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct assessment of current archival holdings to identify materials requiring reclassification or accessioning into the permanent collection
• Establish and maintain clear distinctions between institutional archives and collections archives
• Accession, catalog, and preserve archival materials in accordance with professional standards (e.g., DACS, MARC, Dublin Core)
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and environmental conditions for rare and sensitive materials
• Develop and implement policies related to archival management, access, and preservation
• Oversee digital asset organization and metadata standards
• Provide additional support for Collections and Exhibitions projects and tasks as needed
• Manage all aspects of the Museum’s research library, including planning, policies, procedures, and budget oversight
• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategies for library growth, acquisitions, and access
• Manage acquisitions, processing, cataloging, and circulation of library materials
• Manage electronic resources, including databases and digital platforms such as OverDrive and SirsiDynix
• Manage and train library volunteers
• Coordinate and facilitate research appointments, including access to oral history testimonies and Destroyed Communities databases
• Provide reference and research assistance to staff, scholars, students, and the public (in person, email, and phone)
• Act as staff liaison with USC Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive to ensure access to the museum’s oral testimonies archive
• Conduct outreach to universities, school districts, and community partners to promote library and archival resources

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS), Archival Studies, History, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a museum, library, or archival setting
• Experience with integrated library systems and digital databases
• Background in Holocaust studies, genocide studies, or related historical fields preferred
• Experience with digitization and digital preservation workflows preferred
• Experience with SirsiDynix ILS software preferred

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of cataloging standards and archival best practices
• Strong organizational, project management, and budgeting skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Reading knowledge of German, Hebrew, Polish, or other relevant languages preferred
• Commitment to ethical stewardship of sensitive historical materials
• Ability to thoughtfully manage emotionally impactful content
• Strong public service orientation and collaborative mindset
• Ability to balance big-picture planning with detailed execution
• Alignment with the Museum’s mission and values

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, work at a computer, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically. Regular lifting or moving of materials up to 30 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates primarily in a professional office, museum, library, and archival environment. Work is typically performed indoors and involves regular interaction with staff, visitors, volunteers, and external partners. The role may occasionally require attendance at events, programs, or meetings outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends. The work environment is generally quiet to moderately busy, with periods of increased activity during peak programming or special events.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. The Museum reserves the right to modify job responsibilities, work schedules, or expectations as needed. Nothing in this description alters the at-will employment relationship between the employee and the Museum.