Assistant Archivist - Cataloging, Digitization & Preservation

National Federation of the Blind; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Federation of the Blind is seeking an Assistant Archivist to support inventory, cataloging, and digitization efforts for the National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement.

Primary duties include inventorying and updating records, digitizing materials, and producing accessible descriptions. The role emphasizes careful handling of historic artifacts, research support, and collaboration within a small, mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Completion of a college-level program in archival sciences, library sciences, museum studies, history, or similar.
• 1–3 years prior experience working in collections in an archive, museum, or similar setting, including relevant internships.
• Experience using a collections management system specific to a historic repository.
• Knowledge of metadata schema (such as Dublin Core) and cataloging tools (such as Museum Nomenclature).
• Ability to conduct historical background research.
• Experience responsibly handling a variety of historic artifacts, preferably including condition assessments and labeling artifacts.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in recording data.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent assignments and execute tasks independently.
• Ability to cooperate effectively in a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn other computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Follow standardized procedures and data standards to inventory and catalog artifacts.
• Identify and correct gaps and inconsistencies in the current collections records according to data standards.
• Conduct background research as necessary for cataloging.
• Conduct basic preservation or artifact re-housing as necessary.
• Follow standardized procedures to digitize various items, including paper and audiovisual materials, and create detailed, accessible descriptions (such as transcripts, time-stamped notes, etc.).
• Assist with other duties as assigned, including research tasks, outreach tasks, or other projects across the organization.

Skills

Collections mgmt system

Metadata standards

Background research

Artifact handling

Detail orientation

Organization

Independent work

Team collaboration

Written communication

MS Office

Education

College-level program in archival/sciences/museum studies/history

1–3 years collections experience

Tools

Museum Nomenclature

Dublin Core metadata

Job description

The National Federation of the Blind is seeking an Assistant Archivist to support inventory, cataloging, and digitization efforts for the National Archives of the Blind People’s Movement.

Primary duties include inventorying and updating records, digitizing materials, and producing accessible descriptions. The role emphasizes careful handling of historic artifacts, research support, and collaboration within a small, mission-driven team.