Library Archival Assistant - Temporary

Phillips Exeter Academy; Exeter (NH); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Phillips Exeter Academy is seeking an archival assistant to support day-to-day operations of the Academy Archives and Special Collections. The role involves managing space, processing collections, assisting with research requests, and helping with re-shelving and security of materials.

You will collaborate with the Academy Archivist, supervise student workers, and contribute to exhibits and outreach while maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in a library, archive, or museum setting preferred.
• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist Archivist with background research and processing of collections.
• Create finding aids and convert inventories to EAD format.
• Plan and execute displays and outreach projects for archival materials.
• Staff the archives during open hours and by appointment.

Skills

Verbal & written directions

Professional demeanor

Independent worker

Multi-tasking

Confidential policies

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Adapt to new software

Student interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Phillips Exeter Academy
20 Main St
Exeter, NH 03833, USA

Description

PAY: $25.00-$30.00 per hour.

REPORTS TO: Director of Archives and Special Collections

SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week, including occasional weekends and evenings. Schedule may vary according to departmental and Academy needs.

STATUS: TEMPORARY through January 31, 2027

DEPARTMENT: Library

Position Purpose

In collaboration with the Academy Archivist, the archival assistant is responsible for supporting the clerical and administrative day-to-day functions of the Academy Archives and Special Collections. These include: managing the physical space and student workers; accessioning and processing collections; assisting with research requests; assisting with re-shelving materials; and ensuring the care and security of the collections.

Key Accountabilities

• Assist the Archivist in fulfilling certain requests by performing any necessary background research.
• Access, arrange, describe, and otherwise process collections, as assigned by the Academy Archivist, in accordance with established archival standards.
• Create finding aids for new collections, convert older inventories, container lists, and finding aids to EAD (encoded Archival Description) digital documents.
• Research, plan, and execute both physical and online exhibits and assist in other archival outreach efforts.
• Staff the Center for Archives & Special Collections during open hours and during scheduled appointments.
• Assist the Archivist in performing stack maintenance and space allotment in all Archives stacks, both in the library and off-site.
• Assist with documenting archival and special collections procedures.
• Assist with supervising and training student workers or interns.

Direct/Indirect Reports

In the abcense of the Director of Archives, support and supervise student workers.

Position Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree ( preferably in History, English, Archaeology, or a similar field of study)

Experience

• Experience working in a library, archive, or museum setting preferred.
• Experience working with adolescents in an educational setting preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to follow verbal and written directions, maintain a professional demeanor and restraint at all times, including stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• High degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible and multi-task with accuracy.
• A strict adherence to confidential policies is required.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills as well as a strong customer focus.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Ability to learn how to use other software environments as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students by building trust and credibility.

Additional Requirements

• Successfully complete a criminal background check

Equal Opportunity Employer
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