Oral History Archivist

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida invites applications for an Oral History Archivist to manage new and legacy oral history materials, coordinating accessioning, arrangement, metadata creation, digitization coordination, and preservation planning within SPOHP's workflow.

The role collaborates with the SPOHP Director and UF Libraries to ensure public access to oral histories via UF Digital Collections, supporting discovery and scholarly use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of related library experience; or a master's degree in Library or Information Science or another directly relevant area.
• Master's degree in an ALA‑accredited program with a concentration in archives or related field is preferred.
• Experience with archival processing, arrangement, description, and collections management is preferred.
• Experience with audiovisual materials, digitization, and digital preservation practices is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Appraise, accession, arrange, describe, and process oral history collections and related materials.
• Manage collection databases, inventories, and archival documentation.
• Develop and implement workflows for digital preservation, records management, storage, and long‑term access.
• Lead backlogs reduction for legacy analog materials and digitization tracking.
• Coordinate metadata creation and archival workflows with UF Libraries and UF Digital Collections.
• Provide reference services and assist users in discovering SPOHP collections.
• Serve as liaison to UF Libraries and campus/community partners on access and preservation matters.

Skills

Strong written communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Collaboration

Spanish (helpful)

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's in LIS

Job description

Oral History Archivist

Job No: 541035

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Libraries/Museums, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support

Department: 16282200 - LS-ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM

Job Description

Classification Title: Library Coordinator II

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of related library experience; or a master's degree in Library or Information Science or another directly relevant area.

The Oral History Archivist will serve as the primary professional responsible for managing new and legacy oral history materials, including accessioning, arrangement, description, metadata, digitization coordination, preservation planning, and access workflows. The position will work closely with the SPOHP Director and University of Florida Libraries staff to support the preservation and public accessibility of oral histories through the University of Florida Digital Collections.

Archival Processing and Management

• Appraise, accession, arrange, describe, and process new and legacy oral history collections and related materials.
• Manage collection databases, tracking systems, inventories, and related archival documentation.
• Assist with the development and implementation of policies and workflows for digital preservation, records management, storage, and long-term access.
• Lead efforts to address archival backlogs, including legacy analog audiovisual materials, digitization tracking, and processing prioritization.
• Oversee daily archival and collection-related activities involving oral histories and associated audiovisual and documentary materials.

Digital Access and Management

• Create, revise, and standardize metadata, inventories, indexes, abstracts, finding aids, and other descriptive tools to improve intellectual control, discoverability, and access.
• Coordinate archival workflows with University of Florida Libraries and the University of Florida Digital Collections, including metadata preparation, ingest support, and public access to processed materials.

Collections Management

• Maintain documentation related to deeds of gift, permissions, embargoes, restrictions, and other rights or access conditions for oral history materials.
• Support responsible stewardship of restricted, embargoed, culturally sensitive, and rights-sensitive collections using appropriate professional and ethical practices.
• Assess and support the care of audio and video recordings, transcripts, digital files, paper records, photographs, and other collection materials.
• Coordinate storage, preservation planning, digitization, and reformatting workflows.
• Develop, document, and maintain archival workflows and standards for new oral history projects, including file-naming conventions, folder architecture, interview documentation, metadata capture, and the transfer of materials into SPOHP's archival systems.
• Provide collection data, inventories, and related documentation to support preservation planning, reporting, and grant or contract proposals involving archival processing and digitization.

Reference, Access, and Outreach

• Provide reference services and assist faculty, students, researchers, and community users in discovering and using SPOHP collections.
• Respond to inquiries regarding collection content, access restrictions, permissions, and appropriate use.
• Serve as a liaison to University of Florida Libraries and relevant campus and community partners on matters related to archival access, preservation, and stewardship.

Expected Salary

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000.

This is a TEAMS position and is eligible for a suite of excellent benefits, retirement options, and paid leave.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of related library experience; or a master's degree in Library or Information Science or another directly relevant area.

Preferred

• A master's degree from an ALA-accredited library or information science program with a concentration in archives, or a master's degree in history, public history, archival studies, museum studies, information studies, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience with archival processing, arrangement, description, and collections management.
• Experience working with oral history collections, audiovisual archives, or other non-paper-based archival materials, including audiocassettes, VHS, DVD, CD, and reel-to-reel recordings.
• Knowledge of archival best practices related to audiovisual preservation, digitization, born-digital records, and digital preservation.
• Experience creating inventories, abstracts, indexes, finding aids, or other archival reference tools.
• Experience applying archival description and encoding standards, including Describing Archives: A Content Standard and Encoded Archival Description.
• Experience managing data in an archival management system such as ArchivesSpace.
• Experience processing and managing born-digital records.
• Experience administering deeds of gift, permissions, restrictions, embargoes, and access controls.
• Experience providing reference assistance to researchers and the public.
• Experience working with community organizations, cultural heritage groups, historical societies, or community-centered archival initiatives.
• Familiarity with culturally sensitive collections, community-centered archival stewardship, and protocols for Native American archival materials.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and complete complex projects, establish and maintain workflows, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Experience training or supervising students, interns, employees, or volunteers in an archival environment.
• Experience collaborating with libraries, digital collections platforms, or institutional repositories such as the University of Florida Digital Collections.
• Strong written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities.
• Experience handling confidential, restricted, culturally sensitive, or otherwise sensitive materials with discretion.
• Proficiency in Spanish is helpful but not required.

Health Assessment Required:No.

Applications Close: 02 October 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.