Part-Time Project Archivist: Architectural Drawings & Discovery

chicago history society; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Chicago History Museum is seeking an Alphawood Project Archivist in Chicago, IL, to rehouse and enhance the GAPW collection. The role focuses on processing, cataloging, and creating enhanced inventories to improve discoverability, following MARC mapping and standard archival practices.

The position is part-time, non-exempt, 19 hours weekly, with an hourly wage of $25. The project involves collaboration across departments and requires MLIS-level training plus archival processing experience.

Qualifications

• MLIS degree from an ALA accredited program.
• Two to three years’ experience in a research library, archives, or museum setting processing or cataloging special collections materials.
• Experience working in teams and collaborative environments.
• Ability to apply 'More Product, Less Process' to processing and descriptive activities.
• General knowledge of American and Chicago History; knowledge of architecture preferred.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Chicago History Museum.
• Preferred: knowledge of DACS and EAD or other XML-based standards.

Responsibilities

• Assess and execute rehousing needs for approximately 525 rolls of architectural drawings in the GAPW collection.
• Perform basic preservation tasks and provide support for architectural drawings.
• Document future conservation needs for the collection.
• Update internal architecture inventories with essential metadata.
• Create a collection-level record with an enhanced inventory to improve discoverability.
• Create and update electronic inventories for tracking processing statuses and reports.
• Work 19 hours a week Mon-Fri 7:30am–5pm for 42 weeks.
• Lift and move tubes of drawings with care.
• Contribute to CHM culture by embodying core values: collaboration, integrity, respect, curiosity, innovation, service.
• Alert staff to conservation needs; prepare end-of-project reports; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong problem-solving

Superior communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

More Product, Less Process

Education

MLIS degree from ALA accredited program

Job description

Chicago History Museum is seeking an Alphawood Project Archivist in Chicago, IL, to rehouse and enhance the GAPW collection. The role focuses on processing, cataloging, and creating enhanced inventories to improve discoverability, following MARC mapping and standard archival practices.

The position is part-time, non-exempt, 19 hours weekly, with an hourly wage of $25. The project involves collaboration across departments and requires MLIS-level training plus archival processing experience.