Processing and Metadata Archivist

Nycarchivists; United States; On-site; USD 56,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Nycarchivists is hiring a Processing and Metadata Archivist to process large archival collections and enhance descriptive records. This full-time position based in the United States requires a Master’s in Library and Information Science or an equivalent degree, along with 2-5 years of experience in archival management. Strong proficiency in German is essential. Key responsibilities include collaborating with team members, handling archival materials safely, and ensuring data quality across systems. For inquiries, contact [e-mail].

Qualifications

• 2-5 years working experience with preservation and management of archival collections.
• Familiarity with archival description standards including DACS, EAD, EAC-CPF, and/or MARC.

Responsibilities

• Process collections adhering to archival best practices and standards.
• Create and enhance descriptive records for archival collections.
• Perform analytical reviews and documentation of workflows.

Skills

German reading skills (C1/C2 proficiency)

Archival processing and description

Organizational and analytical skills

Project management skills

Education

Master’s in Library and Information Science

Accredited graduate degree in archival science

Job description

Position Title - Processing and Metadata Archivist

Supervisor Title (All entry and mid-level position supervisors should be qualified, professional archivists.)- Director of Collections (LBI)

Position Type - Full-time, permanent

Benefits - Yes

Salary Range - $56,000 - $65,000

Together, the Center and LBI will hire and co-supervise a new archival position. The Processing and Metadata Archivist will work collaboratively with LBI staff to process large archival collections, including the papers of individuals, families and organizations with German Jewish roots that document emigration across the United States and the Americas. Additionally, the new archivist will receive extensive training from the Center on archival metadata remediation, enabling LBI to evaluate and normalize their archival descriptions in a shared ArchivesSpace instance.

The Processing and Metadata Archivist is an on-site role with responsibilities divided between the two organizations, LBI and the Center. The archivist reports jointly to the Director of Collections (LBI) and the Chief of Information Services (CJH) within the Metadata & Discovery Services Department.

LBI Processing Archivist (80%)

• Process collections to ensure alignment with archival best practices, content standards, appropriate arrangement, and accessibility in close cooperation with LBI’s Senior Archivist.
• Create and enhance descriptive records and resources for archival collections in either our shared integrated library system or our archival content management system, ArchivesSpace.
• Differentiate restricted or private documents from unrestricted materials to intellectually separate materials that can be made available to a wider, external audience.
• Handle archival materials safely, accurately, and meticulously.
• Identify and earmark physical materials, within the processed collections, of special interest or strategic value to LBI, researchers, or the general public.
• Collaborate with a team of dedicated library and archive staff to maintain data quality and consistency across shared library and archival systems.

CJH Metadata Archivist (20%)

• Survey Partner archival description and resources with an eye toward improvement and standardization across Partner-specific datasets and the Center as a whole.
• Perform a series of analytical reviews to identify and resolve nonfunctioning hyperlinks and inaccurate description in ArchivesSpace. Remediation will require both manual and programmatic solutions in close consultation with the Chief of Information Services and/or the Systems Archivist.
• Document remediation workflows and decisions made in conference with Partner staff across the Center community.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally with collections, research, or technical staff to enhance institutional goals and project outcomes.

Qualifications Required:

• Master’s in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited library school, an accredited graduate degree in archival science, or with a specialization in archives.
• 2-5 years working experience with preservation, care, and management of archival collections and with library/archival management systems.
• Excellent German reading skills (C1/C2 proficiency), comfortable reading old German Script
• Demonstrated proficiency in archival processing and description of both digital and physical institutional materials.
• Strong background in archival description and standards (such as DACS, EAD, EAC-CPF, and/or MARC) and familiarity with controlled vocabularies and subject headings.
• Commitment to manual, programmatic, or systems-based solutions for correcting and optimizing archival description in ArchivesSpace and across shared library systems.
• Follow shared guidelines and instructions for handling and processing collections.
• Comfort balancing daily tasks and strategic, longer-term systems-based priorities.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to lift archival boxes weighing up to 30 pounds; some standing and bending required.

Questions? [e-mail]