Processing Archivist for Special Collections

Teachers College, Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 76,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Gottesman Libraries at Teachers College, Columbia University seeks a Processing Archivist to survey, arrange, describe, and preserve archival materials across formats. The role supports determining collection scope, collaborates with the Special and Digital Collections Librarian, and helps implement archival standards and policies.

You will create finding aids, manage accessioning, and provide reference services while contributing to digital projects and exhibitions.

Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA-accredited program with a concentration in archives.
• Minimum of three years' experience in an academic or research archives.
• Familiarity with ExLibris Knowledge Suite.
• Working knowledge of ArchivesSpace and related archival technologies.
• Working knowledge of Springshare Suite.
• Ability to develop and maintain finding aids using current standards.
• Knowledge of archival concepts, methodologies, and preservation.
• Ability to interpret client needs and provide solutions.
• Strong research skills and knowledge of archival ethics and laws.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.

Responsibilities

• Survey collections and develop processing plans for arrangement and description.
• Process, digitize, and preserve archival materials; note deaccession candidates.
• Create finding aids using ArchivesSpace per standards.
• Accession new collection materials in collaboration with librarians.
• Represent archival information accurately for new materials.
• Coordinate with librarians on ArchivesSpace standards and related tech.
• Support digital projects and create guides using Ex Libris and Springshare.
• Provide archival reference services and assist onsite/remote users.
• Contribute to policies and standards for special/digital collections.
• Support exhibitions and outreach through library publications.

Skills

Archives knowledge

Finding aids

Research assistance

Communication with non-technical users

Team collaboration

Attention to standards

Education

MLS with archives concentration

Tools

ExLibris Knowledge Suite

ArchivesSpace

Springshare Suite

Job description

Job Summary/Basic Function

Gottesman Libraries aspire to excellence in advancing and sharing transformative knowledge to develop informed and engaged thinkers and leaders in the educational, psychological, and health professions. We envision the library, beyond walls, as heart and soul for the exchange of thoughts and ideas that inform a smarter, healthier, and more equitable world enlightened by history, leadership, and innovation.

Job Summary/Basic Function

Gottesman Libraries aspire to excellence in advancing and sharing transformative knowledge to develop informed and engaged thinkers and leaders in the educational, psychological, and health professions. We envision the library, beyond walls, as heart and soul for the exchange of thoughts and ideas that inform a smarter, healthier, and more equitable world enlightened by history, leadership, and innovation. Reporting to the Special and Digital Collections Librarian, the Processing Archivist is responsible for surveying, arranging, describing, and performing basic preservation activities for new and existing acquisitions for a wide variety of formats. She/He/They will provide integral support for defining the scope and focus of collections within Gottesman Libraries Special and Digital Collections and play an important role in the management and policy of the Special Collections.

Characteristic Duties And Responsibilities

Assist in the management of distinctive collections in the following ways:

• Surveys collections and develops a processing plan for the arrangement and description of archival collections in accordance with accepted standards and practices.
• Implements and documents procedures for the processing, digitization, and preservation of archival materials.
• Notes duplicative or non-archival documentation that may be eligible for deaccession.
• Creates finding aids using ArchivesSpace in accordance with current and best standards of practice.
• Collaborates with the Special and Digital Collections Librarian to accession new collection materials.
• Faithfully and independently represents administrative, legal, and descriptive information about new materials.
• Coordinates with librarians on the implementation of archival standards for ArchivesSpace and related technologies
• Supports ongoing digital projects and creates resource guides using Ex Libris Knowledge System and the Springshare Suite.
• Provides archival reference services, including reproduction and publication requests, and onsite and remote instruction and assistance.
• Participates in development and implementation of policies and standards for special and digital collections.
• Supports ongoing exhibitions of historical materials and their outreach through library publications.

Minimum Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent required with a concentration in archives.
• Minimum of three years' experience working in the archives of an academic or research institution.
• Familiarity with ExLibris Knowledge Suite.
• Working knowledge of ArchivesSpace and related archival technologies.
• Working knowledge of Springshare Suite.
• Ability to develop and maintain finding aids using contemporary tools in accordance with national standards.
• Knowledge of archival and preservation concepts, methodology, and techniques.
• Ability to interpret and evaluate client informational needs and to determine appropriate alternative solutions.
• Substantial knowledge of research methodology and skill in providing research assistance. Knowledge of archival ethics and laws relating to archival management.
• Ability to make evaluative judgments.
• Skill in searching and maintaining online and other electronic retrieval systems.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical personnel.
• Knowledge of library theory, concepts, methods, and techniques.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate and foster a cooperative work environment.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Skill in the use of computers with Windows- or Mac-based operating environments.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three to five years' experience working in the archives of an academic institution.
• Knowledge of the history of education and related fields.

Salary Range

$37.00/hr

Work Modality

Onsite