Processing Archivist/Photography Cataloger

University of Maryland; Arbutus (MD); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

UMBC's Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery seeks a part-time Processing Archivist/Photography Cataloger to preserve, arrange, describe, and provide access to art photography and born-digital materials from notable collections.

The role supports digitization, metadata creation, and preservation projects in an academic library setting. The ideal candidate holds an MLIS/MLS or related degree with archival training and will have at least two years’ professional experience in archival processing, with

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) or related discipline with archival training.
• Minimum of two years of professional archival processing, description, or special collections experience.
• Experience with DACS and EAD standards.

Responsibilities

• Arrange, describe, and process archival photographic, manuscript, and digital collections.
• Create archival finding aids and metadata records.
• Apply archival standards (DACS, EAD, Dublin Core) to support discovery and access.
• Assist with digitization workflows and preservation activities.

Skills

Archival processing

Photography collections

Metadata creation

Independent work

Education

MLIS/MLS in library science or related

Tools

PastPerfect

ArchivesSpace

CONTENTdm

Job description

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Processing Archivist/Photography Cataloger

Work type: Faculty- Librarian, Temporary (Hourly)
Location: UMBC Campus
Categories: Library

Department:

Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery

Special Collections at the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery at UMBC, is seeking a skilled part-time Processing Archivist/Photography Cataloger (General Associate) to support the preservation, arrangement, description, and access of physical and born-digital archival collections of art photography and related materials from the Kerry Coppin collection, Stephen Marc collection, and Robert Fichter collection.

This position will support archival processing projects, selected item-level cataloging, metadata creation, digital initiatives, and preservation activities involving manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual materials, and digital collections.

The ideal candidate will possess strong archival processing and descriptive expertise with particular knowledge of photography, experience working in museum, research, or special collections environments, and familiarity with archival standards and digitization workflows within an academic, archival, or museum setting.

Responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Arrange, describe, and process archival photographic, manuscript, and digital collections in accordance with professional standards and local procedures.
• Generate a comprehensive processing plan for archival and photographic collections, including researching artists’ biographies, and selected item-level descriptive records.
• Create and maintain archival finding aids, metadata records, and collection documentation using archival content management systems and databases.
• Apply archival standards such as DACS, EAD, Dublin Core, and controlled vocabularies to support discovery and access.
• Perform rehousing, labeling, inventory control, and collections maintenance activities for archival and special collections materials.
• Support digitization initiatives by preparing materials for scanning, conducting quality review, and creating or validating metadata for digital assets.
• Conduct preservation assessments and recommend appropriate housing and stabilization procedures for archival materials.
• Prepare reports, statistics, and project documentation related to archival processing, digitization, and collections activities.
• Assist with outreach activities related to archival collections.
• Adhere to handling, information security, and preservation best practices while working with sensitive or historically significant collections.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution with coursework or specialization in archival studies or special collections; OR Master’s degree in Art History, History, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, Public History, or a related discipline with demonstrated archival training.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional archival processing, description, museum cataloging, or special collections experience in a library, archives, museum, or academic environment. Early career archivists and collections management specialists are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated experience arranging and describing archival collections using DACS and EAD standards.
• Experience creating archival metadata and collection records using archival management systems or integrated library systems such as PastPerfect.
• Experience working with photographic collections.
• Knowledge of archival preservation principles, collections care practices, and proper handling procedures for photographs and other rare and fragile materials.
• Experience supporting digitization projects and digital collections workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare clear documentation and communicate with researchers and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and standard archival or library technologies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and move archival boxes, records, and collection materials weighing up to 30 pounds, including frequent bending, reaching, and shelving activities.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while processing collections, preparing metadata records, conducting digitization support activities, and performing detailed computer-based archival work.
• Ability to safely handle fragile, rare, and historically significant materials using established preservation and collections care procedures in archival, library, museum, or special collections environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Archivist (CA) credential from the Academy of Certified Archivists.
• Experience using PastPerfect, ArchivesSpace, CONTENTdm, or other archival and digital repository systems.
• Familiarity with Dublin Core or other metadata schemas.
• Experience processing audiovisual, photographic, born-digital, or mixed-media collections.
• Knowledge of digitization standards, OCR workflows, and digital preservation practices.
• Experience participating in exhibits, public outreach, instruction, or scholarly engagement activities.
• Experience supervising interns or student workers.

A background check will be required.

Closing Date:

Hourly Salary Range: $30/ hour,commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The above salary represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Hours:

This is a 20-hour per week, part-time position.

Equal Opportunity Statement: UMBC is an Affinitive Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Work Authorization

Work Authorization As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

Advertised: 24 Aug 2026 09:00 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: