Visual Materials Archivist

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina's South Caroliniana Library seeks a Visual Materials Archivist reporting to the Head of Processing. The role processes visual materials, writes descriptive information for archival records using ArchivesSpace, Alma/Primo, and related software, and supervises the Hollingsworth Visual Materials Student Assistant(s).

This professional-track faculty position requires a Master’s in Library/Information Science and at least three years of archival processing experience;

Qualifications

• Master's degree in library/information science or equivalent.
• Experience in processing archival/visual materials.
• Strong knowledge of archival standards and cataloging.

Responsibilities

• Process visual materials collections and other archival material.
• Create finding aids and item records in ArchivesSpace and Alma/Primo.
• Supervise Hollingsworth Visual Materials Student Assistant(s).
• Collaborate with digital collections and instructional staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Archivist processing

Information organization

Communication skills

Education

MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program

Tools

ArchivesSpace

Alma/Primo

Job description

Visual Materials Archivist Department: LIBR South Caroliniana Library

Part/Full Time: Full Time Advertised Salary Range: 55,000 - Commensurate with Experience

About UofSC From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Advertised Job Summary: Reporting to the Head of Processing, the Visual Materials Archivist will process visual materials and other archival collections; write, publish, and revise descriptive information for archival collections using Archives Space, Alma/Primo, and other library software; supervise the Hollingsworth Visual Materials Student Assistant(s); complete in-house preservation and conservation of archival materials; and complete other duties as assigned. This is a professional-track faculty position, and will not be eligible for tenure.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies

• Strong knowledge of information organization standards and practices, including current cataloging and archival processing standards.
• Ability to plan and organize work activities to prioritize task completion according to schedules and goals.
• Effective and clear communication skills.

Function: Archival Collections Processing

• Following professional standards and library procedures, process visual materials collections encompassing a variety of formats including photographs, negatives, slides, artwork, design drawings, etc.;
• Process archival collections of manuscripts, organizational records, and published materials on an as-needed basis;
• Research collection formats and materials to determine the best permanent housings for preservation;
• Identify and assess needed preservation and conservation measures in archival collections;
• Apply appropriate techniques per professional standards and library procedures;
• Recommend items for professional conservation

Function: Collections Finding Aids and Description

• Create finding aids of collection contents and containers, using ArchivesSpace.
• Create item records for collections in Alma/Primo.
• Update and revise ArchivesSpace and Alma/Primo records to ensure information stays current.

Function: Supervise Student Assistant

• Supervise the Hollingsworth Visual Materials Student Assistant(s); plan and assign projects for the student assistant;
• Review student assistant's work at appropriate intervals and recommend any needed corrections or adjustments;
• Review and approve timesheets

Function: Consultation and Collaboration

• Consult with the Digital Collections department on collections for digitization and digital exhibits;
• Consult and collaborate with the South Caroliniana Library Instruction and Outreach Librarian on the use of visual materials collections in exhibits and programming;
• Provide guidance and assistance to other USC Special Collections libraries and colleagues on visual material projects.

Function: Other Duties

• Performs other duties as requested or required, whether specifically mentioned in this job description.

Required Education and Experience

• A Master's Degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution; a combination of another appropriate graduate degree, training, and experience will be given equal consideration.
• At least three years of experience processing archival and/or unique historic collections.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience arranging, describing, and preserving a variety of visual materials formats.
• Experience supervising student employees and/or interns.

Job Close Date 11/20/2026

We are only accepting applications submitted by November 20, 2026.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.