Visual Materials Archivist

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

Job summary

University of South Carolina in Columbia seeks a Visual Materials Archivist to process visual materials and other archival collections, write descriptive finding aids, and support digital exhibits.

This professional-track faculty role involves supervising the Hollingsworth Visual Materials Student Assistant(s), ensuring preservation, and collaborating across departments.

Requires a Master’s in Library/Information Science and at least three years of processing experience; start date 01/04/2027.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• At least three years of archival processing experience.
• Ability to organize work and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Process visual materials and archival collections following professional standards.
• Create finding aids using ArchivesSpace and update Alma/Primo records.
• Supervise student assistants and coordinate projects.
• Collaborate with Digital Collections and Outreach teams on exhibits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Information organization standards

Planning and prioritization

Effective communication

Education

Master’s degree in Library/Information Science (ALA-accredited)

Job description

Posting Number

FAC00135PO26

Advertised Title

Visual Materials Archivist

Campus

Columbia

College/Division

University Libraries

Department

LIBR South Caroliniana Library

Advertised Salary Range

55,000 - Commensurate with Experience

Location of Vacancy

SC

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

37.5

Position Category

Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

Basis

12 months

Work County

Richland

Tenure Information

Professional Track

Job Search Category

Faculty

About University of South Carolina

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.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

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.

Desired Start Date

01/04/2027

Job Open Date

10/06/2026

Job Close Date

11/20/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Quicklink for Posting

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/214107

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.