Visual Materials Archivist

University of South Carolina; Columbia, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina seeks a Visual Materials Archivist to process archival collections, write descriptive information, and supervise student assistants. The role requires knowledge of ArchivesSpace/Alma and strong organization, with collaboration across Digital Collections and other USC Special Collections units.

This is a professional-track faculty position (not tenure track) with a 12-month basis, offering a comprehensive benefits package and a start date in early 2027.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Process visual materials collections following professional standards.
• Create finding aids and item records using ArchivesSpace and Alma/Primo.
• Supervise Hollingsworth Visual Materials Student Assistant(s) and review work.

Skills

Info organization standards

Task prioritization

Clear communication

Education

MLS from ALA-accredited program

Tools

ArchivesSpace

Alma/Primo

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

About USC

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 Salary Range 55,000 - Commensurate with Experience

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Position Category Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

Basis 12 months

Tenure Information Professional Track

Job Search Category Faculty

Location of Vacancy SC

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.

Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.

Position Description 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 Special Instructions to Applicant

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have at least 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?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have at least three years of experience processing archival and/or unique historic collections? (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Letter of Recommendation 2
• Letter of Recommendation 3
• Resume