Specialized Librarian - Research & Archives

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly organized Specialized Librarian for its Research & Archives department in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role centers on preserving and providing access to historical and institutional materials for faculty, students, and researchers.

Responsibilities include digitization, policy development, research support, and developing online access platforms while collaborating with faculty to integrate archival resources into teaching.

Qualifications

• Master's in Library and Information Science with Archival Studies specialization.
• Minimum 3 years in an archival/special collections environment.
• Strong understanding of archival theory, principles and best practices.
• Proficiency with archival cataloging standards such as DACS and metadata creation.
• Experience with digitization techniques and digital asset management systems.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work with diverse users.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Acquire, catalog, classify, and preserve archival materials including manuscripts, photographs, maps, and digital records.
• Develop and implement policies for management and preservation of special collections and archives.
• Provide research assistance and reference services to faculty, students, and external researchers.
• Digitize archival materials and develop online access platforms to enhance accessibility.
• Organize and conduct workshops and training on archival methods and use of special collections.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate archival resources into teaching and curriculum development.
• Ensure proper handling and storage to prevent deterioration.
• Maintain inventory of archival holdings and manage retrieval and re-shelving.
• Stay current with trends in archival science and digital humanities.

Skills

Archival theory

Research skills

Communication skills

Time management

Education

MLIS with Archival Studies specialization

Tools

DACS

Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished academic institution in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Specialized Librarian for its Research & Archives department. This vital role involves managing, preserving, and providing access to a unique collection of historical documents, research materials, and institutional records. The successful candidate will be instrumental in supporting faculty and student research endeavors, ensuring the integrity of archival holdings, and developing innovative ways to engage users with the collection. This position requires a strong understanding of archival principles, digital preservation techniques, and a passion for making historical resources accessible to the academic community in Mossel Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Acquire, catalog, classify, and preserve archival materials, including manuscripts, photographs, maps, and digital records.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the management and preservation of special collections and archives.
• Provide research assistance and reference services to faculty, students, and external researchers.
• Digitize archival materials and develop online access platforms to enhance user accessibility.
• Organize and conduct workshops and training sessions on archival research methods and the use of special collections.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate archival resources into teaching and curriculum development.
• Ensure the proper handling and storage of all archival materials to prevent deterioration.
• Maintain an inventory of archival holdings and manage their retrieval and re-shelving.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in archival science and digital humanities.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a related field, with a specialization in Archival Studies.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in an archival or special collections environment.
• Strong knowledge of archival theory, principles, and best practices.
• Proficiency in archival cataloging standards (e.g., DACS) and metadata creation.
• Experience with digitization techniques and digital asset management systems.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse users.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Familiarity with historical context relevant to the Western Cape region is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a supportive work environment within a respected academic community. This role presents an excellent opportunity for professional growth in archival science. The position is located in the beautiful coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape.