Job Opening Title:
Archivist
Name of Employer:
The Strong
Job Site Location (City, State) :
Rochester, NY
Application Deadline:
Minimum Degree Requirement:
Masters
Years of experience required:
2 years
Salary Range:
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply.:
The Strong’s Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play is a multidisciplinary research repository devoted to the intellectual, social, and cultural history of play. To manage a full spectrum of primary and secondary sources in many formats, both physical and digital, the archivist establishes standards and procedures for organization, appraises, accessions, and processes all archival collections, preserves various materials, creates finding aids, and conducts data entry in the archival management software. The archivist also provides research assistance in the use of archival materials.
This position requires knowledge of best practices and archival standards, experience preserving archival holdings, facility with digital preservation processes and tools, and a strong organizational ability.
Essential Functions:
In accordance with the standards of the Society of American Archivists, identify, arrange, and describe archival materials, including traditional paper-based collections, audiovisual materials, magnetic media formats, and digital files.
Process, digitize, and preserve historical documents, digital archival materials, and institutional records.
Manage the appraisal, accession, and deaccession of archival materials.
Establish and administer standards and procedures for the organization and use of archives collections.
Provide advanced reference services and research assistance to patrons (remotely and onsite).
Create DACS-compliant finding aids according to archival standards and best practices, including the creation of content notes, biographical and historical descriptions, and inventories.
Utilize archival management software for internal recordkeeping, metadata entry, and control of public-facing archives catalog. Incorporating current advances in electronic information storage technology as practicable.
Preserve records, documents, and materials, transferring records to digital formats as necessary. Together with the conservator and facilities team, maintain storage of archives collections in accordance with established preservation procedures and environmental standards.
Preserve born-digital materials, working with other museum teams to acquire and apply a variety of software and hardware tools to ensure the ongoing viability of digital materials.
Implement digitization protocols, systems, and projects in conjunction with library and curatorial colleagues, including characterization of candidates through the museum’s RAVE assessment standard (items that are Rare, At Risk, Valuable (as a historical resource), and Engaging) and related grant projects. Collaborate with the technology team and Digitization Working Group to ensure appropriate storage, access, security, and backup systems are in place.
Perform maintenance tasks for digital collections, including migration, quality control, and data verification, as well as ingest into the museum’s digital asset management system.
Train and direct the activities of temporary staff, interns, and volunteers who assist in arranging, cataloging, digitizing, exhibiting, and maintaining collections of archival materials.
Assign projects to the project archivist based on prioritization of collection materials to be processed and ensure their work follows the museum’s standards for archival holdings.
Develop and execute archival-based displays in the galleries.
Track physical locations of archival collections housed throughout the museum, including unprocessed materials, processed collections, and objects on display. Move physical collections and migrate digital collections, as needed.
Conduct video oral histories for the archives collection.
Establish protocols for using and managing new archives-related platforms.
Represent the archives and the museum through public speaking at conferences and service on professional bodies.
Participate in the development and achievement of annual library and museum-wide goals and objectives.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution.
Two years of related experience in an archive or museum.
Knowledge of standard archival theory and practices, preservation concepts, principles, and methodologies, and local research tools and finding aids.
Experience in aiding researchers and undertaking research.
Experience with preservation treatments for both physical and digital collections.
Understanding of vintage magnetic and digital media with an interest in expanding capacity for analysis and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of and familiarity with MARC, OCLC, RDA, Connexion Client, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Classification Web, and other standards relevant to cataloging materials.
Must be self-motivated, well-organized, and flexible.
Strong ability to work with competing deadlines and varying priorities without compromising attention to detail or quality of work.
A high degree of comfort and proficiency with evolving computer technology and software is important, especially Microsoft Office, library catalogs, digital preservation software, and digital asset management systems.
These qualifications are considered a plus:
Experience with ArchivesSpace, Archivist’s Toolkit, or other archival management software.
Experience with Preservica or other digital asset management systems.
Experience with TheirStory or comparable oral history capture and transcription systems.
Proficient in using social media.
Public speaking skills and willingness to present at conferences.
Professional experience at a museum of similar size.
Must consent to and pass a drug screen and background check as conditions of employment.
Archives Gig 