Job Opening Title:
Adirondack Research Room Curator & Archivist
Name of Employer:
Saranac Lake Free Library
Job Site Location (City AND State):
Saranac Lake, NY
Application Deadline:
rolling until filled
Minimum Degree Requirement:
MLIS/MLS
Years of experience required:
1
Salary Range:
50,000 – 60,000
Job Opening URL:
slfl.org/about
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply:
The Saranac Lake Free Library seeks an enthusiastic and detail-oriented museum or archival professional to serve as Curator & Archivist of the Adirondack Research Room, the Library’s local history and special collections repository.
The Adirondack Research Room preserves and provides access to a rich collection of materials documenting the history, culture, and people of the Adirondack region. This position offers an exciting opportunity to steward a unique regional history collection while leading efforts to expand access and community engagement.
Position Summary
The Curator & Archivist manages the Adirondack Research Room collections, assists researchers and the public, and leads ongoing efforts to improve organization, documentation, and access to archival materials. The position also supervises volunteers and helps develop programs or exhibits that highlight the collection.
This role will play a key part in documenting existing practices, developing sustainable workflows, and establishing a long-term strategy for preservation and access, including collaboration with regional partners.
Key Responsibilities
Collection Stewardship & Access
Manage and maintain the Adirondack Research Room archival and special collections
Process and describe archival materials and maintain collection finding aids
Assist researchers, genealogists, students, and the public with research inquiries
Coordinate acquisitions and donations under the supervision of the Library Director
Systems, Documentation & Preservation Planning
Document existing collection organization, workflows, and procedures
Develop and implement standardized policies for accessioning, processing, and access
Work with the Library Director and external partners to develop a strategic preservation and collections management plan
Identify priorities for preservation, processing, and digitization
Establish sustainable systems to support long-term stewardship of the collection
Digital Access & Collaboration
Lead efforts to improve digital access to the collection
Support the development of digitization workflows and online discovery tools
Collaborate with local and regional organizations to improve access to Adirondack historical resources
Outreach & Engagement
Supervise and train volunteers assisting with archival projects
Develop exhibits, programs, or presentations related to the collection
Qualifications
Required
MLIS/MLS with archives or special collections focus
OR
Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Public History, Archives, or related field
Strong organizational, analytical, and research skills
Ability to work independently and manage long-term projects
Excellent communication and public service skills
Preferred
Experience working with archival or museum collections
Familiarity with digitization, metadata, or collections management systems
Interest in Adirondack or regional history
Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Compensation
Salary range $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience.
Benefits include:
32.5 hour full-time workweek
130 hours paid time off annually, increasing to 195 after five years of employment
75% employer-paid health insurance premiums
SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Jake Widrick
Director, Saranac Lake Free Library
jake@slfl.org
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the vacancy is filled.