Project Archivist, Hoover Institution Archives, Stanford University, Stanford CA
Posted May 27, 2014
Project Archivist – 62796
The Hoover Institution Archives is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic archivist with foreign language skills to work on the arrangement and description of collections related to twentieth century history. The full-time position is a non-career track position, for a two-year fixed term. The Project Archivist is responsible for working independently and as an expert or supervisor on a project team to appraise, organize, arrange, describe, and provide access to archival collections in a variety of languages. The Project Archivist also supports archival research through high-level, in-depth reference and contributes to multiple forms of outreach to further promote the use of the Hoover Institution’s archival collections.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Coordinate the arrangement, appraisal, and description of large, complex, multi-lingual archival collections according to professional standards and current archival procedures, using databases, office software, collections management software, and other appropriate technologies.
- Participate in the formulation and implementation of project planning, management, and work flow; determine project goals and schedules, and survey archival holdings to identify materials in need of additional attention. Assist with the development of procedures and the establishment of work flows to address the backlog of unprocessed collections.
- Independently analyze problems and recommend solutions, displaying a high degree of initiative, originality, and judgment in applying archival principles and procedures to complex and unique collections. Conduct preservation assessments to determine appropriate preservation treatment and archival storage decisions.
- Conduct orientations and research consultations to provide instruction on accessing and handling archival materials, organize and deliver tours, course-specific presentations, and information literacy sessions for Stanford affiliates, visitors, donors, and researchers.
- Publicize collections by providing content for a variety of print, internet, and social media formats. Develop methods to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the publicity.
- Liaise with Stanford departments and faculty to promote the use of archival materials, assist with exhibit preparation, coordinate with donors, and participate in a variety of outreach events.
- Collect and maintain statistics, reports, and other metrics to improve processing, preservation, and reference functions.
Qualifications
- M.L.S. from an A.L.A.-accredited library school or M.A. with an archival concentration, archival management certificate, or related subject specialty.
- Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages, preferably German, Russian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, or Arabic.
- Established understanding of the principles of archival appraisals, arrangement, and description.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work, acting with initiative, good judgment, and problem solving skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, and the ability to work in a team as well as independently.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to use considerable judgment and initiative.
- Demonstrated consistent accuracy and attention to detail while maintaining a very high level of productivity.
- Experience applying professional standards such as DACS, Library of Congress subject headings, EAD, and MARC, as well as technical skills with databases, spreadsheets, office software and other applications.
- Advanced subject knowledge of twentieth-century history and a comprehensive understanding of primary source research.
- Ability to lift 40 pound boxes and push fully loaded book trucks.