Access and Outreach Archivist, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
Posted November 4, 2014
Basic Function: Coordinate public-facing services and collections management activities of Gordon Library’s Curation, Preservation, and Archives department by implementing policies and practices consistent with professional standards for the on-going development, care, and usage of physical and digital collections of historical, administrative, and educational significance to WPI.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement well-informed policies, practices, and procedures for accessioning, processing, and use of archival collections.
- Manage day-to-day operations of physical and virtual service points, including responding to in-person, telephone, and online research requests.
- Populate and maintain the archival collection management system, including metadata mappings and content standards.
- Engage with donors, colleagues, and community partners to coordinate gift accessions and departmental records transfers.
- Work with faculty and administrators to provide archival information and instructional sessions to WPI classes and community groups.
- Facilitate researchers’ digital reproduction and licensing requests.
- Collaborate with colleagues and community members to promote awareness and use of archival collections through historical exhibits and displays.
- Assist with marketing of the archival collections and services using traditional and emerging channels, including the library’s website and social media.
- Collaboratively identify and support on-going departmental digitization projects and services.
- Assist with recruitment, training, and management of student workers, project staff, and interns.
- Gather and report out archival collections’ and services’ growth and usage statistics.
- Serve on library and campus committees and working groups, as appropriate.
- Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements:
- ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS degree, or an advanced degree with relevant experience, continuing education, and/or professional certification required; concentration in archival management and administration preferred.
- Minimum of two years’ experience working as an archivist role in an academic or research setting; experience working with digital or hybrid collections preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current principles, standards, practices and trends relevant to archival appraisal, processing, digitization, and description; familiarity with records management and/or digital curation principles preferred.
- Deep curiosity, problem-solving capacity, open communications style, a sense of humor, and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, highly-collaborative environment with diverse users.
- Practical experience working with DACS, MARC, MODS, DC, VRA, METS, EAD and/or similar metadata schema, standards, and controlled vocabularies.
- Demonstrated use of social media platforms and tools appropriate for promoting archival collections.
- Highly proficient using desktop software suites (MS Office), content management systems, digital repositories, and/or XML editing software.
- Strong commitment to public service and value of archival repositories broadly.
Criminal Background Check Statement: A pre-employment criminal records check is required.
EEO Information: To enrich education through diversity, WPI is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
Apply Online: https://careers.wpi.edu/postings/2036