Project Archivist, Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Posted January 25, 2016

Link to Application: https://stanford.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=69656&lang=en

The Hoover Institution Library & Archives at Stanford University is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic archivist to complete the arrangement and description of the multi-lingual papers of Ardeshir Zahedi, the Iranian statesman and diplomat, who served as Foreign Minister, as well as the Iranian ambassador to the United States and Great Britain in the 1960s and 1970s. The full-time position is a non-career track position, for an eighteen-month term. 

JOB PURPOSE:

The Project Archivist is responsible for determining the organization and creating intellectual access to over 100 linear feet of papers in multiple formats. Working independently and as an expert or supervisor on a project team to appraise, organize, arrange, describe, and provide access to Ardeshir Zahedi papers and other Persian language collections. The Project Archivist also contributes to multiple forms of outreach to further promote the use of the Hoover Institution’s archival collections.

CORE DUTIES:

• Coordinate the arrangement, appraisal, and description of large, complex, multi-lingual Ardeshir Zahedi papers and other 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 flows. Determine project goals and schedules, in order to complete the organization and description of the papers within eighteen months.

• 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. 

• Publicize the collection by providing content for a variety of print, internet, and social media formats. Develop methods to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of such publicity.

• Liaise with Stanford departments and faculty to promote the use of the collection, assist with exhibit preparation and conferences, and participate in a variety of outreach events. 

• Collect and maintain statistics, reports, and other metrics to improve processing, preservation, and reference functions.

Qualifications

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• M.L.I.S. from an A.L.A.-accredited library school or M.A. with an archival concentration, archival management certificate, or related subject specialty. Advanced subject knowledge of twentieth-century history and a comprehensive understanding of primary source research.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Established understanding of the principles of archival appraisals, arrangement, and description. 

• Reading knowledge of Farsi, with excellent oral and written communication skills in English and a preference for reading knowledge of French.

• 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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Constantly sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.

• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasps lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, and sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

• Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand, kneel/crawl, and climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).

• Occasionally use a telephone, operate hand controls.

• Must be able to push and maneuver a fully-loaded cart push force up to 50 pounds. Ability to lift 40 pound boxes and push fully loaded book trucks.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings and weekends.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrate commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicate safety concerns; use and promote safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide,http://adminguide.stanford.edu.