Archival Description Project Coordinator, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Posted April 7, 2017
Under the direction of the Special Collections Processing Manager, this position will lead a project team responsible for improving intellectual and physical control over and access to special collections materials held in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library and the Theatre Research Institute at the Ohio State University Libraries (OSUL). Reviews all existing description for designated archival collections and all physical materials associated with each collection; compares description to physical contents and makes any necessary revisions, additions, or deletions according to Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) and OSUL’s description guidelines. Following the More Product, Less Process (MPLP) model, performs or oversees minimal processing activities for designated archival collections. Ensures containers are labeled correctly and verifies that container shelving locations have been recorded accurately in all appropriate systems. Assists in on-going shelf reads and other location maintenance projects. Supervises one or more fulltime project staff members and several student assistants, assigns and reviews all of their work activities; responsible for quality control of all work done during the project. Collaborates daily with the project’s Metadata Specialist to ensure that description of collections worked on by the project team are recorded accurately in Archivists’ Toolkit and OSUL’s ILS (III Sierra), with finding aids for collections published to the OSUL website. Works under the general supervision of the Special Collections Processing Manager, in consultation with the Head of Special Collections Description & Access, and in daily collaboration with 3-5 additional team members involved in this project. Consults and collaborates with others throughout the library as appropriate. May perform other duties as assigned.
This position provides a great opportunity for an archivist with a minimum of 2-years processing experience to take their next career step and put that knowledge into practice as a project leader. An archivist working in this position will have the opportunity to gain in-depth project management and leadership skills while working as a member of a highly-collaborative team. The Special Collections Description & Access Department is a supportive environment that engages in on-the-job learning and development opportunities for staff members. Additionally, Ohio State University Libraries offers and array of professional training opportunities that assist staff in preparing for the next stages in their careers.
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree. Minimum of 2-years full-time experience in position(s) with primary or significant focus on archival arrangement and description tasks, such as processing or accessioning. Minimum of 2-years experience writing and editing finding aids following DACS. Strong organizational skills and high level of attention to detail. Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative environment as a member of a team project. Strong oral, written, and interpersonal skills. Works in archival storage conditions where temperatures are approximately 62 degrees F; must be able to lift 40 lbs. and push a cart weighing up to 80 lbs.
Desired Qualifications: Diverse experience processing archival collections, including experience processing collections of many sizes, formats, and complexities. Experience processing collections according to MPLP guidelines with strong comprehension of MPLP principles. Thorough knowledge of DACS rules. Minimum of 1-year project management and/or supervisory experience, particularly supervision of archival arrangement and description activities. Demonstrated ability to follow complex guidelines with a high degree of accuracy. Experience in workflow development and/or documentation. Experience using an archival collection management system, such as Archivists’ Toolkit. Previous experience working in a collaborative archival setting.
Please apply online at https://www.jobsatosu.com/