Archivist (Temporary), Kingston Public Library, Kingston, MA

Posted May 5, 2017

Anticipated Employment Dates: June 2017 – July 2018

Definition: Professional and direct service work coordinating services, volunteers, and other resources to provide a comprehensive program of collecting, preserving, research, programming, digitization, outreach, and public relations in the area of Kingston history, working with all ages, for the Kingston Public Library; all other related work as required in an archival setting.

Supervision: Works under the general direction of the Library Director. Performs professional library functions of a responsible nature involving considerable judgment and initiative and requiring thorough knowledge of local history collection, preservation techniques and reference responsibilities.

Job Environment: Work is performed under typical library conditions; library hours may require evening and weekend work. Operates computer and other standard office equipment; operates standard library equipment such as microfilm and microfiche readers. Makes constant contact with the public, other local and regional archives and libraries, and professional organizations in all aspects of work; also has contact with other town departments and community organizations. Has frequent contact with colleagues in other libraries. Errors could result in lower standards of library service, loss or damage to historical materials of significant historical and financial value, misuse of public funds and adverse public relations, which could put at risk future donations to the collection.

Essential Functions: (The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Manages and coordinates the local history collections, services, and resources for the Kingston Public Library.
Coordinates access to, management of, and preservation of local history collections, which includes material of significant historical and monetary value.
Performs a wide variety of general library and specialized local history reference services; assists patrons with requests for information or materials. Performs detailed research work for remote researchers and on request, making use of the sources available at the library. Provides photograph reference, including digital duplication of images. Documents all requests in existing system.
Accessions and catalogs donations and purchases of historical and research material into existing systems.
Processes accessioned materials, including appropriate housing and location, barcoding for inventory, and preliminary inventory.
Plans and executes monthly Local History Room exhibits.
Assists Town Departments and local organizations with preservation efforts; consults and trains in archival practices as appropriate.
Maintains local history databases; performs searches; inputs and retrieves data from a variety of local and online databases; trains staff and the public in the use of automated equipment.
Updates local history section of Library website; assists with general library website.
Arranges and describes collections according to a prioritized list.
Advises patrons (students, scholars, and the general public) on local history collections and resources; provides referrals; teaches patrons, the staff and volunteers how to use the collection, preservation methods and techniques, the computers and microfilm/fiche equipment.
Publicizes local history services through press releases, flyers, posters and presentations to community groups.
Orders supplies: must be familiar with leading archival companies and proper use of materials.
Manages budget.
Manage volunteers in assigned projects.
Performs similar or related work as required or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience:

Master’s Degree in Library Science or Archives Management from an ALA-accredited school; graduate or undergraduate work in history, preferably New England history; experience in archives or special collections required; experience with online resources, computers, and digitization; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with Filemaker Pro and Server, and digital and online technologies and practices highly desirable.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of archives management. Thorough knowledge of preservation techniques and resources. Complete familiarity with scholarly research conventions and ethics. Proficiency with scanning and manipulation of images (Photoshop). Thorough knowledge of metadata standards and schemas. Working knowledge of XML.

Ability: Ability to assess patron needs quickly and accurately. Ability to handle numerous, diverse tasks at one time. Ability to interact with staff and the public, especially children and teenagers. Ability and interest in working with other staff on cooperative approaches to service. Ability to conduct and assist with scholarly research. Ability to relate well to the public and to organize programs. Ability to express oneself clearly both orally and in writing. Ability to use web resources in local history services. Ability to integrate emerging technologies into traditional archives services. Ability to foster community awareness of the services available in the Local History Room. Ability to work with schools, town departments, and other historical institutions.

Skill: Skills in conducting reference interviews and in conducting scholarly research. Skills in preservation methods and techniques and in image identification. Skill and comfort with public speaking and presentations. Demonstrated comfort with and curiosity about Filemaker Pro and Server, and digital and online technologies and practices. WordPress skills desirable.

Special Requirements:

Certification by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners required.

Physical Requirements:

Light physical effort required to perform functions under normal library conditions. Intermittent standing, walking, bending, reaching, crouching, climbing and similar activity related to library work. Ability to climb ladders or step stools for physical access to the library collection required. Position requires the ability to operate a keyboard.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Application Procedure:

Qualified applicants should complete the Town of Kingston employment application found on the Town website under Human Resources or submit their résumé. Please include a cover letter. Application materials can be emailed to [email protected], mailed to the Town of Kingston Town House Attn: Human Resources, or hand delivered. Minimum anticipated starting rate of $23.37/hour. This position will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants who apply by May 15, 2017. The Town of Kingston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.