Project Archivist, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Posted May 15, 2018
Project Archivist (Temporary Position)
For more information, click here.
The George Mason University Libraries seek to fill the temporary position of Project Archivist, in the Special Collections Research Center. The Special Collections Research Center is the unit within George Mason University Libraries charged with acquiring, documenting, preserving, and providing access to primary research collections and documents. SCRC also manages the non-current and archival records of George Mason University, is responsible for the administration of, and preservation and access to, the University’s theses and dissertations, and undertakes, through its Oral History program, the creation of audiovisual documentary resources. SCRC also adds value to its holdings through selective digitization and through interpretive exhibits, instruction, and programming.
The Project Archivist supports Special Collections Research Center goals in the areas of digitizing and providing access to selected materials from the C-SPAN records. Specifically, the Project Archivist will perform complex and specialized duties as follows: apply current best practices to managing digitization projects; upload images and metadata to Omeka S platform for presentation of select digital materials from manuscript collection(s); participate in formulating workflow(s), policy enhancements and streamlining procedures for digital collections; create and maintain best practice documentation for scanning, file naming, and quality control; initiate and respond to complex communications in carrying out daily operations of functional area in person, in writing, via telephone and e-mail and social media tools; participate within SCRC in working groups and committees as appropriate.
George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.
The Project Archivist is an 18-24 month temporary position, and reports to the Manuscripts and Archives Librarian.
The Project Archivist is responsible for:
- Responsible for identifying and digitizing selected paper, photographic, ephemeral and audio-visual materials from the C-SPAN records.
- Provides accurate metadata for digital files using the Archivists’ Toolkit database, narrative descriptions for manuscript collections and digital collections, and other research sources.
- Creates metadata information in spreadsheets, and links information to digital objects records within digital repository Omeka S.
- Assures appropriate handling, physical housing, and storage of collection materials.
- Identifies and refers items as necessary for preservation.
- Works closely with the SCRC Digital Projects Committee in creation of digital and on-site resources that reflect digitization and processing standards consistent with best practices.
- Participates in outreach and curatorial activities, which may include reference and research consultation, instruction, exhibits, publications, and programs.
- Participates in selected professional activities in the SCRC department, which may include public service, program assistance, policy development, and planning.
- Participates in the professional life of the Libraries and the University.
- Reports statistics throughout the year and in the annual report. These statistics include data on digitization, description, images uploaded, and any other information pertinent for reporting purposes.
Required Qualifications:
- ALA accredited MLS with archives concentration from an ALA accredited program, or concentration in archives combined with graduate degree in history or related discipline.
- Experience working with digital collections (scanning, metadata description, presentation platforms) using best practices and standards.
- Experience in project management.
- Experience in archival processing (appraisal, arrangement and description) in an automated / digital environment.
- Experience with multiple formats, including textual, visual, audio, both analog and digital.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current archival theory, practice, and standards.
- Demonstrated familiarity with scanning software and best practices.
- Ability to plan, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and within a team.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Must have driver’s license, ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 lbs. and to climb ladders.
- Ability to build collaborative and mutually beneficial working relationships with people of varying backgrounds
The following education and/or skill sets are preferred:
- Experience working in a special collections environment in a university setting.
- Familiarity with preservation and conservation issues and practices.
- Familiarity with DACS, EAD, LCTGM.