Project Archivist, Point Lobos Foundation, Carmel, CA

Posted May 21, 2018

The Point Lobos Foundation (PLF) seeks a qualified independent contractor to serve as a project archivist to inventory, accession, catalog, and digitize the archival collections of the Foundation. The project goal is to make the collections accessible by creating a searchable digital database to preserve and maintain our cultural history collections. The Point Lobos Foundation’s historical materials have never been catalogued, and are not currently stored in a manner suited to records preservation or retrieval.

The PLF archives contain approximately 6 linear feet of documents, reports, letters, photographs, video and ephemera documenting the transition of Point Lobos to a Reserve in the California State Park system (1880-1936) and assorted materials from the 1950s to 2000s pertaining to the organizational history of the PLF, the founding of Whalers Cabin as a museum and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Project term and requirements:

This is a contract position through December 2018; the position may be renewed depending on project timeline and required deliverables. Position requires familiarity with archival principles, practices, and professional standards related to cataloging and documenting an eclectic collection of books, primary source documents, photographs and negatives, audio/visual recordings and loaned objects. Written monthly progress reports will be required through the term of the contract. Work will be conducted within Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (as needed) and your personal workspace. This position requires sitting, standing, and the ability to lift 25 lbs.

Deliverables

• Develop and complete Project Timeline
• Research and recommend an appropriate Digital Asset Management (DAM) or Collection Management System (CMS)
• Draft Collection Development Policy, Agreements for Donations, Loans, and Deed of Gift,
• Draft Guidelines for research access to the collection
• Complete processing of archival items, with detailed inventories and finding aids, and records including location and cataloging data entered into the DAM/CMS
• Develop a DAM or CMS Training Guide; train volunteers to assist with cataloging
• Research and recommend methods for storing physical and digital materials
• Create an itemized list of materials requiring conservation and recommended methods
• Scan and reproduce historic photographs and documents using OCR; coordinate logistics for digitization work to be conducted by external vendors and conduct quality control reviews of digitized files; photograph objects on display; load digital objects and metadata in the DAM/CMS
• Develop Training Guide and train volunteers to assist with scanning documents using OCR

Required Skills:

• Broad knowledge of best practices regarding archives and preservation, and experience in archive management, collection, maintenance and conservation, and digitization

• MLS or MA in history with archival management certificate and/or experience
• Knowledge of and experience with descriptive standards and tools such as Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), MARC 21 Formats for Bibliographic Data, and Resource Description and Access (RDA)
• Proficiency with electronic collections management systems
• Familiarity with scanning systems, photography, and audio/video digitization and conversion
• Self-directed and able to work well independently as well as with others

Submission requirements:

• Please provide letter of interest outlining experience relevant to the duties outlined in this position announcement, and a resume.
• Three references: include client name and contact person together with title, organization, address and telephone number(s) and email, and include specific project information associated with the listed reference. References will only be contacted after a successful interview.
• Submit materials electronically no later than: 15 June 2018