Research Archivist I, Amistad Research Center, New Orleans, LA
Posted January 5, 2019
The Amistad Research Center, a non-profit independent archives specializing in the ethnic history of the United States and related topics, invites applicants for the full-time position of Reference Archivist I. This is a professional position reporting to the Head of Research Services. The Reference Archivist will work with Center staff to support the reference needs of the Center’s constituency, staff and monitor the Center’s reading room, and assist the unit head in developing instruction and outreach strategies and collaborations with relevant initiatives and programs.
This position works closely with Center administration and staff to provide quality service to a diverse constituency of researchers, including scholarly researchers, K-12 educators and students, media and filmmakers, and the general public. Advocacy for the Center and its mission is fundamental to this position.
Primary Responsibilities
- Provide in-depth reference service onsite and remotely to meet the needs of a wide range of researchers
- Retrieve and re-shelve library and archival collections
- Monitor handling and use of collections according to professional policies
- Manage requests for offsite collections
- Participate in instruction sessions on the use of Amistad Research Center and its collections for visiting groups
- Assist with social media and newsletter preparation, as well as publicity efforts and coordination of Center’s blog
- Assist in preparation of grant proposals and participate in fundraising activities
- Supervise graduate and undergraduate students, interns, and volunteers
- Participate in the development and creation of digital initiatives
- Suggest additions, updates, and improvements to Amistad Research Center website
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library and information science school or equivalent accredited degree, OR a post-graduate degree in museum studies or a related discipline in the humanities or social sciences, and at least one year of related experience.
- Formal training in archival/special collections theory and practice
- Familiarity with archival and special collections standards and best practices
- Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library content management systems, such as ArchivesSpace
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Strong knowledge of American racial and ethnic history and broad knowledge in the humanities, as demonstrated through academic degrees, training, or experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience processing archival collections
- Understanding of current metadata and descriptive standards such as DACS, EAD, LCSH, and Dublin Core
- Familiarity with digital imaging technology
- Ability to lift 40 pounds with or without accommodation
- Demonstrated experience and understanding of customer service
- Demonstrated commitment to working with multi-cultural populations and awareness of issues affecting women and minorities
The listing of the position duties/responsibilities is not necessarily inclusive for this position. Omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are considered a logical assignment to the position.
Salary and benefits:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and education; benefits include a healthcare plan, participation in retirement plan, and a paid time off plan.
Application instructions:
To apply, send cover letter, curriculum vitae/resume and contact information for three references to: Christopher Harter, Deputy Director, Amistad Research Center, via e-mail at [email protected]. Subject line should read: Reference Archivist Application. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. First consideration will be given to applicants who apply by November 30, 2018.
About the Amistad Research Center:
The Amistad Research Center was established in 1966 on the campus of Fisk University, one of several Historically Black Colleges and Universities founded by the American Missionary Association (AMA). Dedicated from its beginnings as the first archives documenting the modern Civil Rights Movement, the Center continued to expand and now is located on the campus of Tulane University in New Orleans as an independent, non-profit repository. Today, the Amistad Research Center is recognized as the nation’s largest independent collection of original documents related to the racial and ethnic history of the United States, race relations, and civil rights.
Amistad Research Center is an equal opportunity employer.