Collections and Processing Archivist, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA
Posted May 23, 2019
Hampshire College, an independent, innovative liberal arts institution and member of the Five College consortium invites applications for the position of collections and processing archivist. This is a one-year position.
Role Description:
The collections & processing archivist works collaboratively to ensure preservation of and access to archival and special collections that document and support Hampshire College’s mission. The mission of Hampshire College is to foster a lifelong passion for learning, inquiry, and ethical citizenship that inspires students to contribute to knowledge, justice, and positive change in the world and, by doing so, to transform higher education. Reporting to the director of the library, the collections and processing archivist creates better access to the College’s unique collections by assessing needs and priorities for the archival & art collections and provides leadership on digital projects. Priority will be on processing collections and developing good collections stewardship and relationships with donors. The archivist works closely with the 3-College digital repository team to add collections to Compass, a shared digital repository. They will work with the gallery director as needed to highlight collections and Hampshire’s history as the College approaches its 50th anniversary. Such collection holdings include the official records of the College, oral histories, and the Division III senior thesis archive; special collections, including artists books and photographic print collections by photographers Robert Doisneau, Paul Strand, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, and Jerome Liebling, among others; the Barbara Mettler Dance archive; the Robert Lisle history of photography collection; the Robert Seydel collection; the Kate Pulitzer Freedberg archives; and other art and teaching collections. Additional formats will include new media, audio recordings, film, video, print materials, zines, photographs, paintings, sculpture & books. This position has supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications:
An advanced degree with a minimum of three years of job related experience is required. The archivist should be skilled in all aspects of archival collections care. Qualified candidate must have an understanding of nationally accepted standards, tools, and best practices for archival processing and description, including Describing Archives: a Content Standard (DACS); and expertise with applicable standards including: XML EAD, MARC, METS, MODS, PREMIS, VRACore, Dublin Core, OAIS . The archivist must have knowledge and experience with collection management systems (Archivists’ Toolkit, Archivespace, etc.), as well as a deep knowledge of digital preservation practices and experience managing digital & print photographic and audiovisual materials. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, including the ability to work collaboratively, with donors of archival materials, faculty, students and researchers. The archivist must be knowledgeable in digital library infrastructures, copyright as it applies to libraries and archives (particularly sections 107 and 108 of American copyright law.) Experience in other technology skills includes web editing software (Red Dot or Drupal), Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and scanning software and hardware for digitization. Candidate should have familiarity with standard online public access systems. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. A commitment to working with people from diverse backgrounds is essential.
Additional Information:
This is a one year full time, benefited position. Hampshire College offers a competitive salary and excellent benefit program. Please submit your cover letter, resume and names/phone numbers of three professional references via our website at https://jobs.hampshire.edu/
Hampshire College is an equal opportunity institution, committed to diversity and inclusion in education and employment.