Archival Information Specialist, Boston University Libraries, Boston, MA
Posted September 29, 2023
Job Description:
The Boston University Libraries seek an Archival Information Specialist (AIS) to provide guidance and coordination for creation, management, and maintenance of archival and digital collections metadata, and serve as the Client Service Lead and platform administrator of Boston University’s archival information management system (ArchivesSpace). As a member of the Libraries’ Digital Ventures team, reporting to the Director of Digital Ventures the AIS coordinates the requirements of local archive managers, collaborates on adding item-level metadata for digital collections projects, and manages authority control and subject description in ArchivesSpace to ensure long-term access to our special collections across BU.
Responsibilities for this position include:
- Platform administration and management of archival information: Serve as a Client Service Lead and platform administrator providing day-to-day management of our archival information management system, ArchivesSpace, and promptly respond to any incoming questions, troubleshooting, and reporting technical issues to the vendor (LYRASIS) and Information Services & Technology (IS&T). Coordinate with all special collections, archives, and libraries across the university to manage archival information at Boston University to design and develop archival information gathering and creation strategies for new digital collections.
- Outreach and stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with IS&T, the vendor (LYRASIS) and local archive managers to facilitate the migration of legacy archival information data into a central service. Regularly and proactively collect ArchivesSpace (staff and public) user feedback and usage statistics. Identify and document opportunities for service improvements. In a timely effective manner, notify stakeholders of any updates or changes that may have an impact on their use of the system. Collaborate with university-wide archival or special collections units to ensure that archival information can be made discoverable in a standard manner across different platforms and systems. Participation on internal library working groups and committees related to facilitating the creation and management archival description and discovery of archival resources.
- Projects, initiatives, and community engagement: Identify and pursue opportunities to seek and share knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library services to the university community. The AIS should propose and pursue digital library projects in partnership with members of the university community, including support in generating comprehensive item-level metadata for digital surrogates. This role will participate and represent BU Libraries in regional and national professional organizations and leadership forums through innovative projects, collaborations, presentations, publications, and service assignments in relevant associations.
- Documentation and training: Provide onboarding and ongoing training for staff and other ArchivesSpace users set up and provide regular opportunities for staff training. Create and maintain documentation, workflows, and procedures.
Required Skills:
- Master’s degree and three years of related experience in archival information management; OR any equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or education.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the use, maintenance, and support of archival collections and archival information management systems.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current national data standards related to the archival control of collection materials and proficiency in the use and application of DACS, EAD, LCSH, and LCNA.
- Knowledge of strategies and technology developed or adopted by the archival community for managing born-digital archival and manuscript materials.
- Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and collaboratively to inspire a shared vision with colleagues and students in a rapidly changing and diverse campus environment.
- Strong problem solving and project management skills.
- Strong organizational skills, including ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to develop procedures and workflows.
- Ability to quickly learn how to administer and use complex web-based software.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in managing an ArchivesSpace instance.
- Familiarity with digital objects, digital collections, and related digital content and metadata standards such as Dublin Core, METS, and MODS.
- Familiarity with using naming authorities in metadata records.
- Experience with the transformation of metadata across systems and platforms.
- Knowledge of digitization standards and techniques.
To Apply:
For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. Applications received by October 23, 2023, will receive priority consideration.