1.5 year term, Stanford Libraries – Dolby Media Archivist, University Libraries, Stanford, CA

Posted November 28, 2023

About the Position:

Under the direction of the Hohbach Archivist and the Assistant Director, the Dolby Media Archivist is responsible to arrange, describe, and make ready for use the papers of Ray Dolby; some of the archival materials will be in audio-visual and digital formats. 

The Project Archivist will be responsible for interpreting the context and arrangement of the files in the collection, including audiovisual elements, photographs, memorabilia, etc.

This position will be based Stanford University’s Redwood City campus.

Core Duties*:

·       Execute the assessment, arrangement, and description of all materials in the Ray Dolby papers, including physical materials, artifacts, and memorabilia, audiovisual, image, computer files, and databases as well as according to standards such as DACS or ISAD(G)

o   Survey collection and determine the level of descriptive detail necessary to facilitate discovery and access.

o   Personally, processes collection materials and may supervise the work of logistics staff.

o   Identifies materials appropriate for temporary transfer to Conservation, the Stanford Media Preservation Laboratory, the Born Digital Preservation Laboratory, or the Digital Production Group; coordinates that work in collaboration with the Hohbach Archivist and the Assistant Director and tracks it via JIRA.

o   Determines appropriate discovery and access mechanisms for processed collection materials, including any restrictions based on legal agreements, copyright law, privacy law, university policy, preservation assessments, or related concerns, in consultation with the Hohbach Archivist and the Assistant Director as needed.

o   Completes end-processing activities such as labeling and barcoding containers and updating bibliographic and item records in Sirsi Dynix or supervises logistics staff on this effort.

o   Creates, updates, and publishes EAD XML finding aids using ArchivesSpace.

o   Transfers materials to/from storage in collaboration with other staff.

·       Work independently and make judgments and recommendations about content appraisal and access and report to the immediate supervisor on critical decisions.

·       Manage time to complete and oversee the organization and description of assigned collection.

·       Publish articles on project discoveries and updates on SUL blogs or Instagram account.

·       Perform other duties as assigned.

* – Other duties may also be assigned

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:

Advanced Degree in Library Science or a relevant academic discipline with demonstrated understanding of academic libraries or a combination of education and relevant experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·       Experience with relevant aspects of library operations including understanding of contemporary library practices, trends and emerging technologies for managing, processing, preserving, and providing access to archival collections in analog and digital formats.

·       Experience assessing, arranging, and describing archival collections that include multiple formats.

·       Familiarity with collections management and tracking applications, e.g. ArchivesSpace and Aeon.

·       Consistent display of excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills.

·       Ability to work independently as well as effectively in a collaborative team environment.

·       Ability to collaborate and negotiate issues with people from different parts of the library and outside the library, including collection curators and creators.

·       Ability to identify challenges and opportunities, engage others in their resolution, and recommend appropriate courses of action.

·       Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve online resources in terms of content quality, functionality, and user interface issues.

·       Evidence of engagement in relevant professional or academic communities.

Other Relevant Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities May Include:

·       Experience applying library and archival descriptive and metadata standards (e.g. Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), Encoded Archival Description (EAD), Metadata Object Description Schema (MODS); ability to rapidly learn and implement new descriptive practices adopted by the department and/or Stanford Libraries

·       High level of proficiency with computers and desktop applications, including e.g. Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and Trello.

·       Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

·       Must be able to maintain confidentiality with sensitive or restricted information

·       Will assist in grant/gift reporting as necessary

Physical Requirements:

·       Constantly sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.

·       Occasionally stand/walk, twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

·       Rarely use a telephone, operate hand controls.

·       Must be able to push and maneuver a fully loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.

* – Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Working Conditions:

·       May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.

Work Standards:

·       Interpersonal skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

·       Promote culture of safety: Demonstrates a commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

·       Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.