Archivist, Niagara Falls Public Library, Niagara Falls, NY

Posted April 17, 2024

Niagara Falls Public Library is looking to hire a new member in its Local History Department. Prospective candidates should enjoy working with a diverse population and delivering high-quality customer service with tact, courtesy, and professionalism to all users of the library – both on-site and in the community. The Archivist will provide engaging and inclusive programming, be knowledgeable of a variety of archival and preservation practices as well as have a passion for Western New York history.

This position reports to the Executive Library Director.

POSITION: Archivist 1(Full Time) – Local History Department

SPECIFIC DUTIES (illustrative):

Manage the daily activity of the Local History Department’s secure, research room;
Provides in-person and remote reference service to the library’s diverse patrons;
Collects and reports usage metrics and statistics, and works towards increasing usage;
Process and arrange, describe incoming archival and special collections as well as those collections in need of more detail processing for greater access;
Add book description to the Library’s online catalog (ILS), managed by the Nioga Library system;
Adds art and objects, special collections description to the Library’s online catalog (ILS) managed by the Niagara Falls Public Library;
Maintains the order and stacks and storage of special collections in multiple locations;
Oversees the location of individual collections, including current holdings, new acquisitions, loans for internal and out-of-house exhibitions, and other uses;
Digitizes material as needed for patrons and supports adding content to online assets- including the website, blog, YouTube, Facebook, and other social media pages;
Supports the development of online digital strategies;
Represent the Niagara Falls Public Library- Local History Department at professional conferences and symposia;
Serves as a liaison for the library and archival services to community groups or other institutions;
Keeps informed of professional developments through participation in professional organizations, systems meetings, workshops, continuing courses, and reading professional material;
Uses computer applications or other automated systems including the institution’s electronic software/ resources;
Perform related tasks to support the efficient operations of the Local History Department.
Provide reference and researcher advisory services and instruction to users;
Perform original cataloging and classification and record editing.
Perform collection development by recommending artifacts for acquisition and/or deaccession;
Compile bibliographies and functions as local history subject specialist;

WORK SCHEDULE:

37 hours per week, spread over 5 days; a combination of daytime, evening, and Saturday hours

SALARY RANGE: $22.3815 – $31.3454/hr.; $40 734 – $57 048 Annual, Grade 17A

BENEFITS: Health/Dental/Vision, Paid Time Off, New York State Retirement, EAP, NYS Deferred Savings Plan 457

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

1 year of related experience in an archival environment
Experience in the care and management of special collections
Experience working directly with the public
Commitment to customer-centered, quality public library service
Excellent communication skills
Attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and with others

Required education

MLS or equivalent from an ALA Accredited Library School (required)

NYS Public Librarian’s Certificate (required)

Master’s Degree in the field of Archival Science or Museum Studies/ collections, Library or Information Science (not Computer Science) / Archives, History, Anthropology, or a similar discipline

Desirable:

Candidate with multilingual skills

RESIDENCY: Candidates must live in the City of Niagara Falls or relocate within 6 months of hire..

HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 professional references

via e-mail with: Archivist (Full Time) – Local History Services in the subject heading to: [email protected]

via US Post to Mrs. Sarah Potwin, Executive Library Director, Niagara Falls Public Library, 1425 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

APPLICATION DEADLINE: review of applications to begin Friday, May 10, 2024. Position open until filled.

The Niagara Falls Public Library is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as an integral component of our services. We welcome all people and provide equitable access to Library services, programs, and resources. We offer programs, services, materials, and resources that respect, support, and represent the diversity of Niagara Falls and are informed by engagement with our community. We provide a diverse and inclusive workspace and seek to attract and retain staff that reflect the diversity of our Niagara Falls community.