Tufts University seeks an Archivist for Digital Collections

And one more . . . .

If you're an archivist with substantial technical skills and either live in or want to move to the Boston area, Tufts University's Digital Collections and Archives is seeking an Archivist for Digital Collections. Here's what you need to know (formatting modified, as always):

Overview
The Digital Collections and Archives (DCA) supports the teaching and research mission of Tufts University by ensuring the enduring preservation and accessibility of the university's permanently valuable records and collections. The DCA assists departments, faculty, and staff in managing records and other assets. The DCA collaborates with members of the Tufts community and others to develop tools to discover and access collections to support teaching, research, and administrative needs.

The Archivist for Digital Collections (ADC) oversees the formulation, preparation, and management of digital objects and collections for the DCA with a particular focus on developing tools and workflows to maximize efficiency in digital collections management. This work includes: database manipulation, scripting, supervising student workers, developing policies and procedures concerning digital objects and metadata, implementing appropriate standards and best practices, conducting quality assurance for digital collections, undertaking preservation activities, and managing the DCA’s locally-developed collections management system, CIDER. The ADC, working closely with the Director, acts as project manager for projects yielding digital collections including proposal development, and implementation and oversight of funded projects, and serves as a primary point of contact for faculty requiring assistance managing electronic research materials. The ADC collaborates closely with department colleagues on workflow development and implementation.

Basic Requirements

• ALA-accredited MLS with concentration in Archives Management or related advanced degree.
• 3-5 years of related experience.
• Experience with at least one programming or scripting language, such as Perl; some experience with database manipulation; knowledge of XML, HTML, CSS, digital imaging, and metadata and digital object creation and preservation standards. Ability to work in both Windows and Apple OSX environments. Comfort with learning new technologies on an ongoing basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to function in a highly collaborative environment with many simultaneous projects. Familiarity with digital repository systems, particularly Fedora, a plus. Knowledge of Ruby on Rails, MySQL, JQuery, Catalyst, a plus.

There is no posted closing date or salary range for this position.

For more information and application instructions, consult the position description.

Wyoming is searching for a State Data & Records Manager

Three state archives are actively seeking to hire electronic records archivists or electronic records managers. Interesting. Actually, two of them have been looking for some time: the Wyoming State Archives, which is trying to fill a State Data & Records Manager position, and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, which is searching for an Electronic Records Specialists, have had to re-open their searches.

If you have experience managing paper and electronic records and supervising staff and would like to live in an attractive small city, the Wyoming State Archives may have a job for you. Details (formatting modified, as always) are as follows:

General Description of WorkSupervise the Records Management unit of the Wyoming State Archives. Collaborate with the State Archivist on the implementation of a centralized repository for digital records created by state agencies. Develop and maintain policies and procedures to manage state records in all formats. Work with state agencies to facilitate the transfer of records to the state records center and digital repository. Provide assistance in accessing records in the state records center and digital repository. Promote the mission of the Records Management unit and the Wyoming State Archives.

Essential Functions

• Develop strategies and administer programs relating to acquiring, preserving, managing, and providing access to various records of the State of Wyoming
• Coordinate records retention requirements for state and local government entities
• Develop and update records management policies and procedures
• Lead staff in managing state records in all formats
• Lead staff in the collection of statistics and in the production of unit quarterly and annual reports
• Measure and document the effectiveness of the records management program and develop long and short-range planning
• Lead development of RFP's and contracts
• Fulfill data requests and interpret data for various constituents, including citizens, consulting firms, industry, and other agencies
• Assist with reference requests
• Maintain and train others on use of specialized record storage system(s)
• Explain policies, procedures, and practices to other agencies and concerned individuals and groups
• Serve as agency liaison for certain contracts and associated exchange of services between agency and contractor(s)
• Compile data and perform statistical analyses duties
• Assist in hardware and software acquisition and development purchases with regard to/for records and data management and installation of hardware and software
• Assist IT with testing, verifying and correcting data for records management program, making recommendations for changes and corrections to system

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of records management theories, principles and practices
• Knowledge of archival science theories, principles and practices
• Knowledge of governmental records systems
• Skill in understanding information technology
• Knowledge of principles and concepts of program management and project management
• Knowledge of basic statistical compilation and analysis
• Excellent communication skills are a must

Preferences
Preference will be given to applicants with a Master's degree in Library or Information Science, plus four to six years of progressive work experience in Records and Data Management, including three years of supervisory experience. Professional certification desirable (CRM, Information Certification, CDIA, and/or CA).

The "full hiring range" for this position is $4,187.00 - $4,925.00 per month.

If you're interested in applying, consult the position description, which contains detailed instructions.

Why am I posting these job descriptions? First, it's great to see electronic records positions being advertised, and I look forward to meeting the people who fill these positions at the annual meeting of the Society of American Archivists, the Best Practices Exchange, and other professional gatherings. In addition, a substantial number of of this blog's tens of regular readers work with electronic records or have an interest in electronic records issues and are thus the target demographic for these positions.

Finally, I think that gathering and facilitating access to electronic records archivist/records manager position descriptions may be of modest use to other members of the profession. Archivists who suddenly find themselves in charge of hiring efforts often want to review the position descriptions developed by other repositories, but job postings tend to disappear from the Web shortly after positions are filled or hiring efforts otherwise cease. From now on, I'll post the particulars of any electronic records archivist, electronic records manager, or related position that I encounter; if I miss one, please send the link my way. I've also created a new tag -- "ER position descriptions" -- that will make it easy to pull together all of the job postings reproduced here.

Missouri is looking for an Electronic Records Archivist

Last night, I posted information about the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's search for a qualified Electronic Records Specialist. Well, Missouri's Office of the Secretary of State, which oversees the Missouri State Archives, is also looking for an Electronic Records Archivist. If you're an electronic records archivist or electronic records manager, would like to live in a small riverfront city, and are looking for a records management-oriented position, here are the particulars (formatting modified):

General Responsibilities
This is a specialized, professional position evaluating the administrative, legal, historical, and fiscal value of electronic records generated by state and local agencies in Missouri. The individual in this position provides professional guidance to state and local government agencies; maintains liaison with staff archivists and records analysts concerning appraisal/description work, automated inventory systems, and standards for both; advises on problems with electronic records retention and disposal; is a primary resource for questions regarding the records tracking system; and performs all other tasks as requested by supervising agency director.

Skills

• Knowledge of records management and records disaster planning standards, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices involved with the collection and disposition of public records.
• Knowledge of hardware and software used for electronic imaging systems, document management systems, and personal computers.
• Knowledge of the concepts, methods, and techniques of project management, database management, and system development.
• Knowledge of digital preservation standards and best practices including working knowledge of the OAIS Reference Model and metadata standards such as Dublin Core.
• Knowledge of web-page development and design preferred.
• Ability to express ideas clearly orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret industry periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from associates, state and local agencies, and the public.
• Ability of establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, state and local agencies, and the public.

Qualifications

• A master's degree in information systems, library science (with an information science emphasis), computer science, business, or other related field strongly preferred.
• Certified Records Manager designation or the commitment to obtain such.
• A Missouri Drivers License and the ability to travel statewide.

The monthly salary range for this position is $2,996-$3,164 per month.

This position will be posted until 12 April 2012, at which point the Office of the Secretary of State may opt against accepting additional applications.

If you're interested in applying, the position description contains detailed instructions.

Texas seeks an Electronic Records Specialist

Are you an experienced electronic records archivist? Do you live in or want to move to the Austin area? If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission may have an Electronic Records Specialist position waiting for you.

Details (formatting modified) are as follows:

GENERAL SUMMARY:
Performs highly complex (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work for the State Archives. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing an electronic records preservation program and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, other divisions and governmental agencies. In consultation with the Division Director, may train, schedule, assign, and prioritize staff workloads. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Research, analyze and recommend strategies and actions necessary to plan, develop and implement an electronic records program for preservation of electronic records generated by state government agencies deemed to have permanent archival value
• Assists with developing program policies, procedures, standards and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals
• Carry out technical work focused on electronic records transferred to the State Archives including:
• Appraisal and assisting with the development of records retention and disposition schedules for government records
• Coordination of data conversion and migration
• Description of records series and other tasks and procedures necessary to ensure preservation and access to electronic records accessioned into the State Archives
• Provide guidance to staff in the development and integration of methods and procedures related to the management and preservation of electronic records
• Provide consultative services and technical assistance to state government agencies and affiliated programs on issues related to the transfer, preservation, and accessibility of electronic records and content
• Work with Asst. Director for Archives to oversee the electronic records appraisal, preservation, arrangement, and description efforts of staff archivists, interns and volunteers
• Assist in responding to Public Information Act requests for electronic records
• Other duties as assigned
• Attend work regularly and in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies
• Comply with all applicable agency policies and procedures, including safety and standards of conduct

OTHER TASKS:

• Assist in the preparation of reports and budget requests
• Research, write and/or prepare grant proposals, materials, reports, and articles for publication
• Conduct special projects as assigned by the Division Director
• Represent the agency on national and statewide working groups, committees, and task forces as required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in library science, archival administration, or information technology
• Three years professional experience managing electronic records or digital content
• Knowledge of archival systems, hardware and software used for electronic imaging systems, document management systems, and personal computers
• Excellent project management skills
• Work experience with standard desktop software
• Knowledge of archival techniques, electronic records preservation practices, systems analysis, data management, imaging practices, email retention, emerging electronic technologies, and component hardware/software
• Ability to analyze data, to formulate conclusions, and to write well organized and grammatically correct reports/correspondence.
• The ability to effectively explain complex archival and information technology issues to staff, associates, government entities and the public
• Ability to work well with a wide variety of persons in and outside the division
• A valid driver's license is required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working knowledge of state government organizational structures, operations and functions
• Certified Archivist or Certified Records Manager designation desirable
• Experience in appraisal of electronic archival records
• Experience in the application of automated information management systems to library, archival, records management, or business problems
• Experience in responding to Texas Public Information Act requests
• Knowledge of Texas history and government
• Experience writing grant proposals and implementing grant programs

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Submission of college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
• Portfolio of writing samples including correspondence and reports
• Travel by personal auto and commercial air occasionally required
• Criminal history check will be required of successful applicant

SUPERVISION:

• Reports to Director, Archives and Information Services Division
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities

The salary range for this position is $3,640-$4,500 per month.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission will accept applications until a job offer is made. If you want to toss your hat into the ring, follow the instructions included in the position posting.

NARA seeks your input

Last November, President Obama issued a memorandum that marked the start of a sweeping effort to reform federal records management practices. Among other things, the memorandum directs the U.S. National Archives and Records Adminstration (NARA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to consult with individuals and organizations -- government and non-government alike -- who have an interest in improving the management of federal government records and increasing government openness.

NARA, which particularly interested in ideas that will promote government openness, use records and information to enhance federal agency performance, and reduce unnecessary costs and burdens, is fulfilling this requirement in a variety of ways. It's hosting public meetings and has created a Managing Government Records IdeaScale community that enables archivists, records managers, vendors, and anyone else who cares to do so to offer their suggestions, read suggestions advanced by others, and comment and vote up or down on each suggestion. You'll need to create a free IdeaScale account in order to do so, but signing up is quick and painless.

The IdeaScale interface is pretty intuitive, but if you're new to IdeaScale (which is one of my favorite Web 2.0 tools), you may want to consult NARA's IdeaScale guide.

The Managing Government Records IdeaScale community will be open for comments until Friday, 6 April.

Tomorrow: San Jose State online colloquium

San Jose State University's School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) regularly offers online colloquia that highlight issues and strategies of interest to librarians, archivists, and records managers. Tomorrow's presentation, "Social Enterprises: A Changing Information Landscape," will be given by Don Burke of the U.S. Department of Energy. Burke will focus on how new collaborative tools and the work norms they foster will "finally break the paradigm of paper as the fundamental container of information." He will also discuss "some of the opportunities and challenges those changes have on traditional ideas of information management, records management, learning, and communication."

Mr. Burke's presentation will begin at 5:00PM Pacific Time (8:00PM Eastern Time). There is no charge to take part in this colloquium, and you don't have to register in advance. All you need to do is go to this Web page shortly before the colloquium starts, scroll down, and click on the "Live URL" for Mr. Burke's presentation. (N.B.: SLIS uses Blackboard Collaborate, which will install some Java files onto your computer. You may want to read the Student Guide to Using Collaborate before you participate in this colloquium.)