University of Chicago seeks a Digital Services Archivist

If you have hands-on processing, digitization, Web site development, and digitization experience, possess theoretical knowledge of electronic records issues, are comfortable working with multiple repositories, and live or want to live in Chicago, the Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) and its host institution, the University of Chicago, want to hear from you.

Reporting to the BMRC Executive Director, the Digital Services Archivist is responsible for administration, planning, supervision, evaluation, of the consortium's digital and technical services programs, ensuring an integrated and coordinated approach to arrangement description and digitization. Works with the staff of BMRC members to ensure the long-term preservation of born-digital materials, including archival records; to facilitate the digitization of consortium members holdings; and to provide access to such holdings. Builds on the strengths of the Survey Initiative which produced an inventory of archival holdings among participating BMRC members, as well as the "Color Curtain Processing Project" which aims to arrange, describe, and create EAD finding aids and MARC records for over 200 collections related to African American history in Chicago. The Digital Services Archivist will establish and develop finding aids and the digital archives of the consortium. Assumes management responsibilities in archival description of material with different formats, including preparation of finding aids. Formulates strategies for the management of digital assets, including digitization and writing metadata. Maintains and provides content for all BMRC related websites, blogs, online subject guides, and social media accounts. Works in conjunction with the staff of the Color Curtain Processing Project on the design and functional requirements for an electronic archives management system. This position will be based at the University of Chicago, but will require travel to other participating institutions in the city.

Specific Responsibilities
Works closely with the BMRC Consulting Archivist, University of Chicago technical consultants, and project staff to oversee and manage the technical services aspect of all projects. Creates archival finding aids using the Archivists' Toolkit. Serves as a member of the BMRC Technical Services Committee. Works with Project Staff and BMRC members to select collections for digitization. Maintains all BMRC related websites. Ensures that the project meets deadlines. Prepares project reports and documentation as necessary. Represents the project at meetings and conferences. Acts as a liaison between the project and University of Chicago Technical Staff. Trains student workers of participating institutions in the use of Archivists' Toolkit. Carries out other project duties as assigned, as necessitated by the needs of the BMRC or made possible by incumbent's subject strengths or technical skills. Such duties may include assisting with reference requests.

Education

• Graduate degree in Library and Information Science with significant course work in archive and manuscript theory and preservation required.
• Additional graduate degree in African American History or Black Studies strongly preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of three years of experience working with archival collections required.
• Digitization project management experience required.
• Experience in using social media, including Facebook, to promote library use required.
• Experience with archival survey projects preferred.

Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to manage workflow and multiple tasks, attention to detail, and complex problem-solving skills required.
• Flexibility, versatility, and tolerance for change are essential in this work environment required.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate in a team environment in a cooperative and collegial fashion required.
• Familiarity with the DACS standard for Archival Description required.
• Some knowledge of basic principles of conservation for paper and media collections required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of EAD required.
• Proficiency with data management systems such as MS Access, FileMaker Pro, and Archivists' Toolkit required.
• Knowledge of XHTML and CSS required.
• Knowledge of issues related to the capture and preservation of electronic records required.
• Ability to manage and complete long-term projects required.
• Strong organizational, supervisory, and computer skills required.
• Ability to listen well and communicate effectively in speech and writing required.
• Ability to work in multiple BMRC member institutions over the course of the position required.
• Travel to BMRC member repositories within the Chicago area required.
• Strong presentation skills required.
• Travel to project related training and conferences, including annual Society of American Archivist meetings, required.
• Ability to lift at least 40 pounds required.
• Knowledge of Chicago history strongly preferred.

Salary varies in accordance with experience. Consult the position posting for application instructions and additional information.