University of Georgia is hiring a Processing and Electronic Records Archivist

If you have a modest amount of professional experience, are comfortable working with both paper and electronic archival records, and live or would like to live in a quirky Southern college town, the University of Georgia may have a job for you.

POSITION: Processing and Electronic Records Archivist

DEPARTMENT: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
The Processing and Electronic Records Archivist is responsible to the Head of Arrangement and Description for the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies for participating in the planning, decision-making, and implementation of descriptive initiatives including: processing and creating descriptions for Russell Library collections; coordinating the appraisal, transfer and accession of electronic records into Russell Library collections; and converting, validating, describing, preserving, and making electronic records accessible. This position participates in reading room and reference service to patrons. This position is also responsible for hiring, training and supervising student assistants. The Processing and Electronic Records Archivist is a member of the University of Georgia Libraries non-tenure track faculty.

The Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies is a department within the University of Georgia Libraries, which reports to the University Librarian and which serves as a center for research and study of the modern American political system. Established in 1974, the Library’s original mission was to collect and preserve materials that document the life and career of the late Richard B. Russell, United States Senator from Georgia from 1933 to 1971. With particular emphasis on the role of Georgia and the U. S. Congress, current collection development and programming focus on the dynamic relationship of politics, policy, and culture—generated wherever public interest intersects with government. The breadth and depth of Russell Library’s collections provide an interconnected framework of perspectives and experiences for understanding the increasingly diverse people, events, and ideas shaping Georgia’s political landscape.

The Russell Library pursues alliances and opportunities for collaboration with individuals and organizations that advance its mission. The Russell Library is a founding member of the Association of Centers for the Study of Congress and a primary partner and official repository for the Foot Soldier Project for Civil Rights Studies, a collaborative project dedicated to documenting and chronicling the activity and perceptions of lesser known participants in the civil rights movement in Georgia.

The Russell Library staff consists of the Director (department head), four archivists, two staff positions, and six student assistants.

The UGA Libraries is located on the university's main campus in Athens, Georgia, and its facilities include the Main Library, Science Library, Zell B. Miller Learning Center, Map Library, Repository and Special Collections Libraries. Perennially rated as one of the nation's top college towns, Athens offers a vibrant place to work and live. With Atlanta 70 miles to the west, Athens offers good proximity to the city while maintaining a small-town culture and feel. The favorable climate supports an eco-friendly campus, and UGA is currently undergoing a major multi-step plan to convert much of the campus into pedestrian friendly green space. Information about Athens: http://www.libs.uga.edu/athens/.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assists the Head of Arrangement and Description in the processing of manuscript collections by arranging and describing materials in accordance with DACS and other archival standards, creating entries and completing revisions to records in Archivists’ Toolkit, and assisting in the accessioning of new collections according to departmental procedures.

Coordinates the appraisal, transfer and accession of electronic records into Russell Library collections; converts, validates, describes, preserves and makes accessible these records through Archivists’ Toolkit or other digital asset management tools; updates EAD records in the Russell Library’s finding aid database.

Manages the public online finding aids database for the Russell Library, periodically reloading and re-indexing finding aid data, under the direction of the Head of Arrangement and Description. Assists in the creation of digital collections, using appropriate metadata standards, and creation of associated content in conjunction with the Heads of Arrangement and Description and Access and Outreach Units.

Participates in reading room and reference service to patrons in accordance with policies and procedures of the department; develops and maintains knowledge of collections within the department; and maintains awareness of related holdings at other institutions.

Supervises and trains student assistants through effective communication and a fostering of shared goals that yields knowledge, productivity, and dependability.

Contributes to the mission of the Russell Library, and the Libraries as a whole, by participating in meetings, planning, program review, developing and evaluating policies and procedures, strategic planning, the development of special projects and functions, and grants writing for the department as assigned.

Participates in library-wide communication by reading, responding to, and initiating information transmitted via GRAPEVINE (the Libraries’ listserv) and other communication tools, and appropriate library-wide or departmental meetings and asking questions, seeking clarification, or initiating discussion on library issues.

Maintains flexibility and awareness of changes in the department and organization and contributes to the team effort by assuming other similar duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Maintains an awareness of current trends in the archival field by participating in professional activities.  

QUALIFICATIONS:  
Required Qualifications: ALA-accredited MLIS (or relevant Master's degree with ACA certification expected in 5 years for continued employment); Two years of experience in an archives or special collections arranging and describing historical collections, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Demonstrated experience applying DACS, EAD and XML, and familiarity with Dublin Core, AACR2, LCSH, and MARC; Working knowledge of current archival descriptive standards, intellectual property rights, and issues related to born-digital content and digital conversion of archival materials; Ability to function as a contributing team member in a production-oriented environment; Demonstrated initiative to complete projects; Excellent research, writing, and communication skills; Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with other departments, as needed; Working knowledge of historical research methodology and experience with standard bibliographic tools; Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs and tolerate dust and inactive mold spores.

Preferred Qualifications: Certified Archivist desired. Experience with Archivists’ Toolkit or other archival management systems desired. Congressional papers processing experience preferred. Knowledge and/or experience in the development and maintenance of websites preferred.

Salary is commensurate with experience, and the deadline for applying is 16 July 2012.  for additional details and detailed application instructions, consult the posted position description.