Processing Archivist - Assistant Librarian

What We Want

The Processing Archivist (Assistant Librarian) will provide archival processing services for the Special Collections and Archives division of the University Libraries by arranging, describing, and preserving materials in various formats. This position will participate in end-processing activities which includes labeling containers, updating or editing finding aid records, remediation of legacy finding aids, and creating/updating finding aids using Access to Memory. The selected candidate will collaborate with Curators, Archivists, and Preservation colleagues in surveying incoming collections and assigning appropriate processing workflows based upon types of materials in the collections. Additionally, the Processing Archivist will be responsible for ensuring the appropriate discovery and access of processed collection materials by identifying restrictions from legal agreements, copyright law, privacy law, university polices, preservation assessments, or related areas. If this job description sounds interesting to you, we invite you to apply to be considered for this opportunity.

• Knowledge of academic library functions 

• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment with shifting priorities

• Ability to communicate with all levels of customers and employees

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.  

• Conflict Resolution Skills

• Knowledge of email and database applications

• Attention to detail, accuracy, and reliability

• Ability to complete complex projects

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds

• Ability to climb ladders with a height of up to 14 ft.  

• Ability to push, pull, bend, and kneel

• Tolerance of cool temperatures (constant of 65 degrees F)

• Tolerance of dust and mold

• Occasional travel to other locations on TAMU campus

• ALA accredited master’s degree in library science with specialization in archival studies

• Experience processing archival materials in various formats such as preserving, curating, stewarding, or describing

• One year of experience in a university archive, museum, special collection, or cultural heritage institution

• One year of experience processing physical or digital archival materials

• Experience handling, storing, and maintenance of special collection items (e.g. rare books, manuscripts, maps, paintings, textiles, photographs, film reels, and general collectibles)

• Knowledge of archival theory, practice, and technologies, including the digitization and processing of born digital materials

• Experience supervising staff or student employee

• Knowledge and ability to create archival descriptions and to apply DACS standards (Describing Archives: a Content Standard)

• Knowledge of archival or museum content management to create discovery tools and finding aids

• Knowledge of preservation standards and best practices  

• Archival Processing & Administration: Provides archival processing services for the Special Collections and Archives division of the University Libraries. Participates in end-processing activities which includes labeling containers, updating or editing finding aid records, remediation of legacy finding aids, and creating/updating finding aids using Access to Memory (AtoM). Aids the Coordinator of Archival Processing in developing and maintaining documentation of archival processing workflows, creating and implementing processing project plans, and provides guidance on workflow improvement. Provides suggestions on new tools and technologies in archival arrangement and description services. Supervises student workers and provides feedback and coaching.  

• Collaborations and Partnerships: Participates in departmental and interdepartmental meetings and activities as a member of the Archival Processing unit. Collaborates with Curators, Archivists, and Preservation colleagues in surveying incoming collections and assigning appropriate processing workflows based upon types of materials in the collections. Aids the Coordinator of Archival Processing in managing the physical placement, organization, maintenance, and storage of collection materials in the Remote Storage Warehouse. Participates in promoting newly processed collections for teaching and research with the Coordinator of Archival Processing, the Outreach Librarian, and Marketing.  

• Archival Assessment & Transfer: Ensures the appropriate discovery and access of processed collection materials by identifying restrictions from legal agreements, copyright law, privacy law, university polices, preservation assessments, or related areas. Maintains accurate and complete documentation of collection records, preparation of reports, and statistics on work progress. Provides services in materials transfers to/from storage, and the temporary transfer of materials to Collections Care, Preservation, or the Digital Archivist.  

• Contributions to the Profession: ​Participates in scholarly activities and professional services for professional development and to incorporate new ideas and technologies into archival processing services and programs. Serves on campus and library committees and performs other duties as assigned.