Title: Processing Archivist, American History Collections
Location: Stanford Redwood City campus
Level: Librarian 2, 100% FTE
Dept.: Department of Special Collections & University Archives, Stanford Libraries
Reports to: Processing Archivist for Small/Medium Collections
Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description.
Job Purpose:
Stanford Libraries is seeking a full-time, non-career track fixed term position for 3 years to join the Department of Special Collections and serve as a Processing Archivist for American History Collections. The Processing Archivist will arrange, describe, and preserve these collections. They may also assist with online exhibits, oversee digitization projects, and create item- and folder-level metadata for digitized and born-digital objects.
About Stanford Libraries:
Stanford Libraries is a network of over twenty libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to supporting teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently more than 15 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective.
The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant. We are seeking a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives.
About the Department of Special Collections & University Archives:
The Department of Special Collections & University Archives acquires, arranges, describes, preserves, and makes available primary source materials to support the research needs of Stanford students, faculty, and administration, as well as the global community of scholars. The holdings of the Department comprise more than 260,000 rare, fine press, and artists’ books, and some 59 million pages and 350 terabytes of unpublished manuscripts and photographs. Collections include the papers of scientists, mathematicians, technologists, artists, writers, historians, and visionaries; medieval manuscripts; archival photographs; and records of corporations and non-profit organizations with a special interest in Silicon Valley, California, and Mexican American history.
About the Position:
The Processing Archivist for American History Collections will report to the Lead Processing Archivist for and is responsible for the arrangement, description, and preservation of the materials as well as the publication of finding aids. They will work primarily on the Stanford Redwood City campus. They will consult with the Assistant Director for Collection Services and the American & British History Curator/Associate Director on setting priorities.
Core Duties:
● Execute the assessment, arrangement, rehousing, and description of all archival materials in primarily American history collections according to standards such as DACS or ISAD(G)
o Survey collections and formats and determine the level of descriptive detail necessary to facilitate discovery and access.
o Personally accession, catalog, and process archival materials.
o Identify materials appropriate for temporary transfer to Conservation; coordinate that work in collaboration with the Assistant Director and Lead Archivist and track it via JIRA.
o Determine appropriate discovery and access mechanisms for processed collections.
o Complete end-processing activities such as labeling and barcoding containers and updating bibliographic and item records in FOLIO/OCLC Connexion.
o Create, update, and publish EAD XML finding aids using ArchivesSpace.
o Transfer materials to/from storage in collaboration with other staff.
o Create descriptive metadata for digitized materials and ingest into the Stanford Digital Repository.
● Work independently and make judgments and recommendations about content appraisal and access and report to the immediate supervisor on critical decisions.
● Manage time to complete and oversee the organization and description of assigned collections.
● Publish articles on project discoveries and updates on SUL blogs or Instagram accounts.
● Assist American & British History Curator with in house or online exhibits.
● Perform other duties as assigned.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
Advanced Degree in Library Science or a relevant academic discipline with demonstrated understanding of academic libraries and two or more years of relevant experience in a relevant library setting or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
● Experience with relevant aspects of library operations including understanding of contemporary library practices, trends and emerging technologies for managing, processing, and providing access to archival collections in analog and digital formats.
● Experience assessing, arranging, and describing archival collections that include multiple formats.
● Familiarity with collections management and tracking applications, e.g. ArchivesSpace and Aeon.
● Consistent display of excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills.
● Ability to independently perform complex job functions such as collection management reviews, preparation of major exhibits, developing policies for business practices.
● Ability to collaborate and negotiate issues with people from different parts of the library and outside the library, including collection curators and creators.
● Ability to identify challenges and opportunities, engage others in their resolution, and recommend appropriate courses of action.
● Demonstrated ability to evaluate and improve online resources in terms of content quality, functionality, and user interface issues.
● Evidence of engagement in relevant professional or academic communities.
Other Relevant Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities May Include:
● Experience applying library and archival descriptive and metadata standards (e.g. Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), Encoded Archival Description (EAD), Metadata Object Description Schema (MODS); ability to rapidly learn and implement new descriptive practices adopted by the department and/or Stanford Libraries
● High level of proficiency with computers and desktop applications, including e.g. Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and Trello.
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
● Must be able to maintain confidentiality with sensitive or restricted information
● Will assist in grant/gift reporting as necessary
Physical Requirements:
● Constantly sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.
● Occasionally stand/walk, twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
● Rarely use a telephone, operate hand controls.
● Must be able to push and maneuver a fully loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Working Conditions:
● May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings and weekends.
Work Standards:
● Interpersonal skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
● Promote culture of safety: Demonstrates a commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
● Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions. We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.
The expected pay range for this position is $90,524-100,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Why Stanford is for You
Contemplate the challenges our planet faces today and the sustainability solutions we will develop in the coming years. Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and course auditing. Join a TedTalk or film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ride sharing incentives, discounts and more!
