Archives Processing Specialist - Libraries

The department of Libraries at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an Archives Processing Specialist.

About the Opportunity

The Archives Processing Specialist is responsible for the proper handling of collections vital to the Library system by arranging and describing archival collections in the appropriate historical context and according to professional standards and best practices; contributing to digital archival stewardship; and supporting public services activities. The incumbent reports to the WVRHC Head of Archives & Manuscripts.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
  
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
  
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
  
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
  
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
  
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
  
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Collections Support Processes and Projects:

• Develop processing plans for archival and manuscripts collections.
• Evaluate rare and one-of-a-kind archival collections and determine how best to organize and preserve those materials.
• Follow professional standards, guidelines and best practices for handling unique historical materials to ensure that the items are not damaged and are able to be retrieved either digitally or in print format for research purposes.
• Arrange and describe collections according to processing plans and identify materials for deaccessioning.
• Evaluate materials for potential restrictions related to legal, institutional, and ethical requirements and implement restrictions in consultation with supervisor.
• Produce and update finding aids in the collection management software by making appropriate classifications and writing clear, concise descriptions so materials can be retrieved.
• Evaluate and measure collection materials to identify proper housing and ensure that the necessary supplies have been sourced, ordered, received and are ready for use

Supervision of Students:

• Manage graduate assistants, student workers, and interns. Provide direct oversite to ensure the materials are handled properly as the items are irreplaceable.
• Train GAs and students in proper handling of materials, archival processing, description in collection management system, and metadata creation.
• Determine the best projects for the GAs and students to work on to meet the needs of the unit and also to add to the students' educational experience.
• Continually review student work for quality, accuracy, and completeness, and provide feedback for improvement.
• Participate in the hiring process, coordinating with appropriate academic units.

• Conduct end-of-semester and end-of-year reviews, addressing modifications of work or other actions in coordination with department head and the Office of

  Graduate Education and Life.

Digital Archival Stewardship:

• Use technical equipment to digitize archival materials.
• Use specialized equipment and software to process and preserve born-digital
  records.
• Use specialized knowledge to create and enhance descriptive metadata in alignment with library standards and authorities, including Dublin Core, EAD, LCNAF, and LCSH, to ensure future access to digital collections.

Support for Public Services and Administration:

• May assist in publicizing collections.
• May occasionally staff public services desks and support reference and instruction requests.
• Assist with departmental and inter-Library communications.
• Participate in department and library-wide meetings and training sessions.
• Serve on appropriate interdepartmental committees as a WVRHC representative.
• Identify and participate in training opportunities specific to the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Pay Grade: 14

• Bachelor's degree

• At least one (1) year experience working in a library, archives, or museum, preferably in an academic setting

• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of archival standards and best practices
• Advanced computer skills, including ability to use Microsoft Office applications, library databases and preservation software, and web-based applications
• Detail oriented with an ability to verify accuracy of information and resolve discrepancies
• Knowledge of library metadata and cataloging of print and digital items
• Ability to follow complex instructions and perform detailed and accurate work
• Ability to work independently and solve problems
• Advanced organizational and time management skills
• Ability to write and communicate effectively
• Ability to understand and apply rules, policies, and procedures
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Archival processing experience

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination

• Work requires significant physical effort at times involving standing, walking, carrying, bending, etc., when retrieving or moving materials. Employee must be able to lift boxes weighing 25 to 40 pounds.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.