Reference Archivist

Providence College

Providence, RI

Application Deadline

Open Until Filled

Wages

$55,000.00 to $60,000.00 per Year   Calculate

Location

Providence, RI

Hours

35.00

MLS

Required

Minimum Education

Master's Degree

Library Experience

Required

Supervisory Experience

Required

Type of Library

Academic

This job is more than 3 weeks old or the application deadline has passed.

Job Description

OVERVIEW:  Provide access and research services to internal and external patrons using the Providence College Archives and Special Collections. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  1. Serve as the primary provider of reference services; coordination and supervision of the reading room; provide reproductions of collections materials for reference purposes; develop research guides and other tools to support access and use of collections; schedule and conduct research consultations; and collaborate with research education librarians.  Manage and respond to all incoming research requests in a timely and accurate manner.  Maintain the ASC email account.  Develop a strong understanding of College collections holdings to best serve patron access via email, chat, phone, and in-person research consultations.  Collaborate with ASC and Library colleagues to develop research guides and other tools to promote and support collections use.  (35%)
  2. Manage scheduling of the reading room and research appointments to ensure collections access, staff safety, and security of collections.  Train students in handling and organizing of collections for research support, collections processing, etc.; develop training guides and resources for student workers.  Provide meaningful feedback on work progress and areas of improvement.  Identify opportunities for students to learn new concepts and skills related to accomplishing projects.  (25%)
  3. In collaboration with the Head of Archives and Special Collections, create and revise policies, workflows, and procedures related to public services in the ASC.  Define metrics and maintain statistics on outreach and public service activities, and compile department statistics and data.   Develop strategies for collecting and comprehensively analyzing collections data including research requests and the various aspects of collections use (i.e. exhibits, reference, teaching, etc.).  (15%)
  4. Participate in the preparation and delivery of instruction sessions.  Contribute to and collaborate on outreach activities such as exhibits, social media, and various campus events.  Teach small group or class instruction sessions using archival materials.  Collaborate with Research and Education and Digital Projects to integrate ASC collections and other primary sources into information literacy instruction and media or digital projects.  Research, design, and implement exhibits in collaboration with other archival or library staff.  (15%)
  5. Support the care and management of the Collections.  Teach users appropriate care of collections and note any conservation/preservation concerns as collections are accessed.  Contribute to processing and digitization projects, and collections space maintenance to ensure collections preservation.  (5%)
  6. Serve on library committees as appropriate.  Participate in special projects which impact the entire library, including the archives.  (5%)

MARGINAL DUTIES:

  1. Perform all other duties as may be required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

  • Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, Archives and Records Management, Archival studies from an accredited institution.
  • Three to five years’ experience in archives, libraries, or other cultural heritage institutions or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
  • Experience with teaching and research support in libraries and archives
  • Experience supervising student workers, interns, etc.
  • Familiarity with collection care, handling, and security protocols in an archive or special collections library.
  • Familiarity with archives and special collections reading room operations
  • Demonstrated ability to work with students, faculty, staff, and other community members in a learning environment
  • Experience providing quality customer service
  • Experience with outreach and engagement through social media, exhibits, and other tools
  • Knowledge of best practices related to reference and information literacy services in archives, libraries, etc.  Excellent organization and project management skills
  • Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills with an attention to detail
  • Effective interpersonal, oral, written, and virtual communication skills using a variety of media and technologies
  • Ability to work independently and make decisions while effectively communicating and working with the archives and library staff
  • Position hours will be Monday through Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm; Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  Hours will follow library hours during intersession/holiday periods.
Posted Jul 5, 2022