Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
Operates in a diverse environment to help fulfill the Library’s mission by managing archival collections in order to provide physical and intellectual control of and access to material that has enduring value.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
- Provides excellent customer service at the Special Collections reference desks, by phone, or through electronic delivery; maintains excellent relationships with materials donors.
- Appraises, acquires, describes, and preserves photography collections and primary source documents.
- Manages collections (analog and digital) to ensure long-term accessibility and preservation for research, instruction, and outreach initiatives.
- Creates inventories of source materials and Encoded Archival Description (EAD)-compliant finding aids. Makes materials available to researchers; logs archival statistics.
- Coordinates preservation work for photographs and audio/visual materials.
- Creates exhibitions from collections relating to regional history.
- Ensures proper care of both stored and displayed pieces.
- Identifies conservation concerns and performs basic preservation practices.
- Serves as “person in charge” in the absence of the Special Collections Manager by assuming a leadership role to address emergency situations, safety issues, and patron feedback.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties are considered non-essential and include the following:
- Participates in special projects as assigned.
- Assists with annual Regional History Symposium.
- Assists with assembling Regional History Book Series.
- Conducts original historic research.
- Provides tours of Special Collections as scheduled.
- Keeps informed about Library and department information.
- Takes an active role in library and/or archival professional organizations.
- Attends regular department meetings and scheduled All-staff meetings.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
- Thorough knowledge of the Pikes Peak Library District’s policies and procedures and ability to follow them.
- Ability to act as an ambassador of Pikes Peak Library District by promoting its mission and vision to the public.
- Demonstrates knowledge of library services, procedures and best practices.
- Demonstrates knowledge of regional history and/or genealogy research methodologies.
- Demonstrates knowledge of imaging and/or metadata standards, and the management of electronic collections.
- Demonstrates excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
- Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to effectively use applications software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook, along with standard office equipment.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member, organize daily work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, detail-rich environment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Requires a Master’s degree in library science (MLS or MLIS).
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in history or related field is preferred.
- Requires a minimum of three years of experience in archives arrangement, processing, digitization, or reference.
- Bilingual ability is a plus in serving a diverse community.
Additional Info & Requirements
Requires a minimum of three years of experience in archives arrangement, processing, digitization, or reference.
The Community
DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNITY
Colorado Springs is located at the foot of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. The city is the second most populous city in the state of Colorado. Colorado Springs is a place that offers something for everyone; with great educational institutions, abundant sunshine year round, magnificent natural scenery, outdoor activities including hiking, bicycling, fishing and camping, the arts, theatre and charming communities.
LIBRARY DISTRICT
Pikes Peak Library District serves more than 699,000 residents in El Paso County, providing access to resources that are critical to the public, making it a vital force for individual and community transformation for 50 years. Our service area covers more than 2000 square miles. PPLD is the second largest library district in the State of Colorado. Our 14 locations stretch north to Monument, south to Fountain, and west to Cascade and east to Falcon. Our newest Library 21c is a state-of-the-art facility with the Creative Computer Commons, Makerspace, Family Place area, Center for Public Media, Business and Entrepreneurial Center, a 400 seat Performance & Meeting Venue, and more. PPLD’s 2017 General Fund annual budget is $30.4M with approximately 480 staff members (348 FTE). PPLD was recently named the #1 Best Workplaces for an Extra Large Company in Colorado Springs by the Gazette, our local newspaper!
HR Info
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:
- Complete a PPLD online application located at ppld.org/Jobs on the Application tab
- Attachments should be submitted in one of the following file types: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, .htm
- If you require an accommodation to complete your job application, please contact the Human Resources Office at (719) 884-9800 ext 6998.
- Please include resume, cover letter, and salary history.