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Requirements
Head of Archival Processing - Georgetown University Library
The Georgetown University Library is seeking to hire an innovative and experienced archivist to lead and manage the archival processing team at the Booth Family Center for Special Collections (BFCSC). The Head of Archival Processing supervises two full-time manuscripts archivists, leads the accessioning and processing of analog and digital collections, oversees the crafting of finding aids, and assists with the selection of collections for digitization.
Reporting to the Director of the BFCSC and working closely with the department's Curators and University Archivist, the Head of Archival Processing contributes to Booth's reference and research services, instructional program, and outreach initiatives. Primary duties are centered on five major areas of responsibilities - special collections processing; collections management; reference and outreach; leadership, management, and planning; along with professional contributions and development. These responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Special Collections Processing
Leads the manuscripts processing team efforts and participates in arranging and describing collections, ensuring the consistent implementation of processing standards, as well as adopting new archival best practices when appropriate.
Provides oversight for and participates in the accessioning, preparation of processing plans, arrangement and description, and preservation of analog and digital materials in accordance with accepted standards and practices.
Develops an annual processing priorities plan with assigned team responsibilities, processing rates, and timelines.
Coordinates the transfer of all new manuscript donations and acquisitions as well as the assigning of accession records to these items.
Participates in the department's annual planning by creating work plans, developing budgets, identifying digitization projects, and writing proposals and progress reports.
Trains and supervises student workers, interns, and term positions in archival processing.
Collection Management
Oversees the management of storage and access schemes for the department's archival collections, including transfers and retrievals to and from the Washington Research Libraries Consortium's (WRLC) shared collections storage facility.
Collaborates with BFCSC staff and Library colleagues in the development of a comprehensive digital preservation strategy for born-digital collections as well as digitized content.
Coordinates and assists in prioritizing the preservation, conservation, and security needs of analog and digital collections in consultation with the Director, Curators, and University Archivist.
Supports the BFCSC Director's efforts in the acquisition of collections and in the evaluation of possible new collecting areas.
Collaborates with colleagues throughout the Library to develop and implement digitization projects to enhance online access to collections.
Reference and Outreach
Works scheduled shifts at the BFCSC reception desk and reading room, assisting researchers in registering using Aeon, in the appropriate use of a public scanner, and in the proper care and use of materials.
Answers manuscript-related reference questions from Georgetown faculty, students, administrators, alumni, the media, and other researchers at the reception desk, and by chat, email, or phone.
Collaborates with BFCSC colleagues and Georgetown faculty in providing instructional support.
Contributes content to the department's blog and the Library's social media program.
Leadership, Contributions, and Development
Provides leadership and supervision of the day-to-day operations of the manuscripts unit.
Directs, coordinates, and contributes to the activities and projects in the manuscripts unit; provides leadership in formulating unit goals and ensuring that the goals are met.
Responsible for hiring and managing staff, assigning work, setting goals and expectations, conducting performance evaluations, and providing constructive feedback to staff.
Works with Curators and University Archivist to develop and implement policies and procedures to improve workflows, adopt and apply new technologies, and evaluate departmental operations and services to align with Library initiatives and services.
Professional Contributions and Development
Participates actively in professional organizations at the regional, national, and/or international level.
Stays current by closely following trends and issues in archives and special collections
Pursues opportunities for continued professional growth.
Qualifications
An ALA-accredited Master's degree in Library or Information Science and/or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline with archival management and special collections training, or equivalent education and experience
5 years of professional experience as an archivist, at least three of which include progressive responsibility managing professional staff
Experience preparing DACS-compliant finding aids in an archival content management system, such as ArchivesSpace, Archivist Toolkit, or Archon
Demonstrated experience in managing the description, access, and preservation of analog, hybrid, and born-digital collections
Excellent planning and project management skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
Commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace, and an ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using ArchivesSpace
Experience with digitization and digital curation projects
Familiarity with relevant standards such as AACR2, RDA, MARC, Dublin Core, and LCSH
Experience in supervising and training student workers, interns, and/or term employees.
Record of professional presentation, publication, or leadership in national or regional professional organizations, including SAA, RBMS, and/or ALA
Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language
Work Mode: Hybrid 4 Days on site. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position's mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University's mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources Mode of Work Designation .
Environment
The Georgetown University Library is an agile organization located in the nation's capital, committed to advancing Georgetown University's global leadership in academics and research, while also addressing the requirements of the changing landscape of higher education and the evolving nature of scholarly communication. By providing preeminent services, collections and spaces, the Library contributes to the creation, dissemination and preservation of knowledge, as well as the transformation of learning and research.
The Library is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse staff dedicated to excellence in service, continuous learning, and leadership within the library profession. With diversity as one of its Library's core values, the Library not only seeks to actively recruit and retain a diverse workforce, but also ensures the acquisition of a diverse collection of materials and a climate of openness and respect for all traditions, cultures, and ideas.
The Library actively promotes its values - lifelong learning, collaboration, leadership, quality, integrity, and diversity in its daily tasks. Whenever possible, the Library offers flexible work schedules and telework options, and supports continuous learning opportunities in order to achieve the highest quality of service that can be offered.
The University offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes health insurance, tuition benefits for employees and their children, retirement benefits, as well as flexible work schedules and telework options.
Please note that COVID-19 has reshaped the way interviews and work locations will be managed at this time. The safety and well-being of our colleagues and applicants is our first priority. The Georgetown University Library anticipates conducting all interviews virtually. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the University's need to limit the number of on-campus employees, the successful applicant may be asked to perform their job role remotely for a limited period of time until the University can permit more employees to work on campus.
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Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a cover letter and resume for each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. These documents are not kept on file for future positions.
Need Assistance:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please click here for more information, or contact the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Affirmative Action (IDEAA) at 202-687-4798 or ideaa@georgetown.edu .
Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website .
EEO Statement:
Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law .
Benefits:
Georgetown University offers a wide variety of comprehensive and competitive benefits. Benefits packages include comprehensive health, dental and vision plans, disability and life insurance coverage, retirement savings programs, tuition assistance, voluntary insurance options (including group legal, accident, and critical illness), and much more. Whatever your need, the Office of Faculty and Staff Benefits will be standing by to support you. You can learn more about the benefits offered to eligible faculty and staff at https://benefits.georgetown.edu or view the online interactive benefits guide for more information.