Description

A part-time archival librarian is needed for the 2024-25 school year at Western Reserve Academy, a private boarding/day school (grades 9-12) in Hudson, Ohio. This position is responsible for collecting, arranging, storing, retrieving, and sharing the history of Western Reserve Academy and the local area. In addition to archival duties, the archivist librarian will assist the Library Services team with supervising the circulation desk and following the responsibilities for the front desk duties as they apply. Please be aware that library staff members follow the students’ break schedule, so for the most part, the archival librarian will not be required to work when school is not in session. 

 Primary Responsibilities Include: 

1. Establishes, maintains, and promotes the school archives. 
2. Identifies, preserves, and catalogs historical documents and other memorabilia in any media form that helps to document the school’s history and significant milestones. 
3. Identifies historical records and other materials of archival value. 
4. Organizes and classifies archival records to make them easy to search. 
5. Develops and works with library staff to place certain records on the library’s automation system. 
6. Handles routine communications related to the archives and other records of matter. This will include the relationship with the other departments of the school, as well as inquiries from alumni and other interested parties about the school and its history or about genealogical information that may be within alumni records. 
7. Promotes the use of the archives to faculty, staff, alumni, and the community at large. This can take the form of talks to the student body, tours of the campus for students, visitors, or group tours, presentations made to trustee groups or to community groups outside of the campus itself, particularly to Hudson organizations. 
8. Sets and administers policy guidelines concerning access to archival materials. 
9. Coordinates the automation activities of archival materials with the goal of creating a digital archive.
10. Plans and conducts special research projects. 

Secondary Responsibilities Include:

1. Photocopies archive materials and handles the mailing of copied items to inquirers. 
2. Performs basic preservation tasks when handling fragile archival and photographic materials. 
3. Selects proper preservation housing and treatments for archival materials. 
4. Executes tasks such as data entry, filing, scanning, etc.
5. Coordinates student volunteers who work on archival projects. 
6. Other duties as necessary to the maintenance of the archival collections.

Requirements

1. Excellent customer service skills and high attention to detail required, as well as a sense of vision about the way the archives might serve the school and its clientele.
2. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (or their equivalent) as well as familiarity with internet usage. 
3. Experience in scanning and computer applications such as Adobe Photoshop, and experience with professional database management software - archival software experience preferred.
4. Ability to use library technology systems, personal computer, mobile devices, online catalogs, and other job-related equipment.
5. Ability to maintain confidentiality and use appropriate judgement in handling information and records with faculty, students, alumni, and outside users.
6. Ability to express self effectively with the faculty, students, alumni, and public at large, orally, in writing articles and memorandums, and in a group setting either on campus or elsewhere.
7. Ability to be a self-starter and to work independently with minimal direction from the department head or head of school.
8. Possession of proven and excellent writing and speaking skills.
9. Must be able to adapt to a shift schedule and the needs of a 24 hour/ 7 days a week boarding/day school. 

Qualifications:

Required:

1. Two or more years of experience in an archive, research library, or similar organization.
2. Proficiency with database management and digital imaging.
3. Knowledge of and experience with above listed competencies.

Preferred:

1. Bachelor’s degree or Archival Certification or working towards that goal.

To Apply:

Visit the Employment Opportunities area of our website - https://www.wra.net/about-wra/employment - to complete an online application and upload a copy of your resume and cover letter for the Archival Librarian opening.

To be assured of consideration, please send your information by Friday, May 24, 2024