This position is located in the Preparation Section, Manuscript Division, Special Collections Directorate, Researcher And Collections Services.
The position description number for this position is 461534.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
The incumbent of this position will work a flexitime work schedule. Occasional Saturdays and weekdays service in the Manuscript Division’s reading room is required.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Knowledge of digital curation and descriptive tools, information technologies and integrated library systems to support archival functions.**
Knowledge of American history and research sources used for processing and describing archival materials.**
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of archival work, including analysis, organization, and description of archival material. **
Ability to perform preservation duties.
Knowledge of reference and research services.
Ability to build and maintain professional relationships and provide liaison services.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Responsibilities:
The position serves as an Archivist in the Preparation Section, Manuscript Division, Special Collections Directorate (SCD), Researcher and Collections Services (RCS) within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LC). The position reports directly to the Assistant Head, Preparation Section who prioritizes work and provides advice on policy and technical problems.
The incumbent is responsible for the organization and description of manuscript collections and the orderly administration of the complexities of archival functions, including the use of computer technology in relation to those duties.
As part of one of the largest manuscript repositories in the United States and in the world, the Preparation Section is key to the Manuscript Division's mission of preparing for reader use material that encompasses the breadth and chronology of American history, including the papers of presidents, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, writers, scientists, inventors, business leaders, reformers, and prominent nongovernmental organization.
Independently performs a variety of archival activities for a moderately large number of record groups that are related by administrative connection or by subject matter, including planning for the analysis, arrangement, and description of manuscript collections and assuming responsibility for the completion of archival projects. Demonstrates full understanding of archival theory and practice and possesses a broad knowledge of scholarly research and documentation practices. Analyzes the documentation systems and practices of the originating agency, organization, or individual whose records or papers are being processed. Undertakes research in published sources to complete gaps in the available information relating to the subject matter of the records to be archived. Evaluates the significance of archival material in its historical context and applies evaluation in creating a plan of arrangement and description. Exercises initiative on special assignments requiring knowledge of archival management and related fields of academic study.
Interprets instruments of gift or deposit and related documentation to help resolve administrative and legal matters affecting the arrangement and availability of collections. Recommends criteria for the retention or disposition of material according to independent evaluation of its informational and historical value. Identifies material for conservation treatment and coordinates the preparation of material for permanent housing.
Directs the work of technicians and interns in processing collections. Instructs other staff in processing and monitors and reviews their work for productivity and accuracy. Consults with collection curators, other specialists, and relevant officials in formulating and implementing processing activities. Provides assessment to management of the scope and quality of work performed by processing technicians, interns, and other team members.
Develops personal contacts to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships in order to provide or exchange information and professional knowledge relating to archival techniques and knowledge of archival procedures. Coordinates as necessary with collection curators and staff in other divisions relating to the transmission, handling, description, and storage of division material housed off-site or transferred elsewhere. Recommends changes in the practices, formats, techniques, and resources employed by the Manuscript Division in the preparation of manuscript collections.
Reviews and monitors the completion of preservation projects. Surveys internal collections;, identifying and inventorying groups of materials for preservation and physical security. Proposes long-term strategies for the preservation of collections. Helps assess collections and archives considered for acquisition by the library, with regard to condition, contents, scope, storage history, and other aspects pertinent to the preservation and long-term survival of the material.
Independently provides reference and research services in response to requests for information about records on specialized subjects or topics.
Exercises a good grasp of the primary subject matter involved and of related subject matter fields, and a good knowledge of germane archival records in order to assist specialized researchers and other users of manuscript collections and archival records. In this capacity, substitutes on a temporary basis as necessary assisting readers in the division's public Reading Room.
Performs other duties as assigned.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
The position requires Occasional Saturday and weekday service in the Manuscript Division’s reading room.
Salary : $85,447
