What are the responsibilities and job description for the Archives Specialist position at Mississippi University for Women?
Essential Duties
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Assist the Archives and Special Collections Librarian with the oversight of day-to-day operations.
- Assist the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian with implementation of project planning.
- Arrange and describe archival materials in accordance with professional standards, best practices, and departmental policies.
- Supervise and train student workers.
- Create, update, and maintain archival description and finding aids on ArchivesSpace.
- Retrieve and store materials from the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS).
- Assist with ongoing digital and print-based processing and preservation projects.
- Troubleshoot software and hardware issues in the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS).
- Help with the conservation and preservation of archival materials in the Martha Jo Mims Digitization and Conservation Lab.
- Staffs the library front desk each week.
- Work with the Exhibits Committee to develop and mount new exhibits.
- Provide reference services by answering questions regarding collections and finding aids.
- Supervise the Martha Jo Mims Digitization and Conservation Lab.
- Support emergency management related to conservation and preservation, i.e. mold and water damage.
- Perform other reasonable duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Master’s degree in Archives, Archives Management, Library Science or equivalent preferred
- Requires more than one year of experience working in archives, three years preferred
- Experience using ArchivesSpace and digitizing records preferred
Other Skills, Abilities and Qualifications:
- Knowledge of archival theory
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment
- Customer service skills
- Excellent analytical and communication skills
- Adept at multi-tasking and appropriately prioritizing information
- Able to work independently
- Excellent research skills required
- Excellent computer skills required
- Competency in Word, Excel, email and Internet searching required
- Ability to troubleshoot computer hardware issues required
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The work environment is a moderate noise level and will regularly require the employee to work near moving mechanical parts. The employee will occasionally work around fumes or airborne particles and in outdoor weather conditions.
Job Description Summary
Supporting Fant Memorial Library’s Beulah Culbertson Archives & Special Collections Department, this position works to preserve and provide access to materials in the archives’ collection. Employing archival theory, this position is responsible for processing, arranging, describing, and preserving archival records and making them available to researchers virtually and in-person. Works closely with the archivist to oversee day-to-day operations of the archives.
Hours of Availability
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Background Check Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. However, failure to disclose may disqualify a candidate.
Requisition Detail Information
Requisition Number
FY20764NF
Open Date
06/29/2026
Will this job have a specific close date?
No
Close Date
Special Instructions to Applicants
Any combination of professional experience, volunteer work, coursework, and other transferable skills may be applied toward the required and desired qualifications listed below. Please direct any questions to Sarah Parrish at separrish@muw.edu.