What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visual Materials Archivist position at University of South Carolina?
Posting Number
FAC00135PO26
Advertised Title
Visual Materials Archivist
Campus
Columbia
College/Division
University Libraries
Department
LIBR South Caroliniana Library
Advertised Salary Range
55,000 - Commensurate with Experience
Location of Vacancy
SC
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Position Category
Full-time Equivalent (FTE)
Basis
12 months
Work County
Richland
Tenure Information
Professional Track
Job Search Category
Faculty
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Reporting to the Head of Processing, the Visual Materials Archivist will process visual materials and other archival collections; write, publish, and revise descriptive information for archival collections using Archives Space, Alma/Primo, and other library software; supervise the Hollingsworth Visual Materials Student Assistant(s); complete in-house preservation and conservation of archival materials; and complete other duties as assigned. This is a professional-track faculty position, and will not be eligible for tenure.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies:
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities/Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of information organization standards and practices, including current cataloging and archival processing standards.
- Ability to plan and organize work activities to prioritize task completion according to schedules and goals.
- Effective and clear communication skills.
Function: Archival Collections Processing
- Following professional standards and library procedures, process visual materials collections encompassing a variety of formats including photographs, negatives, slides, artwork, design drawings, etc.; Process archival collections of manuscripts, organizational records, and published materials on an as-needed basis; Research collection formats and materials to determine the best permanent housings for preservation; Identify and assess needed preservation and conservation measures in archival collections; Apply appropriate techniques per professional standards and library procedures; Recommend items for professional conservation
Function: Collections Finding Aids and Description
- Create finding aids of collection contents and containers, using ArchivesSpace. Create item records for collections in Alma/Primo. Update and revise ArchivesSpace and Alma/Primo records to ensure information stays current.
Function: Supervise Student Assistant
- Supervise the Hollingsworth Visual Materials Student Assistant(s); plan and assign projects for the student assistant; review student assistant’s work at appropriate intervals and recommend any needed corrections or adjustments; review and approve timesheets
Function: Consultation and Collaboration
- Consult with the Digital Collections department on collections for digitization and digital exhibits; Consult and collaborate with the South Caroliniana Library Instruction and Outreach Librarian on the use of visual materials collections in exhibits and programming; Provide guidance and assistance to other USC Special Collections libraries and colleagues on visual material projects.
Function: Other Duties
- Performs other duties as requested or required, whether specifically mentioned in this job description.
Required Education and Experience
- A Master’s Degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution; a combination of another appropriate graduate degree, training, and experience will be given equal consideration.
- At least three years of experience processing archival and/or unique historic collections.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience arranging, describing, and preserving a variety of visual materials formats.
- Experience supervising student employees and/or interns.
Posting Detail Information
Desired Start Date
01/04/2027
Job Open Date
10/06/2026
Job Close Date
11/20/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/214107
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Sick LeaveSalary : $55,000