Find The RightJob.

Assistant Archivist

The Archives Assistant supports Special Collections and Archives’ public services, archival processing, digitization, and outreach initiatives. This position contributes directly to access, preservation, and use of archival collections by performing reading room operations, carrying out archival processing and digitization activities, responding to basic research inquiries, and assisting archivists with outreach, instruction, and engagement efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and one to two years of relevant experience in archives, special collections, libraries, or a related cultural heritage environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of archival principles, practices, and standards.
Experience providing public services or reference support in an archives or special collections setting.
Experience with or knowledge of archival processing and digitization workflows.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to handle rare, unique, and sensitive materials appropriately.
Ability to learn and use archival, digitization, and content management systems and related software.

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework or degree in archives, library science, public history, or a related field.
Experience with digitization standards and best practices.

Essential Functions and percent of time:

30% Public Services & Research Support

Provide assistance to Special Collections and Archives public services by coordinating weekly reading room desk schedules, assigning coverage, scheduling research appointments, registering patrons, explaining and enforcing reading room policies, entering use statistics, and responding to general research inquiries.
Assist researchers in locating, requesting, and using archival and manuscript materials, referring complex research questions to professional archivists as appropriate.
Monitor reading room activity to ensure proper handling, security, and care of collections.

30% Digitization & Digital Access

Perform digitization activities, including preparing materials for scanning, creating digital surrogates for online access and patron requests, and performing quality control on digital files.
Assist with the creation or updating of descriptive metadata for digitized materials, following established workflows and guidelines.
Perform accessibility tasks that improve access to digital content according to ADA Title II Standards.

Essential Functions and percent of time (cont'd):

20% Reading Room Operations

Perform day-to-day reading room operations, including opening and closing procedures in the reading room, preparing materials for appointments, re-shelving materials, ensuring equipment is operational, and maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming research environment.
Support researchers in the use of scanners, photocopiers, and microfilm equipment, troubleshooting basic issues as needed.

10% Archival Processing & Collection Maintenance

Perform assigned basic archival processing activities for manuscript and archival collections, including rehousing, labeling, sorting, and data entry according to established procedures.
Conduct routine archival collection maintenance and ensure proper handling and care of materials at all times.

10% Outreach, Instruction & Engagement

Assist archivists with outreach, instruction, and engagement activities for Special Collections and Archives, including exhibitions, class visits, events, and collaborative programming with library colleagues.
Support the preparation and delivery of instructional sessions and outreach materials by assisting with logistics, materials selection, and setup under the direction of archivists.
Contribute to efforts that promote awareness, discovery, and use of Special Collections and Archives collections among campus and community audiences, in collaboration with archival staff.

Similar jobs