Processing Assistant II, Historical Manuscripts & Archives

Processing Assistant II, Historical Manuscripts & Archives

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Processing Assistant II, Historical Manuscripts & Archives.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin two weeks after posting and will continue until position is filled. Please attach cover letter and transcripts to application packet.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary
Arranges and describes manuscript collections under the direction of the Assistant Curator, Historical Manuscripts. Conducts research on biography/history of donor/donating organization. Contributes, expertly searches and retrieves records from several complex archival and library systems such as ArchivesSpace, Preservica, LibApps, and Alma. Communicates with donors as required. Provides reference service for patrons in the Cleanth Brooks Reading room.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Arranges manuscript collections in accordance with accepted archival principles of provenance and original order. Develops processing plan in collaboration with the Assistant Curator. Identifies and maintains record series. Imposes order as needed. Identifies and sequesters confidential materials in the manuscript collections to ensure that access restriction procedures are followed; weeds non-record materials; separates and intellectually links resolves routine problems, identifies and refer complex problems to supervisor. Compiles monthly progress reports.
• Describes manuscript collections in accordance with accepted archival practice. Creates objective, pertinent, and concise finding aids for the collections, including traditional and online EAD-compliant finding aids utilizing ArchivesSpace. Researches donor or donating organization to write biographical or historical entries in finding aid. Communicates with donors as appropriate to gather information on the collection.
• Provides reference service for patrons in the Cleanth Brooks Reading room. Records statistics in LibApps.
• Provide reference service for patrons in the Cleanth Brooks Reading Room. Track orders for digital images. Submit digitization requests to the Digital Lab. Obtain patron's and curator's signatures on Intent to Publish form. Calculate payment based on fee schedule. Invoice patron, accept payment, and submit invoice with payment to Special Collections Specialist.
• Assist in environmental monitoring of the storage and conservation areas.
• Completes special projects and other duties including but not limited to assisting in the shifting to materials and with special events. Participates in University Library committees and groups.

• Familiarity working with primary source material.
• Excellent research skills.
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to organize primary source material in accordance with archival principles of arrangement and description.
• Ability to handle and move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform detailed tasks with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to help patrons use library or archival resources.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.