Position Summary

Reporting to the Head of Collection Processing, the Collection Processing Archivist processes manuscript and Emory University Archives collections; accessions newly acquired collections and additions to existing collections; creates descriptive tools including catalog and resource records for material in all formats, including digital; and completes post-processing copyright risk analysis reports that will influence digitization projects and online access to collections. The Collection Processing Archivist also provides reference services to researchers, which may include Emory students and faculty, visiting scholars, and members of the public, and may also provide outreach on behalf of the Rose Library by contributing to social media, programs, exhibitions, or library publications. The incumbent is responsible for recruiting, training, mentoring, and supervising 2-4 graduate students who will comprise a processing team and create meaningful learning and employment experiences for Emory University students. Administrative responsibilities include contributing to unit and division annual planning and reports. The Collection Processing Archivist also works with Collection Development staff to pack and acquire new collections. Finally, the Collection Processing Archivist is expected to contribute to the library and professional community through committee service, conference presentations, and/or scholarship.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

ARRANGEMENT AND DESCRIPTION OF COLLECTIONS

• Arranges and describes manuscript and University Archives collections in all formats in accordance with current library and archival standards.

• Hires, trains, supervises a team of students to arrange and describe manuscript and University Archives collections in all formats in accordance with current library and archival standards.

• Contributes relevant input and suggestions to inform decision making during annual processing planning.

• Performs high-level collection analysis, assessment, and appraisal of the archival, intellectual, and institutional value of collections in all formats.

• Creates work plans to record basic information about the collection and processing, including the arrangement scheme, the estimated duration of the project, and any decisions made during the project.

• Contributes to reparative redescription projects and utilizes national and local best practices for creating anti-racist and anti-oppressive archival description.

• Conducts copyright risk assessment on collections during processing and completes post-processing risk reports to prepare for potential digitization.

• Helps to select and prepare collection material for digitization and online access.

• Collaborates with Digital Archives Unit in the digital project workflow to identify and create the appropriate access for born-digital and digitized content.

• Creates finding aids for each collection, describing the creator of the records and the subject content of the collection including detailed container inventories and maintains collection data, including description, in the library's instance of ArchivesSpace and/or other relevant systems.

• Creates MARC format bibliographic records for each collection, which are included in both WorldCat and the library's local catalog.

• May also produce other descriptive tools such as local indexes as needed.

• Determines and performs basic preservation work such as removing rusty metal hardware, unfolding and flattening documents, and transferring material to new, acid-free folders and boxes.

• May participate in collections and stacks management activities and projects such as stacks shifting, preservation surveys, digital content inventories, and records surveys.

COLLECTION ACCESSIONING AND ACQUISITION

• Creates accession records for each acquisition according to accessioning policies and workflows.

• Partners with Digital Archives Unit to accession born-digital materials.

• Determines appropriate levels of arrangement and description based on collection condition, local policy and practice, and professional judgment, in consultation with the members of the Collection Processing, Digital Archives, and Collection Development units. Processes newly accessioned collections and additions within existing collections to the chosen level.

• Creates or edits descriptive records following processing.

• Communicates with donors following acquisition of material regarding processing of materials, subsequent donations, and ongoing stewardship of the collections.

• Travels with curatorial and/or other Rose Library staff to pack new acquisitions either locally or remotely.

REFERENCE AND PUBLIC SERVICES

• Provides reference assistance in person and by phone to Emory students and faculty, visiting scholars, and the public as needed and assigned, including, at least, 3-6 hours of weekly reference desk shifts.

• Occasionally answers written reference questions relating to collections of which the incumbent has special knowledge.

• Oversees reading room security by monitoring use of materials in the reading room, as well as working with researchers to explain the rules of care and handling for manuscript and archival material and rare books.

• Participates in the planning or staffing outreach and engagement events on behalf of the Library, including occasional evening or weekend events.

• Provides occasional oversight for service providers working in secure, non-public areas of Rose.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

• Prioritizes work according to unit, departmental, library and university needs.

• Contributes to regular written reports, including quarterly and annual processing reports and the unit general report.

• Contributes to the planning, development, and documentation of the unit’s policy and procedures manuals.

• Work with Digital Archives unit to ensure the Digital Archives and Collection Processing units’ plans and procedures are aligned.

• Proposes, plans, and leads special projects to advance the mission of the unit and the Rose Library.

• Makes recommendations on personnel selection, staffing requirements, and equipment and supply needs.

• Contributes to unit and division-wide annual and strategic plans.

• Performs other duties as needed to accomplish the goals of the unit and library.

• Acts as a resource for fellow staff for procedural issues and archival theory.

• Develops student workers in a positive and proactive manner ensuring individuals have opportunity to acquire a broad knowledge of library operations and services as well specialized skills.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in appropriate professional and scholarly associations and organizations including maintaining membership and/or accreditation; attending meetings, conferences, workshops; and serving in appointed or elected positions.

• Maintains up-to-date professional knowledge and skills in areas related to primary job assignment as well as maintains general knowledge of current trends in higher education, academic libraries, and information and educational technology.

• Provides reference assistance to Emory students and faculty, visiting scholars, and the public as needed and assigned.

• Adheres to guidelines outlined in the Handbook Governing the Librarian series for Faculty-Equivalent Librarians to ensure appointment, appointment renewal and promotion-in-rank.

• Participates in library and campus committees as appropriate for service purposes.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

Emory University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Georgia State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Emory University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in use of facilities without such discrimination. The University also complies with all applicable federal and Georgia statutes and regulations prohibiting unlawful discrimination. All members of the student body, faculty, and staff are expected to assist in making this policy valid in fact. Any inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Office of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Bldg., Suite 305, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone 404/727-9867 (V) 404/712-2049 (TDD).