Archival Specialist

Archival Specialist

Full time, starting salary $63,420

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection at Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted Avenue, is seeking an archivist with subject or collections expertise in Black American history to work with multi-format archival collections. The Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection is the largest repository in the Midwest with a special focus or emphasis on Black American history. Its collection strengths include civil rights, education, labor, publishing, and the Black Renaissance, and is part of a newly formed Archives and Special Collections Division at the Chicago Public Library, which also includes the Northside Neighborhood History Collection at Sulzer Regional Library; the Special Collections and Preservations Unit at Harold Washington Library Center; and a systemwide Exhibits unit.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The archivist will provide Chicago Public Library users with a dynamic research experience focused on the rich cultural and historical experiences of Black Americans in Chicago and Illinois. The candidate will show a dedicated commitment to public service that may take the form of performing reference, processing collections, creating finding aids, serving on internal or external committees, and executing outreach that may include but is not limited to: exhibit curation, digitization, social media marketing, and donor relations. Candidate has strong organizational skills and written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work creatively, collegially and effectively as part of a team or independently. Archivist will also perform and make recommendations to Harsh Collection Unit Head and/or the Senior Archival Specialist about acquisitions, environmental and/or preservation issues, digitization projects, and programming and outreach. Demonstrated proficiency with library and archives management systems such as ArchivesSpace and ContentDM. Knowledge of EAD, DACS, MARC and other metadata standards. Some familiarity with digital archiving, digital preservation, and/or born-digital materials. Working knowledge of standard computer office applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and other software. Maintain professional development through participation at local, state or national level. Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Archival Studies OR a Master’s degree from an accredited American Library Association (ALA) Library Science program, History or a directly related field, plus nine semester hours in archival science or archival administration studies.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:
· Knowledge of archival processing in an academic or public library and/or museum setting
· Experience working in the field of archives or special collections
· Knowledge of EAD, DACS and/or other metadata standards
· Work and/or volunteer experience working with African American Collections/Exhibits in a gallery, archives, and/or library and/or museum setting

For more information and to apply: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/100/jobdetail.ftl?job=398642

Deadline to apply: August 9, 2024

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Disclaimer:   "Accredited" means any nationally or regionally accredited college, university, or law school where the applicant is enrolled in or has completed an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Juris Doctorate degree program.

Education & Employment Verification: 

 Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired you must provide, upon request, adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If you received your degree internationally, all international transcripts/diploma must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential Evaluation. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired.

NOTE: To be considered for this position you must provide information about your educational background and your work experience. You must include job titles, dates of employment, and specific job duties. (If you are a current City employee, Acting Up cannot be considered.) If you fail to provide this information at the time you submit your application, it will be incomplete and you will not be considered for this position. There are three ways to provide the information: 1) you may attach a resume; 2) you may paste a resume; or 3) you can complete the online resume fields.

NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma, professional license, or training certificates at time of processing, if applicable.