Special Collections & Archives Specialist - Library

TITLE Special Collections and Archives Specialist JOB SUMMARY

The Special Collections and Archives Specialist will provide highly responsible archival care, collection curation, and preservation for the Special Collections and University Archives Department. The position will also be responsible for assisting patrons with primary resources and providing high level research services to scholars, educators, journalists, and filmmakers. Work is performed under limited supervision and performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained.

The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies and Procedures.

Reports to:

Assigned Manager in Special Collections and University Archives

Supervises:
May supervise Student Assistants directly or indirectly.

• Performs receptionist duties; organizes and maintains filing system and correspondence for the department.

• Answers routine questions regarding access of special collections; resolves patron issues; and completes service requests submitted via email, phone, and/or in-person.

• Refers department email and reference questions to appropriate personnel in Special Collections and University Archives department.

• Analyzes, organizes, describes, sorts, and arranges collections according to professional best practices and national standards.

• Prepares documents, photographs, clothing and textiles, and artifacts for storage and filed in its proper location for retrieval.

• Maintains databased and creates collection level records for Special Collections and University Archives.

• Facilitates the creation/acquisition, processing, storage, and preservation of special collections.

• Establishes, refines, and documents guidelines, procedures, and workflows for archival processing and cataloging in accordance with national standards and best practices.

• Accessions new collections and updates acquisition files and databases.

• Maintains the quality and accuracy of bibliographic and related records in the library's content management system, CONENTdm, through updates, corrections, and authority control.

• Assists patrons on the use of databases and other library resources face-to-face, on the phone, and online as needed.

• In consultation with the Senior Assistant Dean of Special Collections and University Archives, selects and processes manuscript collections.

• Acquires materials in all formats and contributes to access and use of the special collections.

• Assists in managing administrative and donor records for all special collections and university archives.

• Interacts with prospective donors and negotiates the transfer and disposition of collections and deeds of gifts.

• Participates in shifting and stacks maintenance of special collections.

• Participates in public service hours in the Catherine Merchant Reading Room as well as fulfilling external requests.

• Assists in preparation and set up for special events.

• Assists in monitoring tables and booths for special events on and off campus.

• Tracks inquiries, service requests, time, consultations, and number of boxes destroyed and/or for storage for reporting purposes.

• Creates university and departmental forms in Adobe Acrobat, Excel, MS Word and Google.

• Provides reference and research support to TWU personnel and external patrons inquiring about the university history and the holdings that are part of the Woman's Collection.

• Assists in the preparation of procedure manuals and documentation of archival and collection systems.

• Assists in the collection and reporting of statistics.

• Supports the curation, research, installation, and deinstallation of exhibits.

• Helps produce content for social media posts.

• Conducts oral history interviews with donors and alumnae.

• Assists the Senior Assistant Dean, managers, and librarians in the department as requested.

• Represents Special Collections and University Archives to external bodies across campus.

• Engages in relevant professional development activities.

• Performs other duties as requested.

Bachelor's degree required,…