Archivist 2

Human Resources Division - Office of Tennessee Secretary of State•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tennessee Department of State, Tennessee State Library and Archives, Collection Services is seeking an Archivist 2. The mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to exceed the expectations of our customers, the taxpayers, by operating at the highest levels of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in a customer-centered environment. This role involves processing and cataloging complex archival collections, assisting other staff with descriptive standards, and maintaining and improving standards and workflow for archival processing and cataloging under the supervision of the Collection Services Assistant Director.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Library/Information Sciences or a related field from an accredited college or university.
A minimum of three years of experience working with archival collections, library special collections, or records management.
Demonstrated experience in archival arrangement and description.
Knowledge and understanding of the process and principles of records appraisal and disposition and the basic principles of archival theory and practice.
Knowledge and experience with archival processing, including archival theory and best practices regarding arrangement and description.
Familiarity with DACS and EAD for finding aid creation.
Knowledge of archival and preservation concepts, methodology, and techniques.
Demonstrated competency in spreadsheet, database, and word-processing skills. Experience with Microsoft Office required.
Strong competency in English composition equivalent to that of a successful research paper at the graduate level.
Project management skills and experience.
Ability to work periodic Saturdays for stack retrieval tasks.
Highly motivated individual.
Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to work collegially.
Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.
Ability to read cursive and decipher 18th and 19th century handwriting.
Ability to lift and carry boxes of books and records weighing up to forty pounds.

Nice To Haves

Cataloging experience preferred.
Experience with ArchivesSpace preferred.

Responsibilities

Process archival collections of increasing complexity and assist in overseeing group processing projects.
Arrange and describe archival materials in accordance with Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) and other relevant archival standards; ensure DACS compliance for finding aids.
Draft and edit finding aids for manuscript collections and state agency record groups.
Perform cataloging of archival materials, using proper descriptive language, DACS rules, and LC subject headings.
Perform input of bibliographic information using OCLC and TSLA’s online catalog utility.
Assist with oversight of holdings management activities, including serving as stack puller as assigned.
Develop and maintain professional skills by participating in continuing education and professional development activities such as conferences, workshops, and committee work; by conducting research or writing for publication; or by engaging in other creative and learning activities.
Participate in job-related organizations such as STA, TAM, AASLH, CoSA, NAGARA, SARC, and SAA.
Assist with donor relations and the accessioning of manuscript collections.
Identify gaps in the manuscript collections and assist the section director in soliciting donations of archival materials.
Assist the section director in evaluating newly accessioned collections and setting priorities, processing depths, and preservation actions for the processing of materials.
Assist in the management of part-time staff, interns, and/or volunteers.