Archivist-Exhibitions & Education

Pueblo City-County Library District • Pueblo, CO

14d • $54,000 - $56,000

About The Position

Pueblo City-County Library District is seeking a collaborative and community-minded Archivist, Exhibitions and Education professional who is passionate about expanding access to local history and creating meaningful visitor experience. The Archivist, Exhibitions and Education is a creative force and cultural steward who brings Pueblo's stories to life. This role shapes how visitors experience the library by transforming archival materials into dynamic exhibitions, engaging programs and meaningful learning opportunities. As the operational lead for the InfoZone Museum and exhibition space, the Archivist develops museum-quality experiences, expands access to unique collections and helps audiences of all ages discover something new every time they walk through our doors. Exhibitions at PCCLD are created within a public library setting, where the focus is on expanding access to archival and special collections and connecting them to community interests. This position is situated within a public library and archival context rather than a collecting museum. Exhibitions are developed primarily to increase understanding, access, and use of PCCLD archival and special collections, supplemented by traveling and loaned exhibits that align with community interests. The Archivist -Exhibitions & Education reports to the Manager of Local History and Genealogy department. This position works as a contributing team member of the department, and may lead the work of volunteers and staff on archives related projects, exhibits and programs. This position represents the Library as a courteous and knowledgeable professional working with outside organizations, government agencies, local businesses and partners to procure, publicize, install, maintain, and educate staff and community members about archives-centered, museum-quality exhibitions within a library setting at the Rawlings library and other district locations. This position also works closely with the Finance department to address risk management and liability needs for acquired and in-house exhibitions and archival materials on display. Provides excellent customer service demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively with people regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, ability level or background.

Requirements

• A Masters Degree in Library or Information Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association or a Masters Degree in Museum Studies or related field is required.
• Minimum one-year related experience in libraries, archives, or museum collections is required.
• Working knowledge of descriptive standards and practices relevant to archives.
• Experience with history research and methodology
• Understanding of museum industry best practices and principles related to creation, installation, display, interpretation and storage of museum exhibits.
• Understanding of intellectual property rights affecting archival material.
• Ability to create in-house exhibits.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills are required with demonstrated creativity in developing exhibits and programs for diverse audiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; must be able to work as part of a team and possess solid public speaking skills.
• Customer service oriented with the ability to work well with a diverse range of individuals, including those without previous experience conducting research in an archive.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of researchers and of records as needed.
• Demonstrated maturity with the ability to oversee the operations of a public service area; independent judgment within procedural boundaries; effective problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in making engaging educational presentations to diverse groups.
• Strong research, writing, and interpretive skills using historical and archival methodology .
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a team member.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to function under flexible and changing conditions.
• Must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, and reaching during exhibit setup and customer service activities.
• Must be able to operate computers, digital devices, and special equipment used in museum and library settings.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings and weekends.
• Must submit to and successfully pass a criminal background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Specialization in Archival Science is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops museum-quality exhibitions grounded in PCCLD archival collections and primary source materials.
• Works with Local History and Genealogy department, branch libraries and community partners to develop exhibits that feature relevant topics and themes for display at the Rawlings Library and branch libraries.
• Develops exhibition narratives, interpretive text, labels, and educational components that contextualize archival materials for public audiences.
• Applies for grants to bring local, state, federal and/or private travelling exhibits to the Rawlings Library.
• Manages grant funded exhibits and educational programs, ensures compliance with grant rules and guidelines.
• Coordinates all incoming and outgoing loans for exhibition purposes, including documentation, condition reporting, and compliance with lender requirements.
• Works with the department manager to plan and implement a yearly schedule of special programs and exhibits.
• Maintains the museum and exhibit space calendar of events.
• Ensures event and program postings are accurate and take place according to schedule.
• Responsible for the daily operations of the PCCLD museum and exhibit space s, greets visitors, provides information about the museum space, exhibits, and other library programs and services.
• Demonstrates interactive exhibits for customers, prepares educational activities related to permanent and travelling exhibits, and facilitates tours of exhibits.
• Performs research both independently and with a team to develop new tours, programs and special events that are creative, engaging and dynamic, using historical research methodology and archival standards.
• May work with Facilities and team members to install in-house and traveling exhibits according to exhibit specifications and industry standards.
• Process archival collections of varied type and format to national and local standards, creating EAD-compliant finding aids with ArchivesSpace.
• The level of description will vary depending on the needs of the repository and the attributes of the collection.
• Support reference services within the department, by regularly providing reference services to archival and reference collections.
• Work directly with researchers, forwarding inquiries to other archives staff, or referring to outside repositories as appropriate.
• May conduct in-depth research as necessary.
• Provide instruction on primary source literacy and historical research and archival methodology to individual patrons in reference settings, and to groups of internal and external learners in formal sessions.
• Create and execute programming that highlight PCCLD archival collections and/or special topics relevant to archives or Local History & Genealogy Department resources.
• Conducts original archival research in support of exhibitions, educational programming, and outreach initiatives.
• Collaborates with Local History & Genealogy staff to ensure exhibitions reflect archival context, provenance, descriptive standards, and ethical use of primary source materials.
• May create metadata for digital materials in collaboration with the Digital Librarian Archivist.
• Supports reference services, instruction, tours, and presentations related to exhibited archival collections.
• Prepares educational programming, hands-on learning experiences, tours and public events that complement exhibitions and archival collections
• Makes educational presentations to groups.
• Works with Community Relations on the promotion of programs and exhibits.
• Compiles program statistics, prepares reports, maintains program data and performs other administrative duties.
• Works with volunteers and interns on a regular basis.
• Stays current on trends in the Archive, Library, and Museum industries.
• Provides direct customer service; offers assistance with locating and accessing materials, and staffs public service desk
• Instructs customers on use of librarys computers, devices, special equipment and e-resources including databases and digital collections.
• Stays current on use of new library technology resources.
• Support permission-to-publish and reproduction requests of materials by working directly with patrons.
• Demonstrate knowledge of copyright law in daily work; articulate copyright issues relevant to the use of repository materials to patrons and stakeholders
• Proactively provides information to customers to promote library events and programs.
• This position will be assigned the role of Person in Charge (PIC) at the Rawlings Library on a regular basis to respond to any escalated customer service, emergency, or security issues and will work closely with the security officer on duty.
• Explains library regulations and procedures and resolves basic customer issues.
• Supports team efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for customers and staff by maintaining awareness of surroundings and working in accordance with safety policies and procedures.
• Participates in regularly scheduled department meetings.
• Attends All Staff Development Days and other training sessions to acquire new skills and to stay current on all information that is pertinent to PCCLD.
• Reads daily organizational communications from intranet, e-mail, newsletters and print announcements.
• Stays current on all library services, programs and events throughout the district.
• Regularly accesses electronic time keeping, payroll and personnel employee access systems.
• May provide back-up coverage for the Department Manager.
• Assists in the training of new employees and volunteers; may supervise work for special projects as assigned by the supervisor.
• May serve on library committees and special projects.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Benefits

• PCCLD offers health insurance including a tele-health service, dental and vision insurance, HSA and FSA plans, employer paid life insurance, and 401(k) and Colorado PERA retirement plans.
• The library district provides paid leave in the form of 10 paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off.
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level