Digital Archivist

the South Dakota State Government•Pierre, SD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Digital Archivist is responsible for evaluating, acquiring, arranging, describing, preserving, and providing access to electronic records of the South Dakota State Historical Society-State Archives. Duties include the development of policies and procedures for electronic records, selecting and transferring electronic records from private donors and state agencies to the archives, preparing and ingesting electronic records into a digital repository, providing reference services, and improving access to digital collections. The Digital Archivist also maintains statistics and reports to the State Archivist.

Requirements

One year of experience working with born-digital records in an archives
Knowledge of metadata standards such as EAD, Dublin Core, MODS, METS, etc.
Working knowledge of archival and/or digital content management systems, preferably ArchivesSpace and Preservica
Project management experience
Experience with arrangement and description of archival materials
Familiarity with XML
Familiarity using Python and/or using AI software to generate/troubleshoot code
Master's degree from an ALA accredited university in Library and Information Science or the equivalent, with successful completion of relevant coursework in electronic records and digital preservation
Knowledge of modern archival theory, standards, and practices and their implementation, including appraisal methods, arrangement and description, cataloging, preservation, access, and outreach
Knowledge of current electronic records management theory, standards, and practices and their implementation, including hardware/software needs, naming protocols and migration plans
Knowledge of United States and South Dakota history
Knowledge of historical research methods in both primary and secondary sources
Knowledge of electronic information systems and specialized technology related to archival cataloging and patron information retrieval systems
Knowledge of digital formats, their preservation and access issues and issues related to security/authenticity
Knowledge of information storage systems
Knowledge of standards such as technical, preservation, structural, packaging, and transfer metadata schemes
Knowledge of copyright and data protection issues
Ability to prioritize day-to-day tasks
Ability to collaborate on the most cost-effective and timely means to preserve and provide public access to records
Ability to determine how and at what level collections should be arranged and cataloged
Ability to identify materials requiring supplemental preservation and determine the priority of electronic records collections for processing, based on knowledge of research needs, agency priorities, historical significance, and professional standards
Ability to work with the archives team, provide on-site and electronic reference assistance regarding archival and manuscript collections to researchers
Ability to build partnerships between representatives in various state agencies
Ability to communicate effectively with both IT specialists and non-technical users about technology topics related to digital archiving
Ability to communicate both simple and complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, to people with various degrees of knowledge of archival theories and historical research methods
Ability to successfully work with a variety of people and assist patrons while maintaining a professional demeanor
Applicant must also be able to lift boxes weighing up to 50 lbs. and climb ladders
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation
All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9

Nice To Haves

Cover letter describing interest and qualifications
Resume showing work history, including dates of employment and relevant coursework
Writing sample
Possession of a National Career Readiness Certificate

Responsibilities

Development of policies and procedures for electronic records
Selecting and transferring electronic records from private donors and state agencies to the archives
Preparing and ingesting electronic records into a digital repository
Providing reference services
Improving access to digital collections
Maintaining statistics and reports to the State Archivist
Picking up and delivering records from donors
Answering requests for information regarding the archival collections
Preparing monthly status reports
Participating in communication efforts to inform the public about the historical society and archival collections
Participating in continuing education and professional development opportunities
Conducting site visits to historical organizations and collecting institutions to provide technical advice and assistance on archival practices and preservation issues upon request