Processing Archivist and Cataloger

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The South Side Home Movie Project (SSHMP) is dedicated to collecting, preserving, digitizing, exhibiting, and researching the rich tapestry of home movies created by Chicago's South Side residents. Founded in 2005, SSHMP empowers individuals and families to share their cherished memories and unique perspectives, creating an unparalleled visual record and ensuring the vibrant cultures and evolving narratives of the South Side are preserved for generations to come. SSHMP holds more than 1,200 reels of small-gauge film spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s. As part of UChicago’s Arts + Public Life, SSHMP acts as a cultural steward, bringing together donors, students, artists, practitioners, and neighbors to explore educational and creative reuse initiatives.

Requirements

A college or university degree in a related field.
< 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

Degree, preferably in African-American History, art history, Chicago Studies, film studies, or related field.
Skilled in film handling and/or archival collection processing.
Background in Black visual art history or Chicago public history.
Proficient in metadata creation.
Familiarity with ArchivesSpace, Omeka, or other content management systems.
Knowledge of digital preservation or digitization workflows.
Familiarity with non-linear video editing software.
Strong research and analytical skills.
Work independently.
Excellent organizational, written, and communication skills.
Commitment to community-centered archival practices and cultural sensitivity.
Demonstrated interest in film, art history, cultural studies, archives, or public history.
Strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Inspects, cleans, repairs, digitizes, and creates access files for the majority of the remaining Ramon Williams films, with assistance from the Project Manager. This includes conducting inventory and condition assessments, preparing film materials for digitization workflows, and coordinating specialized preservation processes when required.
Creates, edits, and manages metadata records for audiovisual materials using established cataloging standards and SSHMP’s adapted controlled vocabulary. Conducts research to identify people, places, events, and cultural references depicted in the films, ensuring accurate, inclusive, and context-rich descriptions.
Ingests digitized files into SSHMP’s digital archive and ensures materials are accessible through its online platform. Enhances discoverability through subject tagging, keywording, and descriptive annotations that reflect both scholarly frameworks and community-informed knowledge.
Performs quality control on digitized files and metadata records to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness. Maintains clear documentation of processing workflows, metadata decisions, and digitization outputs in accordance with grant reporting and sustainability standards.
Works closely with SSHMP staff to support community-informed archival practices, including reviewing user-generated metadata and preparing materials for public programming, exhibitions, and digital storytelling initiatives.
Contributes to the development of collection-level and thematic resources, such as finding aids, digital exhibits, or interpretive essays, that enhance public understanding and use of the Ramon Williams Collection.
Participates in regular project meetings to assess progress, refines workflows, and ensures alignment with grant deliverables.
Assists with documentation and reporting required by the BVAA grant.
Supports SSHMP’s broader public programming and Black Visual Arts initiatives, as needed.
Performs routine assignments in a library unit in the acquisition and processing of library materials and resources.
Resolves processing problems with units.
Identifies and documents preservation needs and, with moderate/high guidance from others, ensures the preservation of library pieces, electronically and digitally.
Performs other related work as needed.