Processing Archivist, Assistant Librarian

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

88d

About The Position

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries’ Special Collections seeks an organized, detail-oriented, and experienced Processing Archivist to join our Collection Services team. This role focuses on the management, processing, and description of large and complex record groups from organizations internal and external to the University. In addition, this position also completes arrangement and description work for collections of personal and professional papers. The Processing Archivist engages in best practices for archives to ensure adherence to evolving descriptive standards. The ideal candidate will possess proven expertise in implementing innovative solutions for intricate archival challenges.

Requirements

• A graduate degree, including course work in archives and/or records management.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in processing archival collections.
• Experience with archival management software (e.g., ArchivesSpace) and metadata standards.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a related field from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of preservation techniques for fragile or deteriorating materials and/or for digital materials.
• Knowledge of born-digital appraisal, arrangement, and description strategies.
• Experience with establishing priorities and communicating those priorities to a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience supervising students and/or volunteers in an archival processing context.
• Experience coordinating workflows and/or projects across departments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive arrangement, appraisal, and description of large-scale and complex archival collections.
• Develop and execute processing plans for multi-format collections, including textual records, digital files, and audiovisual materials, which may include sensitive personal information.
• Apply archival description standards, including DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), and metadata frameworks such as EAD (Encoded Archival Description) and MARC.
• Collaborate with Special Collections Library colleagues to establish priorities for processing, preservation, and digitization.
• Ensure collections are appropriately housed, stabilized, and described for research access and long-term stewardship and preservation.
• Create and update finding aids and inventories for use by researchers and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, ethical guidelines, and legal requirements regarding archival practices.
• Participate in engagement and outreach efforts, including weekly reference desk shifts, presentations, and public programming, to promote the institution’s collections.
• Engage in work to foster an inclusive and welcoming professional environment that values individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications, education, and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
• Funds for professional development travel annually.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Master's degree