Special Collections and Archives Photograph Processing Assistant

University of New Hampshire

2d•$18 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

Milne Special Collections and Archives (SCA) houses more than 20,000 cubic feet of books and archival materials documenting the history of the University of New Hampshire and the Seacoast region. The Photograph Processing Assistant will focus on large photographic collections such as Lotte Jacobi, as well as smaller collections by other individuals. This position offers hands-on experience working with unique primary sources and rare secondary materials while learning the fundamentals of professional archival processing. Primary responsibilities include using a flatbed scanner to scan photographs and negatives for patron requests, arranging and describing physical and digital images, creating written documentation, and publishing archival finding aids. This is a 20-hour-per-week position through FY26, with the possibility of extension. The employee will work under the supervision of the Library Manager, who also serves as the Workday approver. Work direction will be given by the Photograph Technician. Additional direction may be provided by other SCA staff, particularly the Reference Coordinator when duties involve service desk coverage. The schedule is negotiated with the direct supervisor but hours will be scheduled M-F 8-4:30.

Requirements

Basic computer skills (especially proficiency with Microsoft Office) and an ability to learn new software programs such as Alma, ArchivesSpace, and Adobe Photoshop.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently but ask for guidance when appropriate.
Strong attention to detail and ability to stay focused on project work.
Comfort with answering basic patron questions by telephone and in person.
Ability to prioritize work tasks amidst multiple simultaneous projects.
Ability to be punctual with arrivals and appointments.
Flexibility to help other staff with urgent requests when needed.
Ability and willingness to foster a healthy work environment.
Ability to handle archival materials with care.
Ability to visually assess content and condition of photographic images.
Ability to perform computer work at a desk for several hours at a time.
Ability to lift boxes up to 45 lbs.
Ability to climb short ladders.
Ability to push/pull fully loaded book trucks and flatbed carts.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with archival processing and/or ArchivesSpace is optional but helpful.

Responsibilities

Assisting the Reference Coordinator and Photograph Technician by scanning materials to fulfil patron requests.
Processing (including arranging and rehousing) photograph collections with wide variations in physical extent, formats, age and complexity. This includes conducting historical research and writing descriptions of photograph collections.
Writing finding aids using the ArchivesSpace platform, including bulk item upload via spreadsheets.
Identifying individuals in photographs through the cross checking of relevant sources.
Assisting with acquisition and content/condition analysis of new accessions.
Adding digital photographic materials to the collections and generating appropriate metadata.
Reformatting and migrating materials for preservation according to established standards.
Occasionally staffing the service desk and assisting patrons in person and by telephone.
Assisting with materials moves between the Library Storage Building and Dimond Library.
Shelving archival boxes according to call number as well as locating misplaced materials.
ArchivesSpace inventory and finding aid cleanup assistance.