Project Archivist

Description

The University Libraries at Virginia Tech seeks a service-oriented, innovative, technically savvy, and self-motivated Project Archivist to serve an integral role in the special collections department. The Project Archivist reports to the Director of Special Collections. This is a full-time, 12-month position faculty level position, reviewed on an annual basis. The successful candidate promotes the discovery and use of special collections material, contributes to the profession, and serves land-grant mission of the university through the following responsibilities:

• Processes backlog collections; manages collections using Archivist's Toolkit; creates finding aids using Encoded Archival Description (EAD); preserves collections; develops online access tools.
• Serves a reference desk shift; assists virtual and in-person researchers; works closely with faculty, students, staff, scholars, and other researchers; designs exhibits; teaches instructional sessions; and participates in outreach activities and events for the department and the library.
• Develops digital tools to improve access to collections; selects material for digitization; participates in digital projects; and works with others to manage digital assets.
• Contributes to library and university committees; represents the institution at various levels; maintains an awareness of emerging scholarship; and is active in the archival profession.

Required Qualifications:
ALA accredited MLS or equivalent advanced degree; experience working in an archives or special collections department; demonstrated experience processing large or complex archival or manuscript collections; knowledge of archival principles and standards; evidence of strong technical and computer skills; familiarity with archival software such as Archivist's Toolkit; knowledge of digital projects and digitization standards; demonstrated experience with creating access tools to archival collections; excellent oral and written communication skills; and the ability to lift a 50 pound archival box.

Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience using minimal processing (MPLP) techniques; supervisory or project management experience; and second master's degree in an appropriate field.