Belmont, NC: Digital Records Archivist, Mercy Heritage Center

Description

Mercy Heritage Center (MHC), completed in January 2011, serves as the national repository for the archival records and material culture items of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Mercy Heritage Center seeks a dynamic professional archivist to become part of its team. The Digital Records Archivist will be responsible for the preservation, arrangement, description and accessibility of digital primary materials on a variety of current or legacy formats. This includes tape, floppy discs, hard drives and mobile devices. This position will also be responsible for digitizing materials and Encoded Archival Description (EAD) of finding aids so they can be posted on the website. The Digital Records Archivist will be responsible for updating the MHC website and will assist in other duties as assigned such assisting patrons with reference inquiries.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Management of MHC electronic records including their transfer, appraisal, organization, intellectual control, and lifecycle management
• Work with the archives team to establish policies and procedures based on standards and best practices for electronic records management and long-term protection and retention.
• Manage digital assets created from digitized and born-digital archival collections
• Prepares material for conversion to digital formats
• Coordinate workflow design, digital production, and quality control for digital projects
• Develop processes for archiving and preserving born-digital materials including email, Web sites, social media, and other digital primary materials acquired on a variety of current or legacy formats such as tape, floppy disks, hard drives, and mobile devices
• Create and improve online finding aids and lead the department to more effective and robust implementation of descriptive tools and standards
• Shapes the Archives online presence and marketing of collections and services to the Mercy community and the public
• Assist in staff training and workshops
• Supervises assigned volunteer and intern staff
• Recommends equipment for digitization and maintains equipment
• Actively participates in professional organizations such as ACWR, SAA and SNCA
• Some travel will be required
• Assist in creating virtual exhibits for website
• Responds to internal and external requests for information and assists historical, genealogical, and other researchers

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Competencies and Experience

To perform the job successfully, an individual should have the following education, competencies and experience:

Required

• MA in History or an ALA-accredited MLIS/MSIS degree along with formal course work in archives administration or other archival training or experience
• Relevant experience applying archival principles and practices such as creating finding aids, evaluating materials for historical value, describing, arranging and preserving materials
• Familiarity with standards and best practices for digital collections and digital preservation.
• Working knowledge of XML, XSLT, databases, web design, and digital asset management systems
• Familiarity with metadata standards relevant to the archival control of digital collection materials such as EAD, Dublin Core, MODS and PREMIS
• Expert knowledge of archival description software, such as Archivists’ Toolkit
• Experience with digital projects, preferably in a coordinating role
• Ability to maintain professional confidentiality when working with sensitive non-public documents
• Experience conducting reference and research services using archival materials
• Ability to work collaboratively, proactively and constructively
• Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills
• Ability to relate to a broad and diverse clientele
• Ability to manage varying duties and priorities while meeting deadlines

Preferred

• Understanding and appreciation of the traditions and culture associated with the Sisters of Mercy and religious life
• Enthusiasm for history and the history of the Sisters of Mercy
• Certified Archivist, or intent to work towards certification
• Experience working with Past Perfect museum software
• Experience handling rare and fragile materials
• Experience in training and supervising interns and volunteers

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to use hands to handle objects, to stand, walk, sit, speak, hear and see
The employee may be required to reach objects in high places and lift, push, pull and carry a box of up to 45 pounds up to 20% of the time
The employee will be required to travel from time to time