Contract Archivist, Smithsonian National Anthropological Archives

Description

Job Opening Title: Contract Archivist
Institution/Organization Name: Smithsonian National Anthropological Archives
Job Location (City, State, Province, Country): Suitland, MD
Application Deadline: January 19, 2015

INVITATION to SUBMIT PROPOSAL

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Anthropological Archives (NAA) is offering a one year contract for a project archivist. The NAA collects and preserves historical and contemporary anthropological materials that document the world’s cultures and the history of anthropology. This is a fixed price award of $45,000 for archival services over 12 months to process the papers of several anthropologists. The basis of award shall be determined by best value, as demonstrated by training, relevant experience, and professional references.

Scope of Work

The Contractor will be based in the NAA offices and will process the papers of several anthropologists including those of Flora Kaplan and Robert I. Levy.

Specific Tasks

The Contractor will process several collections according to archival standards and best practices.  Processing will include arrangement and description in DACS-compliant finding aids, entering finding aid data into Archivists’ Toolkit, creating collection-level MARC records, rehousing materials, and performing minor preservation tasks as needed. The Contractor may also assist NAA staff with other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Criteria for Selection

The Contractor should have a graduate degree in archival studies from an accredited history or library master’s program. Additionally, the Contractor must have:
•       Prior experience processing archival collections
•       Demonstrated understanding of the archival principles of provenance and original order.
•       Demonstrated understanding and experience with the archival practices of arrangement and description, and have a working knowledge of DACS standards
•       A working knowledge of MARC cataloging as it pertains to archival collections
Preference may be given to applicants with prior experience using Archivists’ Toolkit; prior experience processing anthropological materials; a degree in anthropology, archaeology, or other relevant area studies.
To Apply The Smithsonian Institution will accept written bids for this contract. Bids should include the following information:
•       Resume and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications
•       Names and contact information for three references
Applicants are encouraged to submit supplementary materials that provide evidence of accomplishments, such as finding aids.

Please combine materials into a single pdf or Word document and include your name in the file name, and submit via email to Gina Rappaport  at rappaportg(at)si.edu. Review of proposals will begin on January 19, 2015.

The National Anthropological Archives is located in Suitland, MD at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum Support Center (MSC); a research and collections facility primarily for the National Museum of Natural History.