Metadata Migration Project Archivist

Description

Position Summary:

Programmatically migrate, update, manage, standardize, and otherwise improve special collections’ metadata as part of a major backlog reduction project: Create and help analyze reports for Access to Collections project. Work closely with the Metadata and Technical Services Archivist, the Digital Library Applications Administrator, others in the Smith Libraries and, possibly, the 5-college consortia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Metadata Migration & Cleanup: Work with existing metadata in various forms to migrate it into ArchivesSpace; help devise and apply efficient tools for the creation and updating of additional metadata as part of the Access to Collections project. Clean up controlled-vocabulary and other metadata that has already been imported into ArchivesSpace.

Data Reporting and Analysis: Create routine and one-time data reports based on the body of metadata in Special Collections, and help analyze these reports for insights that will inform managers and other stakeholders about the needs and status of the Access to Collections project.

Peer Coaching and Training: Document processes and train other members of the Access to Collections project team on using tools (e.g., specialized spreadsheets, plugins) for effective ingest of new metadata into ArchivesSpace. Supervise students on project metadata work.

Other: Participate actively in the shared decision making for Special Collections, resource management, and program and policy development.  Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program, an advanced degree in a related disciplinary field with archival management coursework, or equivalent demonstrated knowledge; 1- 2 years of archival metadata experience required or an equivalent combination of education/experience. Experience as a project lead and as a peer trainer preferred.

Skills: Knowledge of archival theory and literature related to description and access; knowledge of archival metadata structures, standards, and best practices (DACS required, EAD and ArchivesSpace data models preferred). Some experience with a programming or scripting language (Python preferred). General knowledge of APIs and their application to library metadata work. Some experience with data transformations (extracting metadata from one system or structure, transforming it, and loading it into another system). Knowledge of relational database models and SQL strongly preferred. Ability to devise and apply creative solutions to technological problems, ability to seek out and evaluate tools for performing technological work, and drive to study and learn new skills with some degree of independence.

Additional Information:

This is a two-year, grant-funded, limited term position.  Smith College is an EO/Vet/Disability/AA employer.