Sam Houston State University - Huntington, WV
posted 4 months ago
About the position
The Library Assistant II - Archive Assistant position at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a vital role within the Newton Gresham Library, specifically focused on the University Archives. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about archival work and are eager to contribute to the preservation and accessibility of historical documents and images. The role involves assisting the University Archivist in sorting, organizing, and describing archival materials, ensuring that these resources are well-maintained and accessible to students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Library Assistant will also provide backup support for patron services and instruction in the absence of the University Archivist, making this a collaborative and engaging position within the library environment. In this role, the Library Assistant will engage in detailed preservation and processing of archival materials, which includes creating finding aids according to best practices and metadata standards. The position requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently, as well as the capacity to prioritize tasks effectively. The Library Assistant will also be responsible for creating and describing digital objects and collections, contributing to the library's digital initiatives. This position is not only about managing physical materials but also involves interacting with the public, providing guidance and support in navigating the archives. The work environment is structured, with a focus on maintaining a controlled atmosphere for the preservation of archival collections. The Library Assistant will work Monday through Friday, with the possibility of remote work during off-peak periods, allowing for flexibility in the work schedule. This position is ideal for individuals looking to develop their skills in archival practices while contributing to the educational mission of SHSU.
Responsibilities
- Assist with sorting, organizing, and describing documents and images in SHSU University Archives.
- Provide staffing support for SHSU University Archives as the assistant to the University Archivist.
- Provide backup to the University Archivist in patron services and instruction in their absence.
- Organize and describe University Archives material under the supervision of the University Archivist.
- Perform routine preservation work as needed.
- Create finding aids of archival collections according to best practices and metadata standards.
- Create and describe digital objects/collections for ContentDM.
- Aid with supervision of student assistant(s) in the absence of the University Archivist.
- Perform specialized duties requiring advanced operational skills and technical knowledge of archival procedures.
- Provide responsible technical, supervisory, and public services skills necessary to operate a specific work unit in an academic library.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Associates degree or 60 college hours with no experience required.
- Library and/or archival experience is helpful.
- Familiarity with scanning and computer skills.
- Ability to learn library software and detail-oriented work.
- Willingness to work collaboratively on large-scale projects.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, exercise initiative, and use good judgment.
- Ability to work independently and carry boxes, load and push book trucks, and shelve books.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with archival best practices and metadata standards.
- Knowledge of digital archiving tools and techniques.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Flexible work environment fostering work/life balance
- Educational assistance programs
- Dependent assistance programs
