Archivist, Collections

The Center for Creative Photography (CCP) seeks an experienced and self-driven Collections Archivist. Reporting directly to the Head of Collections, the Collections Archivist will lead archival processing, devise and implement collections care policies, and support the development of CCP's renowned archival collections. This opportunity arises as CCP is expanding its frozen and cold storage facilities, and the incumbent will oversee the movement of archival collections to these new facilities. The Collections Archivist will also promote the collections and work of CCP by engaging in community outreach, instruction, and research services in CCP's Laura Volkerding Study Center.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Processing Activities

• Leads the development and implementation of user-centered approaches to cataloging and archival processing.
• Independently develops and oversees the implementation of processing strategies for archival collections, creating finding aids and other descriptive metadata in accordance with best practices.
• In coordination with the Head of Collections, sets processing priorities and addresses backlog to ensure timely access to and discoverability of CCP's archival holdings.
• In coordination with Head of Collections, develops strategies for managing incoming accessions, creating project plans, and managing their execution efficiently.
• Develops budgets for processing materials and equipment.
• Plans and oversees the work of staff, graduate or undergraduate students, or short-term temporary workers related to processing or special projects.
• Leads the ongoing development of CCP accessioning, processing, and description documentation.

Collection Management Activities

• Leads project management for the movement of archival collections to CCP's new frozen and cold storage areas.
• Oversees the maintenance of appropriate physical housing and storage of archival collections, updating location information and strategizing to create the most efficient stacks organization in support of preservation and paging activities.
• Performs basic condition assessments.
• Consults with Conservation as needed regarding condition, housing, and storage considerations.
• Develops and implements archival collection preservation plans, identifies and refers items as necessary for conservation treatment.

Collection Development Activities

• Supports appraisal and survey operations for new acquisitions and makes recommendations for disposition of materials based on appraisal guidelines.
• Undertakes on-site appraisals as needed.
• Creates accession records for incoming materials in all formats, prioritizing discoverability through the efficient creation of records in ArchivesSpace.
• Participates in relationship management activities related to acquisitions as need.

Service and Professional Development Activities

• Promotes the collections and work of CCP by participating in instruction sessions and community engagement events as well as assisting visiting researchers.
• Participates in the CCP reference desk rotation and answers remote reference queries as assigned.
• Participates in committees, collaborative initiatives, and in professional organizations related to job duties.
• Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of changes and trends in archival arrangement, description, and access methodologies.
• Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of current and emerging trends in cataloging rules, standards, and methodologies for collections.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of library and archival standards and vocabularies, including EAD, DACS and MARC.
• Knowledge and understanding of best practices in special collections and archives settings, including a thorough understanding of privacy, safe handling, confidentiality, copyright, and use issues.
• Ability to work with sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; commitment to fostering a collaborative, communicative, and creative work environment.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Ability to foster public understanding of and access to cultural heritage collections.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of accepted preservation methods applied to archival collections of books, journals, manuscripts, photographic materials, and ephemera.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to climb ladders and repetitively move/lift 40lbs.
• Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience is required.
  
  

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent experience and training.
• Experience working with photography collections.
• Experience with ArchivesSpace or other archives collection management systems.
• Experience with Aeon or other collection management systems.
• Working knowledge of accepted preservation methods applied to archival collections of books, journals, manuscripts, photographic materials, and ephemera.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience handling rare and fragile materials.
• Experience in training and supervising professional staff and student employees.