Archivist, American Folklife Center of Library of Congress

Summary

This position is located in the American Folklife Center, Special Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collection Services in the Library Collections and Services Group.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

The position description number for this position is 446809.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule.

Duties

The incumbent will join a team of archivists, technicians, and digital specialists in the American Folklife Center Archives who steward dynamic ethnographic collections documenting traditional culture from around the world, including the earliest field recordings made in the 1890s on wax cylinder through recordings made using digital technology.

Analyzes and arranges bodies of records. Demonstrates knowledge of archival theory and practice in planning and carrying out their organization and description. Possesses understanding of scholarly research and documentation practices and uses basic knowledge of archival theory to process and describe archival collections.

Examines the documentation systems and practices of the originating agency, organization, or individual whose materials are being processed. Evaluates the significance of archival material in its historical context and applies evaluation in helping create a plan of arrangement and description. Exercises initiative on special assignments requiring knowledge of archival procedures and academic subject matter.

Surveys internal collections to identify and inventory groups of materials for preservation and physical security. Follows prescribed specifications and procedures in preserving original materials. Monitors and coordinates procedures for routing materials for preservation treatment and for preparation of new materials to be added to the collections.

Maintains personal contacts and cooperative work relationships in order to provide or exchange information. Coordinates as necessary with collection curators and staff in other divisions relating to the transmission, handling, description, and storage of division material housed off-site or transferred elsewhere.

Attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings related to archives, libraries, and other relevant fields to apply new and revised methods to work and ensure work is performed to current standards. While attending or participating in scholarly and professional societies or meetings/conferences, the incumbent contributes to the field by providing insights or relevant connections between Library collections and archival management practices.

Provides information in response to reference service requests that require research among several record groups to locate the information. Assists readers, scholars and researchers in finding significant records relating to the subject under consideration and advises them of relevant records in the division and Library.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Job Description

This position is located in the American Folklife Center, Special Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collection Services in the Library Collections and Services Group.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

The position description number for this position is 446809.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule.

Duties

The incumbent will join a team of archivists, technicians, and digital specialists in the American Folklife Center Archives who steward dynamic ethnographic collections documenting traditional culture from around the world, including the earliest field recordings made in the 1890s on wax cylinder through recordings made using digital technology.

Analyzes and arranges bodies of records. Demonstrates knowledge of archival theory and practice in planning and carrying out their organization and description. Possesses understanding of scholarly research and documentation practices and uses basic knowledge of archival theory to process and describe archival collections.

Examines the documentation systems and practices of the originating agency, organization, or individual whose materials are being processed. Evaluates the significance of archival material in its historical context and applies evaluation in helping create a plan of arrangement and description. Exercises initiative on special assignments requiring knowledge of archival procedures and academic subject matter.

Surveys internal collections to identify and inventory groups of materials for preservation and physical security. Follows prescribed specifications and procedures in preserving original materials. Monitors and coordinates procedures for routing materials for preservation treatment and for preparation of new materials to be added to the collections.

Maintains personal contacts and cooperative work relationships in order to provide or exchange information. Coordinates as necessary with collection curators and staff in other divisions relating to the transmission, handling, description, and storage of division material housed off-site or transferred elsewhere.

Attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings related to archives, libraries, and other relevant fields to apply new and revised methods to work and ensure work is performed to current standards. While attending or participating in scholarly and professional societies or meetings/conferences, the incumbent contributes to the field by providing insights or relevant connections between Library collections and archival management practices.

Provides information in response to reference service requests that require research among several record groups to locate the information. Assists readers, scholars and researchers in finding significant records relating to the subject under consideration and advises them of relevant records in the division and Library.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.