Project Archivist (FIXED TERM)

Project Archivist (FIXED TERM)

ONE Archives – USC Libraries

University of Southern California

Application Procedure

As part of the application, candidates must upload one document file (Word or PDF) that contains the following: 1) a cover letter, 2) Resume (including telephone and e-mail address).

About the Opportunity

The University of Southern California (USC) Libraries seek an innovative, experienced, creative Project Archivist to join ONE Archives at the USC Libraries as the Project Archivist for a one-year contract position. The Project Archivist will process collections of archival materials from ONE Archives, one of the largest archives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) materials. The successful candidate will bring motivation and creativity to a collegial and collaborative environment, and contribute to a safe and inclusive space. The candidate must also be knowledgeable concerning current archival theory and practice and be able to apply this understanding. Duties may include weekend and evening hours.

About USC

The University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles, USC has a large number of international students and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge. For more information, visit

About USC Libraries

The USC Libraries actively support the discovery, creation, and preservation of knowledge. We develop collections and services that support and encourage the academic endeavors of faculty, students, and staff; build a community of critical consumers of information; and help develop engaged world citizens. Through these means, we contribute to the continued success of the University of Southern California. The USC Libraries includes the Doheny Memorial Library and fourteen specialized libraries with an operating budget of approximately $41 million. Library collections encompass over 4.2 million volumes, 5.9 million microforms, 3.1 million images, 49,300 linear feet of manuscripts and archives, with access to over 113,800 serials in print and electronic formats, over 1,650 datasets, and nearly 1.3 million e-books. For more information, visit libraries.usc.edu.

About ONE Archives

ONE Archives at the USC Libraries is one of the largest repositories of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) materials in the world. Founded in 1952, ONE Archives currently houses over two million archival items including periodicals, books, film, video and audio recordings, photographs, artworks, organizational records, and personal papers. ONE Archives has been a part of the USC Libraries since 2010. For more information, visit one.usc.edu

Please be advised this is a one-year fixed term position.

Responsibilities and Duties

Reporting to the ONE Archives Librarian, the Project Archivist will:

• Undertake the arrangement, description, and cataloging of primary source collections in accordance with standard archival processing best practices and departmental guidelines
• Prioritize workloads and set appropriate deadlines; and monitor performance to ensure the timely completion of the project(s)
• Create finding aids for each collection, that includes writing abstracts, historical information, summary description, and inventory lists; and ensure all description complies with professional archival standards, local practice, and relevant authorities
• Assign, revise (or create) authorized subject headings and genre/form terms to primary source materials in accordance with national standards and local practice
• Undertake the preservation and maintenance of primary source collections by identifying and working with staff in implementing preventative measures for the preservation and safekeeping of archival materials; and identify endangered materials and conservation work needed
• Train and oversee student workers and interns
• Assist with the planning and promotion of project-related programs and events
• Work collaboratively with ONE Archives personnel and students to support public service operations and access to collections
• Provide evening and weekend service, as assigned
• Possess the physical strength and ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 30 pounds of materials at one time
• Stay up-to-date on relevant archival information trends, practices, and be able to apply this knowledge
• Perform other activities as needed that fall within the scope of responsibility of the position
• In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

Experience and Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• MLS from an ALA-accredited program or advanced degree in equivalent field
• One or more years of experience processing archival collections in a variety of formats
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant standards and thesauri, including EAD, DACS, MARC, LCSH
• Demonstrated knowledge of ArchivesSpace and Excel
• Knowledge of current professional trends
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Flexibility and adaptability; ability to think creatively
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability of lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of establishing/applying authority control
• Supervisory experience
• Experience working in an academic library
• Familiarity of LGBTQ history
• Familiarity with basic preservation and conservation techniques

The annual base salary for this position is $78,000. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment , applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

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Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree

Minimum Experience:
1 years

Minimum Skills:
Considerable specialized knowledge of contemporary archival and records management principles and practices.
Knowledge or background in preservation management.
Demonstrated interpersonal, project management, analytical and research skills.
Requires computer skills and ability to work with electronic records and databases.

Preferred Education:
Master's degree

Preferred Experience:
3 years

Preferred Skills:
Experience as an archivist or special collections curator.
Experience utilizing digital reproduction technologies such as scanners and digital cameras for preservation.
Training and experience in conducting research in primary and secondary sources.
Supervisory ability and experience.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at View phone number on aiapply.co, or by email at View email address on aiapply.co. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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