Archives Assessment Initiative Consultant

TERMS OF REFERENCE:

HIAS seeks a highly skilled consultant to collaborate with key staff on a survey of HIAS’ archival materials related to the displacement of Jews during and following the Holocaust. The project entails assessing and documenting the scope, types, locations and states of preservation of HIAS’ Holocaust-related collection in the United States, which is held at several sites and comprised of mixed media, including paper files, microfiche, and digitized materials.

The archives are overseen by HIAS’ Archives Manager/Location Specialist. The specialist manages the wealth of documentation and responds to file requests. The specialist works extensively with external partners and has invested in building up the archive’s index system; however, additional support and complementary technical expertise are required to build on her knowledge and expertise and help HIAS develop a plan to preserve and cohere this critical segment of its archival collection in perpetuity.

This is envisioned as a 6-month project, with some travel required, largely to archival warehouses, HIAS offices, and other locations on the East Coast at which HIAS archival materials are held.

OBJECTIVES & DELIVERABLES:

• Conduct a comprehensive survey to determine the size, scope, and condition of HIAS’ Holocaust era holdings.
• Establish clear prioritization criteria for digitizing Holocaust era-related materials.
• Develop recommendations for a modern cataloging framework based on archival standards such as ISAD(G) and DACS.
• Develop and share recommendations to help shape a long-term strategy for digital preservation and public access in collaboration with external archival and museum partners.
• Safely handle archival records according to established guidelines.
• Perform regular quality assurance reviews to ensure accuracy of work completed.
• Monitor progress to ensure timely completion of work.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Education
  • Advanced degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, or related field.
• Experience & Skills
  • Experience in archival practices and management, or a minimum of 7-10 years of relevant work.
  • Enrollment in or graduation from an MLS/MLIS program with a concentration in archives or other graduate degree with archival experience.
  • Ideal candidates will have knowledge of Holocaust-related archival materials and immigration history and familiarity with stakeholders within the field.
  • Familiarity with digitization technologies, metadata standards, and archival software.
  • Familiarity working with audiovisual collections and/or oversized materials.
  • Experience using ArchivesSpace and/or other relevant platform.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and efficiency.
  • Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Experience using AI to support digitization efforts.