El Progreso Memorial Library   www.elprogreso.org

Title: Archivist

Department: Archives

Status: 12 month, Full-Time, Grant Funded, Temporary Position

Supervisor: Library Director

Position Description (January 2023–December 2023): 

Under oversight of Library Director, this is a 12-month, grant-funded position to establish a collection in El Progreso Memorial Library’s Virginia Wood Davis Archives that is specifically related to the Robb Elementary shooting that took place in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022. This collection will preserve community and national response to the tragedy and be open to local community members, researchers, and other users. Some records in the collection will contain emotionally upsetting or disturbing information.

It is important to understand that special grant funding for this position is guaranteed for one year; however, the Library aspires, and is actively working, to convert this to a permanent archivist position after the grant period ends in December 2023.

Education and Experience Requirements: 

• Minimum education requirement is a master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-Accredited program with some classes in archival science and cataloging/metadata.
• Some experience in an archival setting, preferably a library.
  
• Experience with professional archives management software.
  
• Experience with handling emotionally-sensitive materials is preferred.

Major tasks:

Process Robb Elementary collection:

• Collect data related to donated materials.
• Create preliminary inventory.
  
• Organize, arrange, and describe collections according to generally accepted professional standards.
  
• Select and purchase archival supplies and equipment within budgetary limitations.
  
• Consult as needed with Preservation and Conservation Consultants during the project period to review progress and advise on future efforts.
  
• Identify and make recommendations regarding deaccessioning and/or restrictions.
  
• Identify and make recommendations regarding preservation for fragile, deteriorating, or damaged material.
  
• Identify and make recommendations regarding identification of, specialized rehousing for, and arrangement of oversize materials.
  
• Develop plan for digitizing print materials and storing all digital records.
  
• Research and draft historical and scope notes, including statistics.
  
• Complete finding aid and publish online.
  
• Advise the Department in the creation, development, and implementation of Robb Elementary collections management policies, archives procedures and preservation planning.
  
• Implement current procedures and develop new procedures for Robb Elementary archival collections taking into account previous organizational and cataloging systems.
  
• Demonstrate good judgment and handling of sensitive or confidential information.

Develop oral history initiative:

• Develop and launch an oral history initiative focused on community members’ experiences of the tragedy.
• Consult with Oral History Consultants to chart development of El Progreso Library’s oral history initiative in a time of community crisis.
  
• Attend specialized workshops for library staff and community members interested in participating in the library’s oral history initiative.
  
• Collaborate with Library Director to purchase equipment for oral history interviews.
  
• Train new staff/volunteers on oral history initiative using recorded materials from specialized workshops.
  

Programs, communications, and advancement:

• In consultation with Humanities Texas, develop and draft materials to share with foundations and prospective donors.
• Prepare reports and attend monthly meetings to track project progress and discuss strategies for informing external audiences about the library’s role in responding to the tragedy.
  
• Assists with maintaining the department's web page/social media, as well as verifying legal photo usage on the website. 
  
• Participate in the curation of exhibits to promote the Robb Elementary collection utilizing physical spaces in the library and archives as well as online platforms.
  
• Other duties as needed.

Abilities, Skills, and Knowledge: 

• Understand and have experience with the seven domains of archiving: selection, appraisal, and acquisition; arrangement and description; reference services and access; preservation and protection; outreach, advocacy, and promotion; managing archival programs; professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities.
• Be a self-motivated worker with outstanding human relations, verbal and written communication skills, a positive attitude, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
  
• Have sensitivity to the special nature of a tragedy-based archives.
  
• Have the ability to set priorities and manage multiple priorities.
  
• Possess current knowledge of professional library and archives “best practice” principles.
  
• Have good organizational skills and attention to detail.
  
• Understand digital image scanning techniques and image capture and basic photo editing.
  
• Possess knowledge of current technology trends including mobile devices, social media, Microsoft Office suite, or other similar products.

Physical Demands:

Physical demands refer to the level and duration of physical exertion generally required to perform critical tasks in support of critical job functions, for example - sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations must be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, and talk or hear.
• Packing, loading, and lifting items up to 45 pounds will be required.
  
• Visual skills including visual-motor skills and depth and color perception are required.

Working Conditions: Generally works indoors. Occasional weekend and evening work. 

Other Requirements:  Occasional travel.

Salary and Benefits: $55,000 per year with fringe benefits.

How to apply:  Submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) postmarked or emailed (preferred) to EPMLmail@yahoo.com no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, November 11, 2022. Call (830)278-2017 if unable to submit an application via email.

El Progreso Memorial Library is an equal opportunity provider and employer.