One Position: Washington, DC

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Position: Archivist
Location: Library of Congress
Posted: USA Jobs
Salary: $70,623 – $91,815 (GS 9)

Duties

The position serves as an Archivist in the Acquisitions & Processing Section, Music Division, Special Collections Directorate (SCD), Researcher and Collections Services (RCS) within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) of the Library of Congress (LC). The incumbent is responsible for the organization and description of performing arts manuscript collections and the orderly administration of the complexities of archival functions, including the use of computer technology in relation to those duties.  We are especially interested in candidates with backgrounds in performing art archives.

As the Archivist, you will:

  • Analyze and arrange bodies of records that are somewhat disorganized, demonstrating knowledge of archival theory and practice in planning and carrying out their organization and description.
  • Possess understanding of scholarly research and documentation practices.
  • Complete preliminary analysis of the documentation systems and practices of the originating agency, organization, or individual whose records or papers are being processed.
  • Undertake research in published sources to complete gaps in the available information relating to the subject matter of the records to be archived.
  • Evaluate the significance of archival material in its historical context and applies evaluation in helping create a plan of arrangement and description.
  • Exercise initiative on special assignments requiring knowledge of archival procedures and academic subject matter.
  • Assemble information to help resolve administrative and legal matters affecting the arrangement and availability of collections.
  • Apply prescribed criteria for the retention or disposition of duplicate and extraneous matter.
  • Identify material for conservation treatment and coordinates the preparation of material for permanent housing.
  • Work to maintain personal contacts and cooperative work relationships to provide or exchange information.
  • Coordinate 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.
  • Survey internal collections to identify and inventory groups of materials for preservation and physical security.
  • Follow prescribed specifications and procedures in preserving original material and reproducing originals for preservation.
  • Monitor the quality and consistency of preservation methods and output.
  • Monitor and coordinate procedures for routing materials for preservation treatment and for preparation of new materials to be added to the collections.
  • Provide information in response to reference service requests that require research among several record groups to locate the information.
  • Assist scholars and researchers in finding significant records relating to the subject under consideration and advises them of relevant records in the division and Library.
  • Substitute on a temporary basis as necessary assisting readers in the division’s public Reading Room.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Knowledge of digital curation and descriptive tools, information technologies and integrated library systems to support archival functions.

Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of archival work, including analysis, organization, and description of archival material.

Ability to perform preservation duties.

Knowledge of reference and research services.

Ability to build and maintain professional relationships and provide liaison services.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

Basic Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in archival science or bachelor’s degree with a major that includes 18 semester hours in archival science, history and/or in political science or government, and 12 semester hours in one or any combination of the following: archival science, history, American civilization, economics, political science, public administration, or government.

or

Combination of education and experience – at least 30 semester hours that included courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

See the full job description and apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/891798100