Job Details

Processing Archivist, Assistant Librarian

Position Number: 6630259
Location: University Park, PA
Position Type: Libraries

Processing Archivist, Assistant Librarian

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries' Special Collections seeks an organized, detail-oriented, and experienced Processing Archivist to join our Collection Services team. This role focuses on the management, processing, and description of large and complex record groups from organizations internal and external to the University. In addition, this position also completes arrangement and description work for collections of personal and professional papers. The Processing Archivist engages in best practices for archives to ensure adherence to evolving descriptive standards. The ideal candidate will possess proven expertise in implementing innovative solutions for intricate archival challenges.

Assistant Librarian candidates are required to hold a graduate degree in library or information studies or other appropriate degree; must have demonstrated potential ability as a librarian; and ideally show potential of growth in research and/or service.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct comprehensive arrangement, appraisal, and description of large-scale and complex archival collections.
Develop and execute processing plans for multi-format collections, including textual records, digital files, and audiovisual materials, which may include sensitive personal information.
Apply archival description standards, including DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), and metadata frameworks such as EAD (Encoded Archival Description) and MARC.
Collaborate with Special Collections Library colleagues to establish priorities for processing, preservation, and digitization.
Ensure collections are appropriately housed, stabilized, and described for research access and long-term stewardship and preservation.
Create and update finding aids and inventories for use by researchers and stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, ethical guidelines, and legal requirements regarding archival practices.
Participate in engagement and outreach efforts, including weekly reference desk shifts, presentations, and public programming, to promote the institution's collections.
Engage in work to foster an inclusive and welcoming professional environment that values individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Qualifications:
Required:

A graduate degree, including course work in archives and/or records management.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in processing archival collections.
Experience with archival management software (e.g., ArchivesSpace) and metadata standards.

Preferred:

Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a related field from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent),
Knowledge of preservation techniques for fragile or deteriorating materials and/or for digital materials
Knowledge of born-digital appraisal, arrangement, and description strategies
Experience with establishing priorities and communicating those priorities to a variety of stakeholders.
Experience supervising students and/or volunteers in an archival processing context.
Experience coordinating workflows and/or projects across departments

Compensation and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with a candidate's qualifications, education, and experience. In addition to a competitive salary, full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits program, generous paid time off, and tuition discount for employees and eligible family members. In addition, faculty in the University Libraries are afforded funds for professional development travel annually.

Application Process: All candidate materials must be submitted via Workday. Interested candidates are expected to upload a cover letter and a resume or CV. Candidates also must provide three professional references, indicating their professional relationship to each reference; furnished references must include a current/previous direct supervisor, a colleague, and one at the candidate's discretion. References will be contacted later in the search process.

The University expects full-time faculty to participate fully in their university workspace or on-campus intellectual and educational community, and generally does not permit remote work arrangements.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Academic/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Processing-Archivist--Assistant-Librarian_REQ_0000071680-2

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.