Announcements

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Digital and Archival Metadata and in consultation with the Metadata Creation Unit Head and the University Archivist, , this two-year temporary contract position is primarily responsible for the arrangement and description of archives and manuscripts contained in two complex research collections (the Dr. Harold Olmo papers and the Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher papers) including the development and implementation of processing plans, the authoring of descriptive finding aids and catalog records.

Uses advanced archival and manuscript processing concepts and practices, applying expert judgment and decision-making to arrange, describe, catalog, and create finding aids using established archival standards set by the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and Best Practices Guidelines of the Online Archive of California (OAC). Uses advanced professional archival concepts and objectives to resolve highly complex issues, including unique issues and problems. Applies judgment and decision-making to identify materials in the collections that are appropriate for digitization. Uses knowledge of user searching behavior to create appropriate additional metadata to support the discovery and use of digital surrogates and create MARC catalog records and Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids.

Applies expertise to other projects and the preparation of exhibits as requested; compiles work-related statistics; attends work-related classes, seminars, workshops, and conferences. Trains and supervises student assistants. Perform other duties as assigned.  

THIS CONTRACT APPOINTMENT ENDS TWO YEARS FROM DATE OF HIRE.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Able to shelve and retrieve books and boxes from shelves 5 inches to 10 feet height, lift and carry boxes weighing up to 40 lbs., push flatbed trucks weighing up to 700 lbs., and fit between 36 inch aisles.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Typical work hours would be Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm, or something similar that is mutually agreed on.

Work will take place on the UC Davis campus in Shields Library.

No eating or drinking in work area or near collection materials.

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis-owned or -leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Experience in arranging, describing, and creating finding aids for complex manuscript collections, including large collections (more than 20 linear feet) following archival principles and methods.

Experience with archivist's tools to deliver manuscript information to the Internet.

Experience using archivist's rules and tools, such as SAA's Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and ArchivesSpace.

Strong analytical skills and knowledge to discern the internal structure of complex collections (i.e. series), and to select descriptive elements and use them consistently.

Experience with original research techniques and resources and research skills to provide context and supplement the information contained in collections.

Experience with preservation techniques for handling and storage of archival materials, including papers, photographs, maps, posters, film, tape, and memorabilia.

Writing skills to respond to compose biography, collection description, series notes, scope and content notes, etc. and skill to proofread, verify data, and edit text rapidly with a high degree of accuracy.

Preferred: 

Formal archival education, institute certificate, or equivalent preferred with demonstrated experience with archival principles and methods.

Skill at determining subject content of manuscript and archival collections. Ability to work independently, establish priorities, meet quality and quantity standards, pay attention to details, and organize work with a minimum of supervision. Ability to make logical decisions and solve problems based on knowledge of policies procedures, and professional best practices.

General knowledge of academic library procedures. Knowledge of cataloging tools including Resource Description and Access (RDA) and Library of Congress Subject Headings. Communication skills to effectively provide detailed information about the collection.

Ability to work with colleagues, students, and staff in a helpful, constructive manner. Experience with training and supervising student assistants. Reasoning skills to extrapolate from one situation to another.  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

EEO/AA Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

 To submit an application please go to: https://www.library.ucdavis.edu/careers/