Processing Archivist/Photography Cataloger

Job posting number: #7369289. Posted: August 24, 2026. Open until filled.

About the role

The Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery Special Collections at UMBC is seeking a skilled part-time Processing Archivist/Photography Cataloger (General Associate) to support the preservation, arrangement, description, and access of physical and born-digital archival collections of art photography and related materials from the Kerry Coppin collection, Stephen Marc collection, and Robert Fichter collection.

Responsibilities

• Arrange, describe, and process archival photographic, manuscript, and digital collections in accordance with professional standards and local procedures.
• Generate a comprehensive processing plan for archival and photographic collections, including researching artists’ biographies, and selected item-level descriptive records.
• Create and maintain archival finding aids, metadata records, and collection documentation using archival content management systems and databases.
• Apply archival standards such as DACS, EAD, Dublin Core, and controlled vocabularies to support discovery and access.
• Perform rehousing, labeling, inventory control, and collections maintenance activities for archival and special collections materials.
• Support digitization initiatives by preparing materials for scanning, conducting quality review, and creating or validating metadata for digital assets.
• Conduct preservation assessments and recommend appropriate housing and stabilization procedures for archival materials.
• Prepare reports, statistics, and project documentation related to archival processing, digitization, and collections activities.
• Assist with outreach activities related to archival collections.
• Adhere to handling, information security, and preservation best practices while working with sensitive or historically significant collections.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution with coursework or specialization in archival studies or special collections; OR Master’s degree in Art History, History, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, Public History, or a related discipline with demonstrated archival training.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional archival processing, description, museum cataloging, or special collections experience in a library, archives, museum, or academic environment. Early career archivists and collections management specialists are encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated experience arranging and describing archival collections using DACS and EAD standards.
• Experience creating archival metadata and collection records using archival management systems or integrated library systems such as PastPerfect.
• Experience working with photographic collections.
• Knowledge of archival preservation principles, collections care practices, and proper handling procedures for photographs and other rare and fragile materials.
• Experience supporting digitization projects and digital collections workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare clear documentation and communicate with researchers and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and standard archival or library technologies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and move archival boxes, records, and collection materials weighing up to 30 pounds, including frequent bending, reaching, and shelving activities.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while processing collections, preparing metadata records, conducting digitization support activities, and performing detailed computer-based archival work.
• Ability to safely handle fragile, rare, and historically significant materials using established preservation and collections care procedures in archival, library, museum, or special collections environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Archivist (CA) credential from the Academy of Certified Archivists.
• Experience using PastPerfect, ArchivesSpace, CONTENTdm, or other archival and digital repository systems.
• Familiarity with Dublin Core or other metadata schemas.
• Experience processing audiovisual, photographic, born-digital, or mixed-media collections.
• Knowledge of digitization standards, OCR workflows, and digital preservation practices.
• Experience participating in exhibits, public outreach, instruction, or scholarly engagement activities.
• Experience supervising interns or student workers.