Processing Assistant II, Historical Manuscripts & Archives

About the role

Arranges and describes manuscript collections under the direction of the Assistant Curator, Historical Manuscripts. Conducts research on biography/history of donor/donating organization. Contributes, expertly searches and retrieves records from several complex archival and library systems such as ArchivesSpace, Preservica, LibApps, and Alma. Communicates with donors as required. Provides reference service for patrons in the Cleanth Brooks Reading room.

Location: Hattiesburg, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001, United States. Division: McCain Library and Archives. Position type: Staff. Employment status: Full time. Grant funded: No. Posting close date: Open until filled.

Responsibilities

• Arranges manuscript collections in accordance with accepted archival principles of provenance and original order.
• Develops processing plan in collaboration with the Assistant Curator.
• Identifies and maintains record series.
• Imposes order as needed.
• Identifies and sequesters confidential materials in the manuscript collections to ensure that access restriction procedures are followed; weeds non‑record materials; separates and intellectually links.
• Resolves routine problems, identifies and refers complex problems to supervisor.
• Compiles monthly progress reports.
• Describes manuscript collections in accordance with accepted archival practice.
• Creates objective, pertinent, and concise finding aids for the collections, including traditional and online EAD‑compliant finding aids utilizing ArchivesSpace.
• Researches donor or donating organization to write biographical or historical entries in finding aid.
• Communicates with donors as appropriate to gather information on the collection.
• Provides reference service for patrons in the Cleanth Brooks Reading room.
• Records statistics in LibApps.
• Tracks orders for digital images.
• Submits digitization requests to the Digital Lab.
• Obtains patron's and curator's signatures on Intent to Publish form.
• Calculates payment based on fee schedule.
• Invoices patron, accepts payment, and submits invoice with payment to Special Collections Specialist.
• Assists in environmental monitoring of the storage and conservation areas.
• Completes special projects and other duties including but not limited to assisting in the shifting of materials and with special events.
• Participates in University Library committees and groups.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States