Tufts Archival Research Center seeks a dynamic and forward-thinking individual to oversee its technical services, collection management and archival processing operations. The Head of Technical Services’ responsibilities include directly managing professional archivists in the collection management unit, including the Records and Accessioning Archivist and Digital Archivist and all archival processing, description, collection assessment, and preservation activities at the Tufts Archival Research Center. The Head of Technical Services is responsible for managing and refining processes ensuring responsible stewardship and management of the University’s collections of enduring value in all formats as well as ensuring that collections are available for use by the University community and outside researchers.
The position will shape the way TARC processes, manages, provides access to, and facilitates discovery of archival collections in support of research, teaching, and learning at the University. This work will include directing extensible archival processing practices; developing policies, procedures, and workflows for productive and sustainable processes; ensuring a user-centered, access-driven approach in all archival processing work; and seeking out opportunities for iterative improvement and innovation.
Essential Functions:
Manage archival processing and description and related systems.
Lead and manage TARC technical services, collection management and archival processing program, including supervising all processing work in the unit by professional, project and student staff.
Set policy and best practices for archival processing and descriptive work; develop program goals and metrics to evaluate work; develop processing plans; and help to plan and prioritize large-scale projects.
Oversee description of archival collections according to archival standards. Assist in the creation and maintenance of documentation and policies for arrangement and description.
Develop appropriate metrics to evaluate work and service levels and implement methods for prioritization, project management and planning.
Direct collection assessment activities including regular assessment surveys of collections material.
Supervise and collaborate with Digital Archivist to refine tools and workflows for the processing and description of born-digital materials and in the ongoing administration of and workflow for imaging and ingest of born-digital materials within existing collection holdings.
Serve as a primary contact for Library Technology Services and Tufts Technology services.
Oversee TARC use of systems supporting archival processing, description, and discovery such as ArchivesSpace, Preservica, and other tools and systems and represent TARC within these communities of practice.
Manage collection storage and security
Oversee the management and security of TARC collection storage spaces.
Work with Records and Accessioning Archivist to manage procedures for sending TARC collections for storage in offsite facility.
Identify ways to maximize collections storage space.
Manage preservation activities
Manage preservation activities for archival collections.
Monitor ongoing preservation assessment of storage and environmental conditions.
Identify preservation needs and priorities for materials in all formats during processing work.
Participate in planning and policy development:
In close collaboration with the Director of Tufts Archival Research Center, and other TARC staff, assist in maintaining professional standards and best practices and setting priorities for collection management, processing, description, digitization, and discovery.
Assist in project development for grants and other fundraising activities.
Participate in general planning and policy development in the support of TARC strategic directions.
Participate in Tufts committees related to primary job assignment.
Years of related experience required: At least5 years experience in an archives or special collections department in a research library or similar setting.
Required education: MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution, with a concentration in Archives, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required computer/technical skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should be comfortable with word processing, spreadsheet and database software and have knowledge of technologies and standards related to archival processing and description. Ideal candidates will have advanced technical skills including experience with tools and skills used to manage and manipulate descriptive data.
Other:
At least 3 years of experience processing archival records including experience with pragmatic and extensible processing procedures.
Demonstrated ability to appraise historical records.
Knowledge of relevant standards for archival description including DACS, EAD, and EAC-CPF, and familiarity with other metadata standards.
Knowledge of strategies and technology developed or adopted by the archival community for managing born-digital archival material.
Knowledge and awareness of current trends in the digitization of archival material for access and preservation.
Demonstrated experience managing or implementing technologies and systems and other innovative approaches to improve workflows and access to and stewardship of archival collections.
Demonstrated experience supervising and mentoring other employees, articulating vision and goals, and managing multiple projects and staff members to accomplish the work of a unit.
Strong decision-making, project management and supervisory skills.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Candidates should exhibit a strong user focus and public service orientation, excellent analytical, interpersonal and communication skills, and an ability to embrace change.
Additional Preferred Experience, Education, etc. (Consider preferred qualifications including additional education, experience, or other job related skills.)
Knowledge of Python, XSLT/XQuery or other scripting languages or interest and aptitude in developing these skills.
Experience providing reference services for archives and special collections.
Experience working in an active university records program.
About Tufts Archival Research Center, Tufts University
Tufts Archival Research Center (TARC) is the archives and manuscript repository of Tufts University and is open to the public. TARC’s team of professional archivists provides stewardship for the Tufts University Archives, nearly three hundred manuscript collections, and other permanently valuable physical and digital archival materials. TARC staff also assist Tufts students, faculty, and staff with recordkeeping activities, through records management and digital library services. TARC's stewardship responsibilities are mandated by the Board of Trustees, as outlined in the University Records Policy. TARC is a unit of Tufts central administration, serving all schools and reporting to the Office of the Provost.