Project Specialist

The University of Minnesota Libraries invites applications for the position of Project Specialist for Community Celebration of Place: Intergenerational, cross-cultural histories from the Larry Long papers. Reporting to the Head of Archival Processing in close collaboration with Head of Digital Library Services and Performing Arts Archive Curator, the Project Specialist will utilize "slow processing" techniques to process, prepare for digitization, describe, and promote access to the Larry Long Papers, the complete archive of folk artist Larry Long, whose multi-decade career features oral history and folk recording work with rural, working-class and urban communities and neighborhoods across the United States. This is a grant-funded position generously funded by the Council of Library and Information Resources (CLIR)'s Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives program. This position provides significant opportunity to describe and promote access to material documenting the histories of underrepresented and marginalized groups as well as collaborate directly with community elders in active memory making and curatorial participation.

Salary Range: $50,838.53-$56,000 annually (this position is dependent on a finalized grant contract and available grant funding)

Term: Temporary 3 years

*Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Archival Processing - 65%

• Organize and arrange the collection both physically and intellectually according to predetermined processing plan, organizational standards, and professional best practices.
• Describe the material through analyzing, organizing, and transcribing details such as creator, contributor, title, dates, extent, and contents: emphasize series, folder, and item level descriptions as needed to promote the peoples, groups, and individual histories represented in the collection.
• Describe series arrangement, scope and content, and conduct historical research and community inquiry as needed.
• Re-house materials as appropriate.
• Conduct basic preservation tasks as needed.

Digitization Preparation and Metadata Coordination - 25%

• Prepare audiovisual materials for digitization: inventory, pack, and ship items according to pre-determined digitization schedule.
• Assist with quality control review of newly created audiovisual files: utilize existing procedures and tools to confirm checksums, review technical specifications, and sample files for quality and completeness.
• Enhance/update/create metadata for digitized audiovisual objects through contextual evidence and organized review of files.
• Collaborate with project PIs to select print and photographic materials for digitization; coordinate digitization of print materials with Digital Library Services.
• Work with Digital Library Services Librarian to leverage archival description created during processing: map, create, and enhance descriptive metadata for digitized materials uploaded to the University's digital collections platform, UMedia.
• Assign rights statements to all digitized audiovisual materials.

Community Collaboration and Project Promotion - 10%

• Contribute to monthly meetings with the project's Community Advisory Board, which consists of community elders and persons whose oral histories are present in the collection: provide processing and digitization updates, gather biographical and other descriptive information, and participate in memory making and listening workshops led by Larry Long and the Project PIs.
• Identify and solicit from the Advisory Board guidance regarding the handling, description, and digitization of potentially sensitive or sacred material. Document all decisions as appropriate.
• Assist with statistical/tracking information and project narratives to include in reports to the granting agency.
• Promote the collection and project progress via the Libraries' blog and other information outlets (e.g. local, regional, and community news publications); may also seek opportunities to present on project activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and two years of related experience; or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years
• Demonstrated understanding of archival professional standards and procedures; previous experience in archival processing and description
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• High degree of comfort working in spreadsheet environments (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)
• Excellent communication, organizational, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Physically comfortable working with various digital media and paper archives

Preferred Qualifications:

• ALA accredited MLS/MLIS degree or advanced degree in a relevant field
• Experience in archival digitization or digitization project management
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core) and/or creating descriptive metadata for archival collections
• Experience with ArchivesSpace or other similar collections management tools
• Familiarity with basic command-line protocol for file management
• Experience in developing strong working partnerships with library and community groups or non-library professionals (community archiving)

Program/Unit Description:

The University of Minnesota Archives and Special Collections is made up of distinct collecting
units holding rare books, manuscripts, organization records, personal papers, artwork, and
artifacts on a diverse range of subjects, including children's literature; social work and welfare;
immigration; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender studies; African American literature;
architecture; performing arts; University of Minnesota history; history of computing; and other
topics.

Archives and Special Collections is open to the public. The collections are used by students,
faculty, staff, and an international community of scholarly researchers. Hours to staff are:
Monday - Tuesday 9:00-5:00, Wednesday-Thursday 9:00-6:00, Friday 9:00-5:00
See https://www.lib.umn.edu/special for more details.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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