Head of Museum Archives & Digital Content Specialist, Oriental Institute (University of Chicago)
The Oriental Institute seeks a dynamic archivist with training, expertise, and experience in the acquisition, accession, and long-term stewardship of archival materials, with a particular emphasis on the growing needs of the Oriental Institute’s digital asset repository. The Head of Museum Archives and Digital Content Specialist works closely with museum and institutional staff to determine standards, policies, procedures and tools for processing, discovery, and access to the Oriental Institute archives and the content held in the digital repository. This position reports to the Chief Curator and Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions and plays a key role in the ongoing management of all archival materials by demonstrating strategic vision and operations leadership.
– Ongoing stewardship of Oriental Institute paper archives
– Evaluates and makes recommendations for development, refinement and implementation of procedures and workflows for electronic record appraisal, accessioning, description, and management
– Researches, recommends, and implements policies, standards, and practices for electronic records and digital collections
– Identifies, evaluates, and recommends tools and resources for new digital collection initiatives
– Manages the Museum Archives digital repository in accordance with institutional standards
– Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a rapidly changing environment in an effort to integrate digital assets into a single institutional repository
– Assists museum staff in development of policies and procedures for acquisitions, accessioning, and processing of archival materials
– Facilitates research visits and addresses research requests in a timely and professional manner
Preferred Qualifications:
– MLIS Degree or equivalent experience (Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program and advanced degree (MA or PhD) in a relevant field of ancient Near East studies preferred
– Previous experience working with born-digital records
– Demonstrated knowledge of systems for management of born-digital materials required (experience with the Axiell/KE EMu software platform preferred)
– Skill in using technologies and strategies for digital preservation, description, discovery, and access to digital content
– Knowledge of ethical and legal concerns affecting acquisition, management, and access to digital collections
– Knowledge of metadata standards relevant to the description and preservation of digital materials
– Ability to conceptualize and manage large collections in diverse formats
– Supervision and management of 4-8 student interns and/or volunteer workers
– Capable of prioritizing and handling multiple projects simultaneously
– Experience supervising others, including designing work flow and setting priorities, hiring, training, appraising, disciplining, and terminating staff required.
– Experience in library public services and/or customer service positions required.
– Experience with position related software, as well as library data management systems, and an understanding of bibliographic data required.
– Demonstrated experience in managing multi-step detailed work required.
– Experience with standard computer applications like MS Office, email, and the Internet required.
Two years of work experience in an academic environment preferred.
