Archives Assistant

Handley Regional Library seeks customer service-oriented individual with an interest and experience in local history and genealogy.

Hours per week: 29

Hourly rate of Pay: $13.50

Reports to: Archives Manager

Fair Labor Standards Act: Non-exempt

Benefits: Includes vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Archives Manager, the Archives Assistant oversees everyday operations of the Reading Room and provides support to researchers. Performs clerical and technical work, assists with collection processing, assists with programming, and other duties as assigned.

Major Duties

1. Provide direct service to researchers in the Archives in person, by telephone, email, and through correspondence to help them identify pertinent research sources and explain access procedures.
2. Orient researchers to the Reading Room by explaining organization of materials. Explain policies and procedures for the use of the Reading Room and safe handling of archival materials. Monitor Reading Room and use of collections.
3. Assist researchers in locating and accessing materials through the library catalog, indexes, collection guides and other finding aids, as well as history and genealogy databases. Provide technical assistance to researchers using databases and microfilm readers.
4. Retrieve and refile material from the Archives Storage Room in an accurate and timely manner. Reshelve books, journals, and microfilm. Perform regular shelf maintenance to ensure collections are in order.
5. Provide limited remote reference services to researchers. Provide photocopy or digital reproductions of materials requested per Archives policy.
6. Maintain Reading Room supplies, forms, copier paper, and other items used by staff and researchers.
7. Assist with processing of collections, to include housing materials, cataloging, indexing, and the creation of finding aids.
8. Assist with programming, outreach, and exhibits to promote collections and mission of the Archives.
9. Performs other duties as assigned, including special projects, reporting, and maintenance activities.

Supervisory Control

The Archives Assistant works independently under the general supervision of the Archives Manager. Work is evaluated by direct observation, through results obtained, and through regular conferences and yearly performance evaluations.

Guidelines

Policies and procedures of the Handley Regional Library, the Five-Year Plan of the Library, the Joint Archives Agreement, and the Archives Policies and Procedures. Professional standards and best practices for Archives established by the Society of American Archivists and the American Library Association, the Library of Virginia, and various professional and technical manuals.

Complexity

Work performed is routine to complex and requires considerable technical skill, independent judgment, inquisitiveness, and tact.

Scope and Effect

When this position's responsibilities are performed successfully, researchers will receive prompt, professional, competent, and courteous assistance in response to research questions. The integrity and order of collections will be maintained.

Personal Contacts

Contact with researchers is to provide direct assistance and information about Archives collections, services, and programs. Contact with co-workers, volunteers, local organizations, and other repositories is to coordinate activities and to communicate information pertinent to researcher needs and Archives operations.

Physical Demands

Requires the ability to walk two to three miles per day and to carry boxes of materials weighing 25–30 pounds from the storage room to the reading room. Ability to work at a computer terminal for long periods.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a public library during regular business hours, including evenings and weekends. Work is performed in the basement of the Library building, occasionally alone and with only phone contact with other staff members.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong public service skills. Strong computer skills and experience with MS Office. Experience and ease with searching databases. Attention to detail. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively and to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Education, Training, and Experience

Bachelor's degree is required. Knowledge of local history and genealogical research is preferred.