Section Head, Archival Processing Section

The Head of the Archival Processing Section manages and contributes to processing and description of archival, manuscript, and mixed material collections within the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, a division of Duke University Libraries. They supervise staff and manage archival projects according to local inclusive description policies as well as national standards.

Responsibilities

Management – 60%

• Supervises the operation of the Archival Processing Section of the Rubenstein Library’s Technical Services Department (RLTS), including management of archivists and library classified staff. Assigns and reviews archival processing and description projects for staff within the section.
• Oversees staff and workflow for the accessioning of new archival or manuscript materials. Collaborates with stakeholders to manage planning and preparations for new materials entering the archival queue. Occasionally travels in support of RL acquisition.
• Establishes archival processing goals and plans project schedules, and ensures section’s output is consistently high quality. Collaborates with others to create and document Archival Processing Section workflows, navigating complexities such as restricted materials, audiovisual collections, and born digital or electronic records.
• Trains and mentors staff creating archival catalog records and collection guides. Adheres to the Rubenstein Library’s Guiding Principles of Description and ensures consistent development and application of inclusive description practices.

Archival Accessioning, Processing, and Description – 20%

• Leads by example, participating in the Section’s archival processing and description work, in compliance with national and local standards.
• Carries out and manages special projects and performs other related duties as assigned, including identifying and overseeing data clean-up and enhancement projects. Scopes and plans project work, including estimating budgets. Evaluates the work of project staff or interns, as needed.

Library and Professional Engagement – 15%

• Participates and contributes to Duke University Libraries initiatives and committees relating to access, collection discovery, archives, metadata, and integrated library systems. Works to create an environment that promotes inclusion, respect, trust, and accountability.
• Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge and takes an active interest in the profession. Growth and interest should be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations, and service to the library, University, or community in a professional capacity.

Other – 5%

• Works shifts in the RL reading room as assigned, including occasional weekend shifts.
• Assists with in-depth research questions and offer instruction in appropriate areas of expertise.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises 7 employees
• May recruit and supervise (directly or indirectly) Archival Processing Section interns, project staff, or student assistants, as needed.

Qualifications

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that values and respects diversity of perspective, background, and experience. 

In addition, managers and supervisors are expected to help develop a common vision by providing clear direction and priorities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and promoting mutual understanding through effective communication.  They are also expected to take the time to effectively plan and evaluate performance, provide feedback, recognition and coaching, and develop employees to achieve their personal and organizational goals. 

Education:

Required: Advanced degree in library science, history, public history, cultural studies, or a related field.

Experience:

Required: Five or more years of experience processing and describing archival or manuscript collections; one or more year management or supervisory experience; demonstrated project planning and personnel management experience; knowledge of EAD, DA:CS, and RDA; working knowledge of Microsoft Office, ArchivesSpace, and local integrated online library systems; familiarity and willingness to actively engage with library anti-racist and inclusive description practices.

Must be attentive to detail and extremely organized; adaptive to working in a dynamic environment prone to change; excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team; commitment to providing outstanding customer service. 

Preferred: Two or more years management or supervisory experience; working knowledge or familiarity with DCRM:MSS, DCRM:G, or DCRM:C; familiarity with controlled vocabularies and thesauri; experience with OCLC cataloging utilities; training and experience creating Library of Congress Name Authority File records; experience working with institutional records and screening collections for restricted content; knowledge of or experience with best practices associated with accessioning, arranging, and providing access to born digital materials.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally works in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible
• Regularly positions self to reach high and low shelves
• Occasionally needs to lift or move boxes weighing up to 30 lbs
• Normal office environment
• Occasional weekend shifts required
• Occasional travel required

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. This description is subject to change at any time.