Archives Technician

Purpose of the position: Working in person at the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Archives Technician scans collection materials and assists with quality assurance and other post-production tasks in order to provide digitized content to patrons and staff; archives websites; assists with metadata creation and editing; assists with reshelving and retrieving materials for patrons.

Overview: The Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS), organized in 1852 and located in Philadelphia, PA, is the oldest denominational archives in the United States and serves as the national archives for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its predecessor denominations. PHS is part of the Office of the General Assembly, headquartered at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, KY. Together with Presbyterian Investment and Loan, Presbyterian Mission Agency, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Presbyterian Women, and the Administrative Services Group, the national agencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) serve and work with mid-councils, congregations, and partner organizations to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ in the World.

This position calls for a basic commitment to the mission of the Presbyterian Historical Society, the Office of the General Assembly, and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as well as a commitment to continue to dismantle white supremacy, sexism and racism in the Office of the General Assembly and the PC(U.S.A.). The position fosters collaboration, innovation and openness with colleagues, constituents and the wider church.

Reports to: Metadata and Information Technology Librarian

Job Skills / Requirements

1. Scan collection materials for patrons, staff and special projects.

2. Manage web archives: schedule and scope crawls; perform quality assurance; create metadata for archived websites.

3. Assist Digitization Coordinator with quality assurance and post-production tasks.

4. Assist with metadata creation and editing of digital collection records for special projects.

5. Assist with retrieving and reshelving materials used by patrons.

6. Assist Communication Team by providing social media content and writing blog posts.

7. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the Office of the General Assembly.

Education:  High school graduate with some college coursework.

Skills, experience, and competencies:

• Experience scanning historical documents, including photographs, bound volumes, and multi-page items.
• One year of work experience in a library or archives setting.
• Demonstrated ability to focus on detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to remain flexible when priorities and goals change.
• Demonstrated commitment to value differences and the benefits to be derived from working with a broad range of people.
• Fluent in English.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Able to use current technology and equipment.

Sensory or Physical Requirements:

• Sight and hearing required.
• Ability to lift 35 pound boxes and stoop, reach, and climb stools to shelve and retrieve collection material.
• Ability to do extensive scanning work, which includes repetitive motions and standing.
• Ability to use the computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to communicate via telephone and via Zoom and other computer technologies.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with MODS metadata schema and Library of Congress subject headings
• Knowledge of library classification systems and procedures for handling archival material.
• Fluency in Spanish, Korean, or another language.

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BEFORE JUNE 4, 2021.