Overview
Special Collections Processing (SCP) is the department within NYPL’s 
Preservation and Collections Processing that promotes access to the Library’s 
most distinctive collections by describing rare and unique materials and 
preparing them for preservation and use. We support collections in all of the 
Research Libraries, including the curatorial divisions at the Library for the 
Performing Arts, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and Stephen A. 
Schwarzman Building.

 

Within SCP, the Archival Processing unit supports access to distinctive 
collections by arranging and describing archives and manuscripts and creating 
finding aids for research use. Staff process digital and analog collections in 
all formats, including personal papers, institutional records, visual 
materials, and sound and moving image recordings. They also support the 
assessment and transport of acquisitions and manage archival metadata and its 
movement across systems. 

 

The Archivist’s primary responsibilities are to arrange and describe archival 
collections of personal papers and organizational records.

 

This position is grant funded for 3 years.

 

Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Archival Processing, the Archivist will:

Arrange and describe archival collections of personal papers and organizational 
records, perform rehousing and other basic preservation needs, and prepare 
finding aids in accordance with local and national standards.
Perform original cataloging for special collections in a variety of formats in 
accordance with local and national standards.
Help develop and maintain cataloging routines which provide access to the 
library's newly acquired collections as well as any archival backlogs.
Supervise interns, volunteers, and non-professional staff assisting in 
processing activities.
Participate in the planning and execution of division-wide projects, especially 
those related to cataloging and collection management.
Represent the Division through active participation in professional 
organizations.
Perform related duties as required.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Experience

ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library, archival or information studies or 
Master’s degree in liberal arts or humanities and successful completion of 
archival training.
One to two years experience in an archives or manuscripts repository creating 
descriptive records for archival collections.

Required Skills

A strong background in archival theory and practice, especially regarding 
arrangement and description, as well as a familiarity with current approaches 
to born-digital materials.
Demonstrated knowledge of current standards for archival description (APPM, 
DACS, LC subject headings, authority control, and MARC 21).
Demonstrated experience in original and copy cataloging.
Working knowledge of historical research methodology and experience with 
standard bibliographic tools.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Successfully demonstrated initiative, accuracy, attention to detail, judgment, 
analytic and organizations.
Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a 
production-oriented, team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in EAD markup.
Experience using ArchivesSpace or Archivists' Toolkit.
Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language.
Experience supervising and training non-professional staff.

Please Note: Effective August 2, 2021, absent a qualifying exception for 
medical or religious reasons, newly hired employees of the New York Public 
Library must present proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination and may not 
begin employment at the Library until 14 days after their receipt of their 
second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days after their 
first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Newly hired employees who 
need additional time to receive their vaccination prior to their start date may 
request an adjournment of their start date with their hiring manager.  The 
Library will consider such requests on a case by case basis, depending upon the 
Library’s operational needs, among other factors.  The Library will further 
consider exemptions for prospective employees who cannot become vaccinated due 
to a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief or 
practice.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment and who 
seek a medical or religious exemption to the Library’s vaccination policy will 
be provided with additional instructions at the time of the conditional offer.


Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
Be Resourceful in solving problems 
Be Curious in all aspects of your work
Be Welcoming and Inclusive


Physical Duties

Limited physical effort is required
Light lifting required
Lifting up to 40 lbs. required
May require travel within NYC

Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Local 1930

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule
35 hours per week

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