Archivist II - Audiovisual

About This Position

Purpose:

Under limited direction, processes archival collections and City of Austin records, provides reference services to the public, and provides public programs.

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Appraises, organizes, processes, catalogs, and conserves archival collections and materials. Curates one or more of the collection units (Periodicals, Maps, Recordings, Photos, etc.) by making selection and acquisition decisions, processing and cataloging materials in that unit. Compiles finding aids, reference guides, articles, statistics, and reports.

Provides archival reference and research services. Assists with the acquisition and appraisal of collections by helping to determine whether the collection or acquisition is suitable for inclusion in the AHC collections; assists under the supervision of the AHC manager or a supervisor. Provides public liaison activities including lectures, media appearances, and interviews. Explains research policies and procedures, demonstrates research methods, explains the use of reference materials/equipment, and explains fees to customers.

Coordinates and conducts meetings, training, tours, and public programs to the public and staff. Assists in planning exhibits by organizing and interpreting historical records for public presentation. May serve as the collections registrar by registering donations into the collection (this is an archives and museum function) and maintaining donor records. Serves as ‘in-charge’ staff person in management’s absence.

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of archival and Encoded Archival Description standards, issues, practices, and trends.
• Knowledge of reference tools and procedures.
• Knowledge of records management issues and practices.
• Knowledge of digital imaging issues and trends, especially in regards to archival practice.
• Knowledge of electronic records management and preservation.
• Skill in processing/arranging archival collections.
• Skill in oral and written communication including presentation.
• Skill in organizing and interpreting historical records for public presentation.
• Skill in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.
• Skill in prioritizing work assignments.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to use and apply standards for archival description, cataloging, and networked resource sharing for archival objects and descriptions.
• Ability to appraise records for archival and/or historical significance.
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science, or related to the assigned program from an ALA-accredited university, with specialization in archival enterprise and/or administration, plus two (2) years professional experience working in an archives, library, museum, or other cultural heritage institution, or Master’s degree in History/Public History with coursework in archival administration, or a Master’s Degree in a related field, may substitute for the required Master’s degree in Library or Information Science.
• Licenses and Certifications
  
  Required:
  
  May require a valid operator’s license and the use of a personal vehicle.

• Experience with legacy audiovisual collections and playback equipment.
• Ability to determine preservation priorities and expertly perform preservation best practices for a wide range of analog audiovisual materials.
• Experience leading large-scale digitization projects, establishing and adhering to digitization workflows and file naming conventions, and knowledge of video codecs and best practices for…