Reference Archivist (Library and Archives Professional 1) / Part-Time

Washington State

  • Pierce County, WA Tacoma, WA
  • $2,060-2,766 per month
  • Permanent
  • Part-time
  • 14 days ago
DescriptionSchedule: You will work 20 hours per week, Tuesday - Friday 12PM to 5PM. You will need to be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.What you will be doing:The Washington State Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of manuscripts, photographs, ephemera, books and maps as mandated in its founding legislation. You will work to preserve these collections and make them accessible to the public, as well as to the historical society staff, by cataloging collection materials in the collections database. You will also be responsible for providing reference services and research access to the archival collections and filling orders for images from the collection.
A little about us:
Founded in 1891 and now into its second century of service, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washington's diverse and storied history. Our work illuminates the past, enlightens the present, and informs the future.Our mission is to partner with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Our vision is to be the recognized destination for Washington State history. We achieve this by serving as our state's primary history educator, making history relevant to our modern lives, and supporting civic dialogue where all are welcome.The Society serves individuals and organizations statewide through publications, outreach programs, curriculum, free virtual public programs, and other online services. However, the majority of the Society's interactions with the public occur at the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma, Washington. The Museum traditionally serves more than 80,000 annually, including more than 15,000 K-12 school children visiting the museum on a field trip. We also welcome more than 10,000 visitors free of charge each year through a variety of access programs.We are much more than a regional museum. We continually ask ourselves how we can better serve Washingtonians across our state. Our Heritage Capital Projects grant program distributes up to $10M per biennium to fund public heritage, history interpretation, and historic preservation projects across the state. Our popular public history magazine COLUMBIA is enjoyed by readers of all ages. And the Historical Society's collections at our Research Center, along with a digital collections database, are a resource to scholars and researchers from across the nation.The Washington State Historical Society is a dynamic place to work with a dedicated staff. We expand our impact by connecting with communities across the Evergreen State through exhibitions, heritage projects, workshops, public programs, publications, and conversations. Our goal is to bring history into focus in such a way that the participant cannot help but discover valuable insights from and feel deep connections with the people and events of the past.We have an active commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and are looking for team members who have a passion for professionalism and serving the public, and a desire to contribute to a positive work culture.DutiesSome of what you'll do:
  • Receive requests for access to special collections material and research inquiries.
  • Pull and reshelve special collections material for all in person research visits and outside inquiries.
  • Respond verbally and in writing to electronic, telephone, and mail inquiries from the public regarding access to special collections material.
  • Assist with pulling materials for WSHS staff visits.
  • Receive image and licensing requests on behalf of the WSHS.
  • Locate and retrieve original photographs from storage, if needed assign catalog numbers, and complete full cataloging.
  • Pull and reshelve special collections materials.
  • Provide digitization or seek digitization assistance from collections staff, depending on time constraints.
  • Enter orders and process payments in the Altru system.
  • Work with fiscal staff to process payments when needed.
  • Prepare license, communicate and send images for orders.
  • Answer the reception telephone; admit visitors; monitor researchers to prevent losses from the collection.
  • Facilitate volunteers.
QualificationsREQUIRED:Master of Library and Information ScienceORBachelor's of Science degree that 30 quarter hours of library scienceAND
Two (2) years of experience as a librarian in a museum, academic or historical library/archiveORAn accredited Associates degreeANDFour (4) years of experience in a museum, academic or historical library/archiveORSix (6) years of experience in a museum, academic or historical library/archiveAND
  • Demonstrated experience in Special Collections and working with researchers.
  • Familiarity with registration and collections management best practices, including accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, exhibitions, loans, and location and inventory control.
  • Knowledge of environmental requirements for collection preservation.
  • Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, self-motivated, with ability to handle multiple projects.
  • Work in cooperation with other organizations, staff, volunteers, donors.
  • Experience working with researchers for in person research visits and fulfilling licensing requests.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
PREFERRED:
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex information, both verbally and in writing, to a wide public audience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of historical resources both inside and outside the agency's collections.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage time, prioritize tasks and adjust to daily workload demands under direct supervision.
  • Knowledge of archival arrangement and cataloging standards and best practices.
  • Ability to learn and use KE EMu database and Altru software.
  • Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with other agency departments and personnel.
Supplemental InformationREAD THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY:Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
  • A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
  • A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
NOTE: The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “duties summary” section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire. A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the "duties summary" section of the application.Background Check Notice:
Prior to any new appointment into the Washington State Historical Society, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.NOTE: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).Opportunity for All:
The Washington State Historical Society celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at 360-407-8446 or emailApplicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Washington State