Job Description

ARCHIVIST

The Organization: The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) is the premier independent statewide institution
responsible for collecting, examining, and teaching Georgia history. GHS houses the oldest and most
distinguished collection of materials related exclusively to Georgia history in the nation. To learn more, go
to



Position Summary: Working independently and on a self-initiated basis, the Archivist is responsible for
accessioning, arranging, describing, preserving, cataloging, and making available archival collections and
other paper-based materials and objects within the collection of the Georgia Historical Society. In addition,
the incumbent is responsible for performing online and local database maintenance. The successful candidate
will be an experienced, motivated, and productive professional able to meet the demands and productivity
goals of a fast-paced environment.



Job Duties and Responsibilities include (Incumbent may perform other duties as assigned):

• Percentage of Role - 80%:

Accession, arrange, describe, rehouse, preserve, catalog, and make available archival collections and other
paper-based materials and objects within the collection of the Georgia Historical Society. Perform cataloging
for archival materials and assist in resolving cataloging problems and maintaining the online catalog. Gather
and enter metadata, perform quality control, catalog materials, conduct research, and data entry.

• Percentage of Role - 5%:

Participate in planning and work with the entire Georgia Historical Society staff. Assist education and other
institutional divisions as needed with archival and other collection materials as primary users of the collection.

• Percentage of Role - 5%:

Work with the archival team and the reference team in the development of the archival and objects collection
and assist in outreach. Adhere to department policies and procedures. Conducts content appraisal for
potential donations/transfers of materials. In the case of donated items, assist in determining whether the
item is suitable for the collection.

• Percentage of Role - 5%:

Support reference services, when needed, during the library’s open hours; present instructional orientations
of library and archives resources to groups and individuals; participate in Research Center outreach activities,
as necessary.

• Percentage of Role - 5%:

Assist with monitoring of the physical environment and assessing the condition of archival facilities; report
all maintenance-related needs of the facility; assist with onsite vendor/supplier appointments.

• Occasional:

May provide assistance and advice to individuals and organizations throughout Georgia seeking
information/advice on caring for archival materials.



Supervisory Responsibilities: Interns and volunteers.

Qualifications:
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of archival collections and principles of arrangement and description through

a completed finding aid or other description tool.

• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in archives profession, including processing collections, care

and handling of archival materials in a variety of formats, preservation, appraisal, and reference.

• Demonstrated knowledge of standard tools for creating catalog records and of computerized cataloging,

bibliographic and circulation system databases.

• Positive, collaborative attitude and team player. Good analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to

establish and achieve priorities.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a positive and upbeat manner.
• Strong organization and time-management skills; attention to accuracy and detail is essential—can do

attitude.

• Demonstrated reliable attendance to ensure successful and timely project completion.
• Must represent the Society in a professional manner and be able to work well with diverse groups of people

including patrons, board members, donors, volunteers, and staff.

Education: Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree, with
formal training in archival theory and practice or, a post-graduate degree in museum studies or a related
discipline in the humanities or social sciences with experience may be substituted for a master’s degree in
library science.

Required experience: Minimum of five years professional experience in a library/archival repository;
demonstrated knowledge of archival principles; cataloging, and previous processing experience; knowledge
of Microsoft Office, MARC 21, Library of Congress Subject Headings and other subject standards,
Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), and Encoded Archival Description.


This is a full-time, benefited, opportunity based in Savannah, GA.



Physical Requirements:
Must have the ability to alternate between sitting and standing for extended periods and walk
frequently. Must be able to reach with hands and arms, lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds occasionally,
and use hands to manipulate objects including a keyboard/mouse and GHS collection material. Must have
good vision and hearing to perform tasks like reading documents and communicating with colleagues,
donors, patrons, and the general public in person and over the phone. Must be able to ascend and descend
ladders while carrying objects, ascend and descend stairs and work in semi-confined spaces. While
performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to reach, stoop, and kneel to
reach materials at various angles and locations occasionally. Must provide staff support with an annual event
requiring additional work hours and advanced walking, standing, reaching, lifting, and carrying
materials. This annual event will require an ability to hear accurately to interact with the public,
demonstrate clarity of vision, judge distance and space relationships, and identify and distinguish colors.


To Apply
Send cover letter and resume to:
Archivist
Georgia Historical Society
104 West Gaston Street
Savannah, GA 31401
Fax: 912.651.2831
Email: jobs@georgiahistory.com

No phone calls please

Job Tags

Full time, Local area,

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