SUMMARY: The TMC Library, McGovern Historical Center seeks a service-oriented, well-organized, technically savvy, and self-motivated Archivist and Special Collections Librarian with demonstrated knowledge in both archival processing and cataloging. Reporting to the Head of the McGovern Historical Center, the position will manage a four-year grant funded project to process and make accessible the manuscript and rare book collections of John P. McGovern, MD. (The position will not continue beyond the funded four-year term.) The primary objectives of the position will be to improve description and access of archival materials, enhance bibliographic descriptions for more discoverability, and promote collections to potential researchers. In addition to project responsibilities, the position will be an active member of the department providing reference services, performing outreach activities, and working closely with patrons, donors, library staff, and institutional groups. The position will manage two distinct projects and develop department manuals.
John P. McGovern, MD papers Processing Project
The McGovern Historical Center has four archival collections related to John P. McGovern’s career and interests. The largest and most significant of these is MS 115 John P. McGovern, MD papers. For the project, the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian will process Dr. McGovern's personal and professional papers, as well as his collection of Texas Historical Medical Documents and a set of records related to the McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science. This will involve creating a new arrangement and description for each collection. Finding aids and selected digitized materials will be made available on the collection site and promoted through online and physical exhibits.
McGovern Rare Book Collection on the History of Medicine Catalog Enhancement Project
The McGovern Rare Book Collection on the History of Medicine is the largest, rare book collection at the McGovern Historical Center. For the project, the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian will improve scholarly access to the collection, enhancing existing bibliographic records and standardizing to the subject-based Library of Congress classification system. The position will develop more efficient cataloging techniques, linking rare book collections and archival materials across all library discovery platforms. In the course of this project, the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian will design future projects to continue rare book collection improvements and help seek funding through national grant programs.
Duties
· Use best archival practices based on the recommendations of the Society of American Archivists. Understand and have experience with the seven domains of archiving:
o selection, appraisal, and acquisition;
o arrangement and description;
o reference services and access;
o preservation and protection;
o outreach, advocacy, and promotion;
o managing archival programs;
o professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities.
· Organize, arrange and describe collections according to generally accepted professional standards.
· Process MS 115 John P. McGovern papers and three other related collections.
· Coordinate with McGovern Foundation staff to identify and accession additional accruals from the McGovern Foundation offices.
· Digitize selected items for online access, importing to the archive management system.
· Curate exhibits to promote the John P. McGovern collections utilizing physical spaces in the library and archives as well as online platforms.
· Maintain the collection descriptions, authority records, and physical storage within the Cataloging System (Alma) and Archive Management System (AtoM), enforcing strong cataloging and metadata standards.
· Create bibliographic records using standards including DCRM(B), RDA, MARC-21 and LCSH, following relevant guidelines and policies.
· Develop new techniques and procedures that can be expanded to the other rare book collections, creating a cataloging manual and training staff to implement beyond project period.
· Maintain department procedures and documentation, updating department manuals regularly.
· Perform educational outreach activities, such as tours, lectures, events, and classes.
· Answer reference questions and assist clients with their research via in-person, phone, email, and virtual modalities, collaborating with members of other departments to ensure client needs are met.
· Assist in facilities management oversight, assuring the physical environment is secure, stable, and well-maintained.
· Design projects that utilize the skills of all archives staff.
· Supervise archives assistants and student interns to fulfill project goals.
· Establish and maintain an environment that encourages teamwork, interdependence, and customer service.
· Complete all activities towards the fulfillment of the Library mission and strategic objectives.
· Participate in regional and professional archival organizations, such as Archivists of the Houston Area, Society of Southwest Archivists, Society of American Archivists, and Texas Archival Resources Online, or other organizations related to special collections.
· Complete specialized training for rare book collections offered by the five-day, intensive Book History Workshop at Texas A&M University (or equivalent program)
The TMC Library offers a complete benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, life and short/long-term disability insurance. In additional to a comprehensive benefits package, the Library provides paid holidays, vacation and sick accrual, an exceptional retirement plan, and a monthly transportation subsidy. Professional development funding also provided.
The TMC Library is an equal employment opportunity institution, providing access to employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, political affiliation, or disability.
Education and experience – Minimum education requirement is a master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-Accredited program with some classes in archival science and cataloging/metadata; or an equivalent master’s degree in a related field. Some experience in an archival setting is preferred. The applicant should have the ability to work with minimal supervision, supervise staff and volunteers, work closely with patrons and donors, and achieve mutually agreed upon goals. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred
· Collaborative, collegial, and flexible approach to working with a wide variety of materials for multiple collections
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel spreadsheets.
· Proficiency with the archival standards, including Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) and Encoded Archival Description (EAD).
· Proficiency with metadata and cataloging standards, including Dublin Core, MARC-21, AACR2, DCRM(B), ISAD-G, MODS, OCLC, and ESTC.
· Experience with cataloging platforms, especially Alma.
· Experience with archive management systems, especially Access to Memory (AtoM).
· Familiarity with best preservation practices for rare books and archival materials.
· Familiarity in digitization procedures and standards for all material types, especially photograph, text, audio, video.
· Familiarity with specialized software, such as OpenRefine, Oxygen, Photoshop and other creative applications.
Desired
· Experience or demonstrated knowledge working with special collections, especially in archival processing and cataloging projects.
· Familiarity with complex descriptive cataloging of rare and unique materials with all associated authority work, using LC Classification and controlled vocabularies.
· Familiarity with website content management systems, like WordPress.
· Familiarity with Springshare applications, like LibApps, LibAnswers, LibGuides, and LibWizard.
· Familiarity with institutional repositories, such as DigitalCommons.
· Reading knowledge of at least one language other than English, preferably German, Latin, or French
· Aptitude for batch tools, scripting and mark-up languages (HTML, XML, Pymarc, MarcEdit).
Working Conditions - Usual Environment – Typical office environment with telephones and background noises. Some work in a warehouse environment. Occasional local travel may be required. May need to work irregular hours to meet deadlines or special assignments.
Physical Requirements – This position is about two-thirds sedentary and one-third physical labor. The labor involves bending, stooping, climbing stairs while holding boxes and lifting boxes of paper and odd shaped objects. This position requires the ability to carry 40 pounds up stairs and lift that weight chest high.
Send resume AND cover letter.
Elizabeth Herrera
elizabeth.herrera@library.tmc.edu