Digital Archivist (Temporary for 2 years)

Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and study of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. The Schomburg Center, featuring diverse programming and collections spanning over 11 million items, has for over nine decades illuminated the richness of black history, arts, and experience worldwide. As a key part of one of the largest public library systems in the world, the Schomburg Center is committed to maximizing free and public access to its collections, exhibitions, educational activities, and much of its programming.

 

With support from a two-year grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the #SchomburgSyllabus represents an effort to document the #hashtag movement through which the Schomburg team will digitally archive and curate relevant online materials, as well as provide connection to the Schomburg Center’s own unique materials and online resources. The digital archivist position will help focus our efforts on compiling and curating digital resources that tell us directly about the black experience in the twenty-first century, and its continuity with black archives found in the Schomburg Center.

 

Under the supervision of the  Curator of Manuscripts Archives and Rare Books and Project Manager as assigned:

 

• Research and compile content to build comprehensive web archives of syllabi related to global black life, #hashtag movements and contemporary movements for social change
• In consultation with curators, assess Schomburg collections for related historical content on Black Studies education
• Assist Schomburg Education connect resources with curriculum for K-12 educators
• Develop an indexed resources list of #SchomburgSyllabus materials, sources, and syllabi
• Process, preserve, and curate content related to the Digital Schomburg platform
• Contribute to the infrastructure for digital archives, access tools, digitization, and related issues
• Manage complex projects across divisions and consult as needed with appropriate NYPL staff
• Perform other related duties

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree or related certification with relevant advanced degree
• Three years experience in a research or academic library or related digital humanities environment

• Demonstrated experience processing archival records and born-digital content
• Knowledge of digital preservation, computer forensics, data management, and technology
• Knowledge of archival content management systems and other relevant technologies and tools
• Familiar with digitization and reformatting of materials
• Knowledge of relevant standards for archival description including DACS, EAD, and EAC­CPF, and familiarity with other metadata standards such as METS and PREMIS
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a variety of staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse community

• Knowledge of cataloging standards including DCRM(B), RDA, MARC21 and LCSH as well as Microsoft and Adobe software
• Knowledge of archival theory, practice,national and international standards, and best practice
• Advanced degree in any of the following: African American History/Studies/Literature, Africana Studies, or cultural studies
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse community

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

• Pushing/pulling fully loaded book carts and racks
• May require travel within NYC