Job Summary

Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies seeks an Archivist for Digital Preservation. The successful candidate will join a cohort of archivists within Purdue University Archives and Special Collections. This exciting opportunity consists of development of preservation policies for born-digital and digitized assets within the repository such as the Neil A. Armstrong papers, manuscript collections, university records, and many others. Early career and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply.

The Archivist for Digital Preservation is responsible for establishing and maintaining strategy, policies, procedures, and best practices for long-term access and preservation of digital content and collections. This position collaborates across the Archives and Special Collections (ASC) unit, Libraries and campus units, and with donors to implement digital strategies for the long-term preservation of archival records and manuscripts and in the transfer or gift of born-digital collections and web archiving.

You will oversee and support the transfer of born-digital files from physical media and oversee the creation of metadata and ingest of digital collections to ensure preservation and access. Act as the resource person for ASC regarding best practices for managing donated digital materials and metadata management for digital objects to enable search and discovery of collections online and in-person. You will also oversee the processing of collections of digital and/or hybrid format types as well as the arrangement, preservation, and creation of comprehensive descriptions for those collections. You may provide instructional support in relation to digital preservation. In this position, you will participate in consortia efforts such as the Big Ten Academic Alliance, MetaArchive, and BitCurator.

In partnership with the Archivist for Flight and Space Exploration, you will have a primary initial goal to manage digital assets following digitization of the Neil A. Armstrong papers, which will involve acting as liaison with Libraries Digital Programs, oversight of metadata creation, digital preservation actions, and supervision of project student workers.

 
The salary range for this position is will be between $45,400 - $63,100 commensurate with experience and education.

A cover letter is required to be considered for this position.

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program in library, archival, or information science with successful completion of graduate coursework in archives 
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in a library, archives, or museum setting 
• Experience with digital repository technologies
• Knowledge of best practices for processing archival collections and creating archival description using DACS 
• Experience with metadata standards relevant to the archival management of digital objects (EAD, Dublin Core, MODS, METS, PREMIS)
• Experience with born-digital and digitized collections

Preferred: 

• Master’s degree concentration in digital preservation and/or digital repositories
• Professional work experience in the field of digital preservation, digital libraries, or digital repositories
• Experience:
  • with archival practices related to born-digital acquisitions
  • using CONTENTdm or similar digital asset management systems
  • working with preservation activities and access related to email
  • working with web archiving
• Completion of specialized education or training in management of born digital archival collections skills and value teamwork and collaboration
• Knowledge of best practices for the arrangement, description, and preservation of archival collections, including but not limited to manuscripts and personal papers, institutional records, photographs, and audio-visual materials

Skills Needed:

• Knowledge or awareness of:
  • digital preservation and trustworthy digital repository standards
  • tools and technology standards typically used in digital library environments
• Knowledge of digital file formats and related digital preservation standards and best practices for archival materials
• Understanding of copyright and rights management issues as they apply to archival materials.
• Familiarity with:
  • archival collections management systems or databases, such as ArchivesSpace
  • web archiving tools and processes
• Ability to manage short and long-term projects
• Demonstrated ability to work individually, collaboratively, and collegially in a complex, rapidly changing team environment
• Experience or commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, and belonging through archival practice, scholarship, and service
• Excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
   

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EEO/AA employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days