Job Information
University of Southern Mississippi Processing Assistant II, Historical Manuscripts & Archives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Processing Assistant II, Historical Manuscripts & Archives
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Processing Assistant II, Historical Manuscripts & Archives.
Position Details
Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division McCain Library and Archives
Position Type Staff
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded No
Salary Range 11.50 - 11.50
Pay Grade
N01
Posting Close Date open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin two weeks after posting and will continue until position is filled. Please attach cover letter and transcripts to application packet.
Job Summary
Arranges and describes manuscript collections under the direction of the Assistant Curator, Historical Manuscripts. Conducts research on biography/history of donor/donating organization. Contributes, expertly searches and retrieves records from several complex archival and library systems such as ArchivesSpace, Preservica, LibApps, and Alma. Communicates with donors as required. Provides reference service for patrons in the Cleanth Brooks Reading room.
Job Duties
Arranges manuscript collections in accordance with accepted archival principles of provenance and original order. Develops processing plan in collaboration with the Assistant Curator. Identifies and maintains record series. Imposes order as needed. Identifies and sequesters confidential materials in the manuscript collections to ensure that access restriction procedures are followed; weeds non-record materials; separates and intellectually links resolves routine problems, identifies and refers complex problems to supervisor. Compiles monthly progress reports.
Describes manuscript collections in accordance with accepted archival practice. Creates objective, pertinent, and concise finding aids for the collections, including traditional and online EAD-compliant finding aids utilizing ArchivesSpace. Researches donor or donating organization to write biographical or historical entries in finding aid. Communicates with donors as appropriate to gather information on the collection.
Provides reference service for patrons in the Cleanth Brooks Reading room. Records statistics in LibApps.
Tracks orders for digital images and submits digitization requests to the Digital Lab. Obtains patron's and curator's signatures on Intent to Publish form. Calculates payment based on fee schedule. Invoices patron, accepts payment, and submits invoice with payment to Special Collections Specialist.
Assists in environmental monitoring of the storage and conservation areas.
Completes special projects and other duties including but not limited to assisting in the shifting of materials and with special events. Participates in University Library committees and groups.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Familiarity working with primary source material.
Excellent research skills.
Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
Ability to organize primary source material in accordance with archival principles of arrangement and description.
Ability to handle and move objects up to 25 pounds.
Ability to perform detailed tasks with a high degree of accuracy.
Ability to help patrons use library or archival resources.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or Bachelor’s degree in library and information science with archival studies coursework or six months experience in archives.
Knowledge of local and Mississippi history.
Six months’ experience in archives.
Familiarity with archival descriptive standards such as MARC, EAD, DACS and Dublin Core.
Knowledge of basic preservation measures.
Three months’ experience interacting with public.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.