126 · Representative Documents: Job Description of Processing Decision Maker
University of Michigan
Head of Archival Processing and Cataloging
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Number ___________________________
Dates Reviewed by Committee ________________
POSITION TITLE: Head of Archival Processing and Cataloging, and Curator of the
Transportation History Collection
UNIT: Special Collections Library
SUPERVISOR: Head, Special Collections
Position Summary: The Head of Archival Processing and Cataloging, and Curator of the
Transportation History Collection in the Special Collections Library is responsible for overseeing
the accessioning and processing of archival and non-book collections as well as for collection
development and management, public service, outreach, and access activities related to the
Transportation History Collection. The prime subject area of curatorial responsibility is
transportation history before 1900, particularly the areas in which the University of Michigan are
strongest, including railroad history, the organization and administration of early highways, the
economic and social ties between the settlement of the United States and the growth of a
transportation infrastructure, and design work for style and functionality in transportation. The
Curator plays a leadership role in activities having to do with these parts of the collections, ranging
from working with donors to answering reference queries and mounting exhibits. This position is
also responsible for technical coordination and creation and updating of the SCL website.
PRIMARY DUTIES OF THIS POSITION
Accessioning and Processing: 40%
Oversees accessioning and processing of all non-book material in the Special Collections
Library. Responsible for having all new non-book collections that come to the department
accessioned. Ensures that collections are organized in accordance with accepted archival principles
and that intellectual control over the collections is established through the preparation of finding
aids. With the processors, identifies and documents the preservation needs of the collections.
Develops policies for establishing physical and intellectual control over the materials. Establishes
priority for processing in consultation with Special Collections curators. Regularly consults with
Special Collections curators regarding the organization of particular collections and the creation of
finding aids. Remains up to date with new practices and policies of accessioning and processing
collections formulated by the Society of American Archivists and member organizations.
Hires, trains, and supervises 1.0 FTE librarian, .5 FTE P&A staff, and up to four student
workers or interns per term. Trains supervisees to check in, organize, and write finding aids for
collections.