Processing Decisions for Manuscripts & Archives, SPEC Kit 314 (November 2009)

Hackbart-Dean, Pam; Slomba, Elizabeth

SPEC Kit 314: Processing Decisions for Manuscripts &Archives · 129
Job Descriptions of Processing Staff

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SPEC Kit 314: Processing Decisions for Manuscripts & Archives (November 2009) resources

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SPEC Kit 314: Processing Decisions for Manuscripts &Archives · 129
Job Descriptions of Processing Staff

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130 · Representative Documents: Job Descriptions of Processing Staff
Louisiana State University
Manuscripts Processing Librarian
Manuscripts Processing Librarian (General Librarian)
The Manuscript Processing Librarian (1 FTE) works independently under the general supervision
of the Curator of Manuscripts. The incumbent uses advanced technical knowledge and skills to
formulate independent decisions based on both general and highly specialized library policies,
procedures, and practices. The incumbent analyzes incoming acquisitions, accessions
collections, creates essential management data and finding aids, and makes decisions about how
the materials will be physically preserved. The incumbent arranges and describes manuscript
collections and performs original cataloging, creating MARC-AMC records for manuscript
collections. The incumbent is responsible for training and supervising one or more graduate
assistants. The incumbent also provides training and supervision for other staff and student
workers, as necessary, and participates in providing public services at Special Collections service
points.
Specific responsibilities include:
E 70% PROCESSING. Accessions manuscript materials, recording essential management
information concerning the provenance and transfer of ownership to the LSU Libraries of
donated and purchased materials. The incumbent assesses processing needs of newly
acquired collections, determines the appropriate arrangement of materials within a
collection, and organizes the work to be carried out, using independent judgment to
interpret and apply archival principles and practices. The incumbent performs necessary
historical research in order to properly describe the materials for scholarly use. The
incumbent performs original cataloging, creating MARC-AMC records, which requires the
application and interpretation of cataloging rules specific to archives and manuscripts in
addition to AACR2rev., LCSH, etc. collaborates in the development and revision of
policies and procedures for processing collections.
E 20% SUPERVISION. Trains, supervises, and evaluates one to three graduate assistants,
selecting appropriate tasks and monitoring their work. Hires, trains, and supervises
student workers who do basic process procedures and rehousing of manuscript
collections. Trains other staff as necessary in accessioning and preservation tasks.
E10% PUBLIC SERVICE AND OUTREACH. Performs advanced-level reference work to assist
researchers in identifying and using Special Collections and other library materials.
Interprets and enforces library policies for the security and administration of the
collections. Works with donors to maintain positive donor relations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• ALA-accredited MLS
• Significant experience in the appraisal, processing, and description of archival and
manuscript materials.
• Comprehensive knowledge of archival theory, practice, and national and international
standards and best practices that govern the arrangement and description of primary
source materials, including Describing Archives: A Content Standard, the MARC 21
format, and appropriate thesauri &authority lists used for indexing archival descriptions.
• Familiarity with online research information resources and searching methodologies, and
an understanding of the operation of common office productivity software applications.
• Strong commitment to technical services in support of public services.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to lift 30 pounds.

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SPEC Kit 314: Processing Decisions for Manuscripts & Archives (November 2009) resources

128 · Representative Documents: Job Description of Processing Decision Maker
University of Michigan
Head of Archival Processing and Cataloging
major acquisitions involving the subject with which he/she works. Initiates contacts with faculty at
the University of Michigan in subject areas related to their curatorial responsibilities. Keeps
faculty informed of our activities in the area. Offers and gives lectures, tours, and classes in
conjunction with appropriate courses. Offers research support for students and faculty, including
appointments to plan research strategies. Stays aware of changes in research focus in appropriate
areas. Seeks faculty input regarding collecting policy.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
1. Master's degree from an ALA accredited library school.
2. Strong skills in organizing information of all kinds.
3. Three years of professional experience working with manuscripts, archives, photographs, or
other special materials in a research library.
4. Knowledge of modern manuscript and archival theory and practices.
5. Knowledge of MARC formats, particularly AMC.
6. Experience working with rare books, manuscripts, or special collections in transportation
history.
Desirable:
1. Knowledge of AACR2, ISBD punctuation, and Library of Congress subject headings.
2. Working knowledge of one western European language.
3. Experience as a selector, particularly in retrospective buying.
4. Knowledge of the care and preservation of historic materials.
5. Strong oral and written communication skills.
Desirable: Experience in instruction and/or in the provision of reference services. Ability to
interact successfully with a wide variety of people of all ages with varying backgrounds,
expectations, and educational levels.

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Page 7Survey Results click to expand contents

Page 123Representative Documents click to expand contents

Page 125Job Description of Processing Decision Maker click to expand contents

Page 129Job Descriptions of Processing Staff click to expand contents

Page 133Processing Policy click to expand contents

Page 137Processing Procedures Manuals click to expand contents

Page 143Processing Worksheets click to expand contents

Page 151Procedures for Prioritizing Processing click to expand contents

Page 155Collecting Processing Statistics click to expand contents

Page 159Sample Statistics Reports click to expand contents

Page 163Selected Resources click to expand contents

SPEC Kit 314: Processing Decisions for Manuscripts & Archives (November 2009) resources

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