This position is located in the Archive of Folk Culture, American Folklife Center, Special Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collections Services.
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to lead a team. ** Knowledge of archival processing and documentation practices. ** Knowledge of archival best practices and procedures for the lifecycle management of digital collection materials. ** Ability to provide consultation or liaison duties. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
The position serves as a Lead Archivist for Collections Access and is located in the American Folklife Center (AFC), Special Collections Directorate (SCD), Researcher and Collections Services (RCS) within the Library Collections Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress. The position reports directly to the AFC Archives Director and is responsible for leading the day-to-day activities of the digital processing and access team, monitoring the processing of incoming digital collections of multi-format ethnographic materials from public collecting projects, organizations, and individuals. The incumbent also plays a leadership role in the overall workflow development of the digital archives program, coordinates the work of those working in the team, helps develop tools for improved efficiency in processing digital collections and increased access to collection content, and oversees digital access planning for both publicly accessible and rights-restricted collections. Provides leadership to employees who perform work up to the GS-12 grade level. Articulates and communicates to the team the priorities, assignments, projects, problems to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion. Identifies, distributes, and balances workload and tasks among employees in accordance with established workflow, skill level, and/or occupational specialization. Adjusts workloads in accordance with established priorities to ensure timely accomplishment of assigned team tasks; and ensures each employee has an integral role in developing the final team product. Monitors and reports on the status and progress of work, checking on work in progress and reviewing completed work to see that the team’s supervisor's instructions on work priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality have been met. Prepares reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and administrative information, as required, and coordinates the preparation, presentation, and communication of work-related information to the supervisor. Estimates and reports to the team on progress in meeting established milestones and deadlines for completion of assignments, projects, and tasks. Ensures all team members are aware of and participate in planning for achievement of team goals and objectives. Plans for all phases of an archival processing project and assumes primary responsibility for the analysis, development, and completion of projects involving physical and born digital collections. Performs analysis of the documentation systems and practices of the originating agency, organization, or individual whose materials are being processed. Authors processing plans that comply with AFC work processes and use of Library technical infrastructure for processing and storing digital collections content. Performs extensive research in published sources to fill in gaps in the available information relating to the subject matter of the records to be archived. Evaluates the significance of archival material in its historical context and uses this evaluation in creating an authoritative plan of arrangement and description. Exercises initiative on special assignments relating to areas of expertise, including archival management and advanced fields of academic study. Identifies and locates obscure but potentially vital documentary evidence to support the project. Develops and maintains professional standing with colleagues in related academic fields and library and archival management positions to promote the agency’s mission and contribution to the field of archival management. The incumbent also develops and maintains relationship with officials in Congress and government agencies, and with researchers and the public to promote the agency in the field of archival management and the fulfilment of the agency’s mission. Works with other staff in the Division and the Library to improve archival techniques and knowledge of archival procedures. Works closely with AFC Archives Director and AFC Head of Collections Processing to plan upcoming processing and access agenda for Division. Coordinates as necessary with collection curators and staff in other divisions relating to the transmission, handling, description, and storage of division material housed off-site or transferred elsewhere. Recommends developments to strengthen the Library’s archival holdings, special collections, and electronic resources. Performs various other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 463715. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.