Archival Processor

We are hiring 3 Archival Processors. Two (2) hires will be 3-year TERM appointments.  One (1) hire will be offered a regular (non-term) employee position.

About the Cornell University Library
With welcoming spaces, expansive collections, and innovative services across our libraries on campus, Cornell University Library is a unified community empowering academic achievement and intellectual exploration at Cornell and beyond.

The Opportunity
Under the general direction of the Director for Archival Technical Services, the Collections Assistant facilitates access to new and backlog archival and manuscript collections in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections (RMC). This position focuses on the arrangement and description of archival collections in all types and formats, preparing detailed finding aids in ArchivesSpace using Describing Archives: a Content Standard (DACS). This position also participates in unit?s and RMC?s initiatives to support teaching, patron requests, preparation for digitization and exhibitions; and may facilitate patron use of the collections by carrying out other tasks as assigned, based on departmental needs.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

The Archival Processor Role?s Annual Time and Responsibility Breakdown

• Collection Processing and ArchivesSpace Data Management (80%)
• Collection Intake, Pre?Processing, and Compliance Assessment (15%)
• Other position responsibilities (5%)

Core Hours and Location
The Archival Processor roles are based in the Carl A. Kroch Library and performed on-site Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:30PM. There is some flexibility on start and end times, to be determined by your supervisor.

All three (3) positions are full-time and benefits-eligible.

Two (2) positions will be hired as three-year term appointments.

One (1) position will be hired as a regular employee.

Success Factors

You will be considered competitive for this role if you demonstrate:

Archival Processing Experience and Interest

• Experience with archival processing, or direct exposure to archival work that confirms you understand and enjoy working with analog, digital, or hybrid collections.
• Familiarity with archival principles such as arrangement, description, and ability to assess compliance with professional descriptive standards, FERPA, NAGPRA, copyright, privacy and confidentiality or conservation concerns, including working within established standards and processes to ensure collections are organized and documented consistently and are understandable to others.

Attention to Detail and Structured Work

• Strong accuracy and consistency when working with detailed records, metadata, and collection materials.
• Ability to follow established standards and documentation practices to ensure work is clear, trackable, and usable by others.

Independent Work with Good Judgment

• Ability to manage assigned work independently while knowing when to ask questions rather than making assumptions.
• Sound judgment in handling materials and adhering to established processes and team practices.

Adaptability and Team Contribution

• Flexibility in navigating changing tools, workflows, and priorities.
• Collaborative mindset with a willingness to contribute to a supportive, low-drama team environment.

What We Need

• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• Bachelor?s degree and up to 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• General understanding of the principles of arrangement and description of archival collections and digital preservation best practices.
• Demonstrated moderate computer skills (standard office software packages, database searching, command line file manipulation or similar).
• Ability to perform detailed work with high degree of accuracy and high productivity in a setting of frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work independently with general supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to work with dusty materials on a regular basis.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it?s ok if you don?t.

• Familiarity with archival or library cataloging rules, standards, and best practices, including those for rare materials.
• Working knowledge of one or more foreign languages.

Rewards and Benefits
Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell

Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title: Collections Asst IV

Job Family: Library/Museum

Level: D

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Pay Range: $26.00 - $28.65