Library Paraprofessional - Special Collections

Company: Utah Tech University

Job Location:

Category: Libraries

Type: Full-Time

Salary: $41,000.00 - $44,000.00 Annually

Location: St. George 84770, UT

Job Type: Full-Time Staff

Job Number: 26CLS992-1

Division: Library

Department: Library

Opening Date: 07/18/2025

Closing Date: 8/24/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

Position Announcement

The Special Collections Paraprofessional is an integral team member in the Special Collections and Archives, responsible for project and record management, processing, digitization, reference, and cataloging. This position reports to the Librarian - Head of Special Collections and Archives. Additional information about the Library and Special collections can be found online at https://library.utahtech.edu/.

Responsibilities

• Oral History Project Management:
• Lead the successful completion of oral histories, including transcribing, reviewing, indexing, cataloging, and providing online access, using digital collection software (OHMS and Omeka).
• Maintain oral history project workflow and project management tracker. Oversee student workers and volunteers working on oral history projects.
• Digital Conversion:
• Coordinate the in-house digitization of archival materials and collections, including image capture, scanning, and digital conversion of audiovisual media, following accepted preservation and access guidelines and standards.
• Update and document digitization instructions and workflows. Quality control check digitization work completed by other staff.
• Digitize magnetic tape audio including cassette and reel to reel.
• Prepare digitized files for digital collections. Post process clean up, combine audio files as needed, and export to compressed files for online distribution.
• Collection Description:
• Create descriptive and technical metadata for digitized collections using spreadsheets for ingestion into OHMS and Omeka, using Dublin Core and XML.
• Create finding aids in Archives Space.
• Create baby-bibliographic records for Special Collections acquisitions.
• Work with the Head of Special Collections and Archives, to develop long-range planning efforts, including ensuring racially and culturally sensitive language in new archival description, establishing policies and workflows for description, and proposing solutions to achieve accurate and consistent metadata.
• Collection Management & Organization:
• Accession archives acquisitions according to established procedures, including procuring deeds of gift, creating accession records, and ensuring all accessioned materials receive appropriate housing and tracked locations.
• Processes archival collections in all formats following department standards, including arranging, rehousing, and describing materials consistently using DACS-compliant description, archival theory, and local documentation.
• Conduct annual inventory of Special Collections holdings and maintain a clean storage space for long-term access and preservation.
• Research Assistance:
• Provide reference services to researchers in Special Collections and Archives, over the telephone, and through email and chat.
• Make reference reproductions for researchers.
• Advise researchers on and supervise proper handling of SC&A materials.
• Administrative:
• Participate in the ongoing assessment and updating of Special Collections and Archives procedures, forms, and workflows in collaboration with other SC&A faculty/staff.
• Assist with data collection for and revision of annual report.
• Train and/or supervise SC&A student employees and volunteers.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required. An equivalent combination of post-secondary education and library experience will also be considered.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new programs quickly.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Strong organizational skills, as well as effective interpersonal, collegial and communication / presentation skills (both oral and written).
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment, handle multiple priorities, and accept new challenges in order to realize departmental and library goals.
• Experience with a digital repository, digitization processes, and standards preferred.
• Knowledge of archival description and arrangement preferred.
• Familiarity with Dublin Core, MARC, LCSH, and XML preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Supplemental Information

POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Full-time non-exempt staff (overtime-eligible) position. Annual salary of $41,000-$44,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Desired start date of September/October 2025. Excellent benefits package included that begins on start date; includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, employee assistance and wellness programs, retirement plan contributions, and undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents, as well as paid holidays in addition to sick and vacation leave accruals. See https://humanresources.utahtech.edu/employee-benefits/ under "Benefits Summary" for more details.

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Application review begins August 25, 2025. Submit application materials (including resume contents and contact information for three professional references) and upload a cover letter electronically. If, because of a disability, you need special services or facilities to apply for this opening, please call the Human Resources Office at (435) 652-7520.