Digital Preservation Archivist
(Full-time, hourly, non-exempt, on site)
Temporary 21-month grant-funded position
Salary $16.83 to $19.23 per hour
The Brooke County Library Foundation (Foundation) holds one of the largest collections of artifacts devoted to the start of World War II in the Pacific. Known as the Defenders of the Philippines 1941-1945 Special Collection it has been in existence since 2002. The collection has a worldwide following and has been referenced by the History Channel, Department of Defense, and West Virginia Humanities Council, museums in Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan and museums in the United States. The collection has been used by seventeen authors who have written books on specific POWs and events surrounding the imprisonment of Americans by the Japanese after the fall of the Philippines.
Recently, the Foundation has been contacted by museums in Japan to provide information regarding the Death March, Hellships and the start of World War II. In the next two years we will collaborate with museums in the United States and Japan commemorating the end of World War II.
The Brooke County Library Foundation seeks a Digital Preservation Archivist to assist in the preservation of the Defenders of the Philippine Collection 1941-1945 at the National American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Museum, Education and Research Center located in the Brooke County Public Library, Wellsburg, West Virginia.
The goal of the preservation project is to digitize 57,000 photographs and documents and make these documents and photographs available online for use by students, scholars, and the general public. This was the charge given to the museum by its founders in 2002—who were former POWs held by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945.
In addition to digitization the Digital Preservation Archivist will be involved in all aspects of the operation of the museum and be willing to assist patrons, POW descendants and the general public in providing information on POWs, giving tours and, making presentations.
This is a temporary grant funded 21-month position. There are no benefits. Compensation range is $16.83 to $19.23 per hour based on prior experience. Hours are 8:30 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday, weekends and evenings as required. One week vacation, two personal days, ½ hour for lunch. No paid sick time. This is an on-site position.
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is October 31, 2024 via US Mail or emailed to jim.brockman@mail.nln.lib.wv.us
The expected hire date is January 6, 2025
Reporting Structure
The Digital Preservation Archivist will report to the Executive Director of the Museum.
Work Environment
The Digital Preservation Archivist interacts with Executive Director daily and library staff periodically. Sitting in front of a computer working with scanners, tools, display cases artifacts and archived materials. On occasion we will go to donors’ sites to pick up boxes of materials and artifacts. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. and will include working with display materials including glues, various storage boxes and preservation materials. Normal daily dress is business casual. During events and visits by officials and dignitaries from other countries and cultural organizations, formal business attire is required.
Essential Job Functions 60%
The Digital Preservation Archivist will assist in the supervision of the interns from three local universities.
The Digital Preservation Archivist will handle all issues with the acquisition of artifacts and the preservation thereof.
The Digital Preservation Archivist will be sensitive to the feelings of descendants of the POWs and be aware of their needs at all times both onsite and online.
The Digital Preservation Archivist will consult with our scholar / advisors on what is to be digitized and how it is to be preserved.
The Digital Preservation Archivist is required to have experience with PastPerfect and other preservation platforms such as Preservica.
The Digital Preservation Archivist is required to have a working knowledge of library catalog procedures.
The Digital Preservation Archivist will write metadata for all artifacts uploaded to PastPerfect.
The Digital Preservation Archivist will answer all requests for research from authors, scholars and descendants timely and accurately.
The Digital Preservation Archivist will have knowledge and /or experience in grant writing at the local, state, and federal levels.
The Digital Preservation Archivist will have a strong background in historical research.
The Digital Preservation Archivist will develop PowerPoint presentations on the museum and topics relating to the collection.
The Digital Preservation Archivist will ensure that high standards of quality control are met when scanning and uploading to PastPerfect.
Operational Support 20%
The Digital Preservation Archivist will provide support to the operation of the museum as needed. This will also include maintaining records for submission to grantors and the development of an Annual Report. Administrative duties are assigned in support of the Executive Director.
Museum Operations 20%
The Digital Preservation Archivist will assist the Executive Director in event planning, marketing and event presentations.
Additional requirements of the position
There is a 90 day probation period.
A driver’s license and reliable transportation is required.
A background check is required including child abuse.
Must be willing travel outside the United States and have a valid passport.
Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
The ADBC Museum follows the library holiday closure and changes schedule.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a Master of Arts in History or Library Science from an accredited university and have a minimum of one to two years of working experience in archives and / or special collections, libraries or other heritage organizations with a concentration in managing archival and or museum collections.
Applications must have the following experience:
- · Experience in the preservation of artifacts including paper, photographs and 3-D objects.
- · Experience with digitization initiatives and digital project management.
- · Working knowledge of standards related to electronic records, digital objects and metadata and knowledge of various digital content formats and standards.
- · Knowledge of copyright, patron and donor privacy, as they apply to Museum materials.
- · Cultural competency and interest in participating in discussions and initiatives that reflect the ADBC Museum’s commitment to collaborations with museums worldwide.
- · Experience in making presentations to patrons, school groups, veterans and others both on site and off site.
- · A working knowledge of World War II and the start of the war in the Pacific.
- · Must have a working knowledge of Japanese and the Philippine cultures.
- · Must have a working knowledge of social media platforms such as Engage by Cell and Facebook.
- · Must be proficient in all Microsoft suite applications.
- · Must be proficient in Adobe suite applications.
Interview Requirements
A writing sample along with CV/ resume, transcripts, references and cover letter are required at the time of submission. Deadline for submission is October 31, 2024. Applicants will be required to make a presentation of ten to fifteen minutes in length at the time of the interview based on a topic chosen by the ADBC board. The interview process will consist of two interviews, an initial interview with the Executive Director and a second before several board members and the board president. Interviews will start December 2, 2024. Candidates will be notified by November 16, 2024 if selected for interview. Hire date is January 6, 2025.
EOE Statement
The Brooke County Library Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All applications will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Small Museum Association