Processing Assistant

🔍 Hoover Institution, Stanford, California, United States

📁: Library

📅   : Oct 08, 2024 Post Date

📅   : 104867 Requisition #

The Hoover Institution Library & Archives (HILA) at Stanford University is hiring a Processing Assistant. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to implement the processes by which incoming collection materials in all formats are efficiently managed to facilitate rapid researcher access and digitization. We are looking for candidates who thrive in a collaborative work environment and are enthusiastic about experiencing innovative collection management workflows implemented at a large scale.

A cover letter and resume are required for full consideration. This is an on-site role based in Stanford, CA.

About Stanford University’s Hoover Institution: The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs.
Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover before he became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution began as a repository of historical material gathered at the end of World War I. The library and archives have grown to be among the largest private repositories of documents on twentieth-century political and economic history. Over time the Institution expanded its mission from collecting archival material to conducting advanced research on contemporary history and economics and applying this scholarship to current public policy challenges.

With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.

This position is a 12-month fixed-term with possibility of renewal.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Processing Assistant will work directly with incoming collections, supporting the efficient review, physical stabilization, and documentation of archival materials to facilitate rapid researcher access and digitization. Reporting to the Acquisitions & Appraisal Archivist and situated within the Description department, the Processing Assistant will be part of a dynamic team focused on streamlining the management of the 1,000 linear feet of materials that HILA receives on average every year. Key responsibilities include supporting the tracking and documentation of incoming materials, rehousing a variety of formats including paper documents, photographic materials, and audiovisual materials while adhering to proper handling and archival housing standards and maintaining accurate holdings data. This position offers a unique opportunity to experience innovative collection management workflows implemented at a large scale in a fast-paced and agile environment, while also contributing to the mass digitization of L&A’s unique primary source materials.

CORE DUTIES*:

- Compile basic container lists or indexes of archival materials
- Perform routine physical processing or rehousing of archival materials for patron use
- Perform routine data entry and verify accuracy
- Collect and maintain archives statistics; may produce reports for management
- May perform routine circulation functions
- May provide basic reference assistance
- May be responsible for opening and closing activities, e.g. the stabilization lab

ADDITIONAL CORE DUTIES*:

- Work closely with preservation specialists to conduct preservation assessments to determine appropriate treatment and storage needs.
- Support large-scale digitization through efficient intake and physical stabilization work and by creating standardized documentation of incoming materials in collections management software.
- May assist with reading room operations, staff the reference desk, and enforce reading room rules and security.

* The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Two-year college degree plus one or more years of experience in an academic library, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Demonstrated organizational skills
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to understand and communicate library policy
- Ability to apply judgment in choosing procedures and evaluating alternatives
- Demonstrated ability to perform detailed tasks accurately and efficiently
- Demonstrated computer literacy with word processing, spreadsheets, and communication software such as email
- Ability to learn library operational skills

Desired/Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Experience using library automated systems (e.g., Aeon, ArchivesSpace)
- Knowledge of Library of Congress call number systems or another classification system
- Basic knowledge of computer and photocopy/scanning equipment technology and/or other software for reproduction of primary source materials

Certifications and Licenses:

- None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

- Constantly sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.
- Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
- Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand.
- Rarely use a telephone, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), operate hand controls.
- Must be able to push and maneuver a fully-loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 70 pounds.

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

- May work in confined spaces and at heights 4–10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold;
- May require some evening and weekend work across multiple time zones in support of the project.

The expected pay range for this position is $26.73-$34.94 per hour.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

WORK STANDARDS:

- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients as well as with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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