Consulting Archivist

(July 12, 2023)

Position Title - Consulting Archivist

Supervisor Title (All entry and mid-level position supervisors should be qualified, professional archivists.)- Director of Development

Position Type - Full-time, term

Benefits - No

Hourly wage range - $31 - $35

About the National Book Foundation

The National Book Foundation (NBF) is a leading champion for books and book culture and the administrator of one of the country’s most prestigious literary awards, the National Book Awards. Founded in 1950, the National Book Awards has a stellar record of identifying and rewarding quality writing, and has honored many of the authors who have helped shape the foundation of American literature.

About the Archive

The National Book Foundation archives are an important repository of material related to one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious literary honors. Materials include National Book Awards ephemera such as programs, invitations, promotional materials; transcripts of speeches; photographs (prints and negatives); press; and audio and video recordings. Materials also include print and digital assets of the National Book Foundation, which was established to administer the Awards in the late 1980s, including organizational documents, programmatic materials, and correspondence..

Consulting Archivist Position

The National Book Foundation is looking to contract with a consulting archivist to assess the contents and condition of the National Book Foundation archive, and provide a basic level of processing, in preparation for an expected acquisition.

This is a temporary contract position, with an ideal start date in August 2023. This is a full-time, grant-funded, project-based consulting position with an expected duration from August 2023 to approximately June 2024 (exact schedule to be determined collaboratively). The position will be based at the offices of the National Book Foundation in lower Manhattan, with the requirement to travel to an offsite storage facility in New Jersey, and other local travel as needed.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The National Book Foundation is committed to inclusivity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, marital status, parental status, military service, or disability.

Deliverables include:

A comprehensive survey of the analog and digital contents of the National Book Foundation archive

A comprehensive historical timeline of the National Book Awards/National Book Foundation

Report on the contents and condition of the archive that would include: an inventory and collection guide, and proposed processing and digitization priorities (in collaboration with NBF staff)

Curate (in collaboration with NBF staff) a selection of approximately 20-25 items that would be of particular interest to readers for a mini-exhibit

Author/estate outreach for permissions as needed

Development of guidelines for NBF staff for the creation and retention of archive materials as well as the destruction of materials

Interaction with Archive Committee and NBF Board as required

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

ALA-accredited Masters degree in Library Science, or equivalent professional experience in the archival field

5+ years of professional experience as an archivist in the art/cultural field, preferably literary arts

Proficiency with archival content management systems and database management

Experience with both analog and digital archives and understanding of digital best practice standards

Demonstrated experience in the literary sphere and appreciation of literature

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Additional Skills

Desire and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment

Strong organizational and analytical skills

Attention to detail and superior problem-solving skills

Ability to work independently, prioritize work assignments across multiple projects and/or activities, and manage multiple deadlines

Additional Information

This is a physically active job that requires the ability to push, lift and shelve boxes of records up to 30lbs, bending and kneeling and using step ladders.

Ability to remain stationary for extended periods of time, operating computers and scanning equipment.

Compensation:

This is a contracted, hourly full-time position based in New York City. Salary range is $30-36/hour, depending on experience.

https://www.nationalbook.org/about-us/careers/

Please send resume and cover letter as a single pdf to jobs@nationalbook.org with the subject line Consulting Archivist. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Position begins in August/September 2023. No phone calls.