Processing Archivist (2 Positions) - Cornell University Library Job at Cornell U

Overview

Cornell University Library invites two professionals to join us as Processing Archivists. One position is located within the Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives, and the other within Archival Technical Services (ATS), serving the Rare & Manuscript Collections (RMC).

We are looking for colleagues who understand the key role technical services play in the discoverability and use of archives by diverse research communities. While we want you to have some processing knowledge and skills, it is also important that you bring a curiosity about technical standards and tools and a commitment to evolving practice.

The Processing Archivists work collegially within the Library to ensure excellence and integrity in its collections, services, and programs, and across the Library and the University to promote its mission and values. They contribute to accession, arrange, describe, preserve, and provide access to archival material in all formats, plan and manage projects, supervise student workers, coordinate with donors, and ensure timely access to archival materials accessioned by Cornell’s special collections repositories. If you’re excited about processing archival materials, improving metadata, and making collections discoverable for all users, we’d love to hear from you.

Librarians at Cornell University hold academic appointments as Research, Teaching, and Extension faculty and must meet library requirements for promotion and reappointment.

Responsibilities

• Collection Processing
• Arrange, describe, and preserve in all formats, sizes, and levels of complexity.
• Apply archival judgment and standards such as DACS, EAD, and Dublin Core.
• Collaborate on accession workflows and conservation needs.
• Enhance discoverability through surveys, cleanup projects, and workflow innovation.

• Archival Support
• Support documentation, decision-making, and space planning efforts.
• Manage archival supplies and workspaces.
• Conduct scholarship and contribute to publications, standards, policies, and professional forums.
• Engage in service to the profession nationally, regionally, and locally.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in library and/or information science from an ALA-accredited institution, or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline with a concentration in archives management, or equivalent combination of advanced degree and related experience.
• Up to 3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation principles and standards such as DACS, EAD, and Dublin Core, as applied to physical, born-digital, and hybrid formats.
• Awareness of inclusive archival description and representation.
• A commitment to diversity, growth, and dynamic environments.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs., climb ladders, and work with dusty materials.

Additionally, we’d prefer

• Experience with ArchivesSpace
• Knowledge of data manipulation programs such as OpenRefine and Excel; comfort with large amounts of metadata for ingest into CMS
• Experience planning and managing projects from concept to completion
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate in a team environment

Work location

This position is located in Ithaca, New York, with the potential to enter into a flexible work arrangement consistent with university policies. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate a work arrangement at any time.

How to Apply

All candidates must apply online via the Cornell Careers site. Candidates are encouraged to express preference for a specific role but will be considered for both. For full consideration, please include the following with your application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a viable pool of applicants is identified; early submission is strongly encouraged. Although we prefer a single, multi-page PDF document, we will accept multiple documents in other formats.

We anticipate filling these positions at the academic rank of Assistant Archivist. The anticipated salary range is $67,500-$77,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Based on Cornell’s internal procedures, an Assistant Archivist would typically include individuals with up to three years of relevant experience in a professional librarian/archivist appointment.

Benefits and Notices

Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes 22 vacation days, 13 paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, university retirement contributions, childcare and adoption assistance, and child tuition reimbursement. Funding is available to support professional training and research.

Relocation and visa: Relocation assistance may be provided. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and embraces a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities. We hire based on merit and encourage historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. We comply with applicable equal employment opportunity laws and affirmative action policies.

Job posting date: 2025-09-18