Adult Services Librarian, Archivist Job at The Seattle Public Library in Seattle

Position Description

Adult Services Librarian, Archivist – Special Collections

Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104

Regular, FLSA non‑exempt, full‑time (40 hours per week), fully in‑person. Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hours may include evenings or weekends as needed.

Salary range: $44.92 – $54.46 per hour.

Job Responsibilities

• Physical archival collections: accessions, rehousing, arranging, preserving, documenting, and maintaining statistics.


• Digital archival collections: design and implement digital processing and preservation workflows; assess incoming born‑digital accessions; manage storage and ensure OAIS compliance.


• Archival processing and preservation work, including appraisals, donation guidelines, standards, deaccession, and disposition.


• Develop and maintain workflow documentation and training materials.


• Coordinate with Curators, Digital Projects Librarian, and Information Technology on collection management, digitization, and preservation issues.


• Serve as subject‑matter expert on archival processes across the system and represent the Library in emergency response for historical and cultural materials.


• Lead projects, committees, and work groups as directed; provide outcomes‑based evaluations.


• Advocate for equitable access and cultural humility in collection practices.

Qualifications

• Education: MLS/MLIS from an ALA‑accredited library school, Washington State Librarian Certification, or equivalent master’s degree in Information Science, Archives and Records Administration, etc.


• Proven commitment to public service, exceptional customer service, and strong interpersonal communication.


• Excellent written, verbal, and listening communication skills.


• Leadership: ability to influence, advocate, and collaborate across the organization.


• Technical proficiency: Windows PCs, office productivity applications, library systems, archives information management applications, and digital preservation software.


• Strong commitment to intellectual freedom, race and social justice, and equity in service.


• Project management experience and ability to manage multiple priorities.


• Experience with integrated library systems, catalog databases, streaming media, and electronic resources.


• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.; flexibility, adaptability, resilience under stress.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills; public speaking and formal writing.


• Commitment to continuous learning, racial equity practice, and addressing intersectionality.


• Experience with archival arrangement, description, and metadata standards (e.g., DACS, OAIS).


• Three years of professional experience in a special collections or archives department, including budgeting and collection development.


• Knowledge of digital preservation standards, archival databases (ArchivesSpace), and preservation practices.


• Hands‑on experience with physical, digitized, and born‑digital archives.


• Certification such as ACA or other professional credentials.

Benefits and Salary Information

Salary range: $44.92 – $54.46 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave; medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and dependents. Retirement plan information is available at the City’s website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Seattle Public Library promotes diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The Library adheres to the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights and supports the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.