What are the responsibilities and job description for the LGBT History Project Collections and Outreach Associate position at Dickinson College?
Posting Information
Job Summary / Basic Function The part-time LGBT History Project Collections and Outreach Associate collaborates with the Special Collections Librarian and the LGBT History Project Chair in managing the LGBT History Project collections and making those materials accessible to a wide audience.
The primary responsibility of the Collections and Outreach Associate will be to organize and catalog donations. The Associate will also scan or digitally photograph selected items and upload them to a digital archives. In addition, they will help to coordinate outreach activities, conduct research to assist the History Project team and the general public, and transcribe oral history interviews.
Work entails well-defined procedures, and all necessary training is provided. Skills developed will be applied and assessed immediately. Opportunities for professional development are available.
Essential Functions :
- Organizes and catalogs donations of documents, photographs, scrapbooks, and artifacts / objects (such as t-shirts, buttons, and banners). Stores physical donations in archival quality folders and boxes for long-term preservation. Saves digital donations, (such as pdf documents, digital photographs, and digital video files), to dedicated server space. Follows existing local standards for organization and preservation work.
- Scans or digitally photographs paper documents, print photographs, scrapbooks, and artifacts / objects. Uploads scans / digital photographs to a digital archives website for public use. Writes descriptions for and assigns subject terms for posted items to assist patrons in finding and making use of items in the digital archives.
- Assists in creating exhibits by conducting research using the LGBT History Project collection. Identifies a story to tell in consultation with Special Collections Librarian and LGBT History Project Chair and chooses documents, images, and objects to display in order to tell that story. Writes exhibit labels for a general audience that convey a story and describe the documents, images, and objects on display. Assists with the layout and setup of long-term or pop-up physical exhibits.
- Assists with outreach by drafting text and selecting images for a member of the History Project team to post on social media accounts. Will have the opportunity to assist with other publicity efforts by drafting text and choosing images for email distribution, newsletters, flyers, posters, or releases to the media. Assist with planning events such as receptions, pop-up exhibits, panel discussions, and workshops in collaboration with Special Collections Librarian, LGBT History Project Chair, and volunteers / employees of the LGBT Center of Central PA. Will have the opportunity to represent the LGBT History Project at events, meetings, or conferences in Central PA as scheduling permits.
- Transcribes oral history interviews with current or former residents of Central PA who volunteer to share their stories. Will have the opportunity to conduct interviews with all training and equipment provided.
- Assists in responding to requests about the History Project collections. Request might come from general public (local and global); volunteers / employees of the LGBT Center; and Dickinson College students, faculty, and administrators.
Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree
Organizing files / documents and information in physical and / or digital format. Scanning documents, editing the resulting digital images, and describing or cataloging those digital images to aid in discovery / use. Knowledge of / education in LGBTQ history, American history, the social sciences, or public history. Experience editing digital photos and / or video. A valid Driver's Licence is required. Employees (operators) must have been in possession of a valid operator’s license for not less than three (3) years and the license must have been in good standing without interruption during that time period. No Successful candidate will also be required to complete ACT 153 Clearance No This position is considered "Emergency Staff." As such they may be required to report to work even when the college is closed or is operating under a delayed start. No Physical Demands Work Schedule Advertised Work Schedule Number of hours / day Number of hours / week 20-25 Proposed Start Date Posting Detail Information Posting Date 02 / 12 / 2025 Open Until Filled Yes Closing Date Application Review Begin Date 02 / 21 / 2025 Is this a Temporary Position? Yes Full-Time / Part-Time Part Time If Full-Time, please specify Not Applicable If Part-Time, please specify Other EEO / Diversity Statement The College is committed to building a representative and diverse faculty, administrative staff, and student body. We encourage applications from all qualified persons.
