What are the responsibilities and job description for the Archivist - Public Library position at Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson...?
Position Description
The Archivist oversees and participates in the maintenance of various types of records and documents related to the acquisition, restoration, indexing, and storage of records, documents, newspapers, photographs, audio, video, and other valuable or historically significant materials concerning the history of Metro Nashville and Davidson County. Establishes and maintains a records management system and performs administrative and supervisory duties.
A city with a great library is a great city, and that’s very true for Nashville. With nearly three million visits per year — and a collection of almost two million items — Nashville Public Library (NPL) is Music City’s gateway to lifelong learning, growth, and community connection. Our one-of-a-kind Civil Rights Room and Votes for Women Room bring visitors together to explore the history of civil rights and plot a course for our shared future. Our lauded Wishing Chair Productions puppet shows and story times delight audiences of all ages with stories that make them laugh, love, and grow. Meanwhile, initiatives like Studio NPL, Bringing Books to Life, Seed Exchange, Be Well at NPL, and Digital Inclusion connect Nashvillians with resources from across our 21-location system to learn new skills, enrich their quality of life, and forge long-lasting friendships. If you have a passion for helping people, love books and learning, and desire to be part of a team that does transformative work every day, then NPL just might be the place for you.
Typical Duties
- Collects and evaluates public records and documents of historical interest.
- Supervises library archives staff and volunteers.
- Assigns work, approves leave, and evaluates the performance of archives staff.
- Directs cataloging of documents and materials.
- Oversees the creation, development and deployment of Archives exhibits.
- Communicates with other Metro departments to provide information and guidance on the retention of Metro records.
- Oversees and participates in organization, filing, indexing, and cross-indexing of documents, photographs, microfilm/microfiche, tape recordings, newspapers, and other collections.
- Appraises collections for retention, evaluates records to determine need for retention or destruction.
- Evaluates collections submitted by potential donors.
- Oversees the Audiovisual Heritage Center at NPL to ensure effective digital conversion and preservation.
- Coordinates preparation of document descriptions and other types of reference aids.
- Maintains organization of storage facilities.
- Coordinates acquisition and destruction of Metro Government records in conjunction with the Metro Records Center Manager.
- Prepares and delivers presentations to various audiences.
- Prepares monthly reports, participates in budget planning and administration of budget.
Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Master's Degree in Library Science, Archives Management, Records Management, History, or a related field from an accredited college or university, plus five (5) years experience in records management, archival or library work, genealogy, or related, including two (2) years supervisory experience
OR
Bachelor's Degree in Library Science, Records Management, Archives Management, History, or a related field from an accredited college or university, plus seven (7) years experience in records management, archival or library work, genealogy, or related, including two (2) years supervisory experience.
REQUIRED LICENSES:
A valid Driver's License may be required for this classification.
Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.
Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.
Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Experience supervising an archives team
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws concerning records retention and disposing
- Bilingual language skills
We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.
Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.
Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640
Full-time, Civil Service positions -
10 Vacation Days per year (increasing after 5 years of service)
1 Sick Day per month
12 Paid Holidays per year
Public Safety - Sworn and Civilian positions -
20 vacation days per year
3 Personal days per year
1 Sick Day per month
12 paid holidays per year
Part-time, Non Civil Service positions - Visit HR and Benefits webpages for more information.
Full-time, Non Civil Service positions - contact hiring department for benefits information
Seasonal/Temporary positions - no benefits offered.
