Processing Assistants at The Bentley Historical Library

The Bentley Historical Library is looking for a motivated undergraduate or graduate student to assist with processing archival collections.

Reporting to the Archivist for Archival Processing (AAP), the Processing Assistant is primarily responsible for assisting the AAP with processing multifaceted collections using nationally and locally developed best practices, workflows, and tools. The Processing Assistant may also participate in other projects, such as facilitating the transfer of materials between Bentley buildings.

Position Responsibilities:

• Helps appraise, arrange, describe, and preserve Michigan Historical Collections and University Archives material in diverse physical and born-digital formats. This is accomplished using tools like ArchivesSpace; nationally-accepted best practices and standards, such as DACS; and locally-developed policies.
• Using digital forensics techniques and tools, such as FTK Imager, to transfer content off of different kinds of removable media, such as floppy, optical, and zip disks.
• Helps update EAD finding aids and MARC records.
• Performs collections management activities such as labeling boxes with collection and location labels, populating donor files with relevant documentation, facilitating the disposition of separated material, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned, such as facilitating the transfer of materials between Bentley buildings

School of Information students are highly encouraged to apply.

Pay: $15/hour for Undergraduates and $17/hour for Graduate students

• Availability to work within a Monday-Friday schedule, between the hours of 9 am-5 pm.
• Ability to safely move up to 30-40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodations, using proper lifting techniques, and to ascend or descend ladders and/or stairs as needed.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience using databases.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office / Google Docs Editors.

Possible other experiences/classes that would be helpful in this role, but not required:

• Practical and/or educational experience in library and archival science.
• Completion of SI 580, “Understanding Records and Archives: Principles and Practices.”
• Completion of SI 667, “Foundations of Digital Curation.”
• Comfort with the command line.
• Knowledge of ArchivesSpace or other collections management systems.