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 and collaboratively 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. Processing Archivists contribute to the Library’s work to accession, arrange, describe, preserve, and provide access to archival material in all formats. In collaboration with their colleagues, the Processing Archivists will 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!
Essential areas of responsibility
Collection Processing
Arrange, describe, and preservein 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, clean-up 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 the appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation principles and standards, such as DACS, EAD and Dublin Core, as applied in established archives and for archival collections in a variety of formats including physical, born‑digital and hybrid.
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 Archives Space
Knowledge of data manipulation programs, such as Open Refine and Excel; comfort with working with large amounts of human generated metadata for ingest into content management systems
Experience planning and managing projects, from conceptualization 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.
We anticipatefilling 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 and ranking structure, an Assistant Archivist would typically include individuals who have up to three years of relevant experience in a professional librarian/archivist appointment.
Benefits: 22 vacation days
13 paid holidays
Health insurance
Life insurance
University retirement contributions
Childcare and adoption assistance
Child tuition reimbursement
Funding is available to support professional training and research.
Relocation assistance may be provided.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Cornell University is an innovative institution and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff imparts an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contributes creative ideas to further the University's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca, New York sits on 2,300 acres in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Ithaca offers a wealth of arts, culture, and outdoor activities while maintaining an eclectic college‑town feel. The city has been named one of the top 100 places to live, a top 10 recreation city, a best green place to live, and one of the "foodiest" towns in America. Cornell's global presence includes the Weill Cornell medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
