Librarian & Archivist – Collections and Metadata Specialist

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The Stearns County Historical Society (d.b.a.) Stearns History Museum is a place to learn, discover and discuss history. The Museum is connected to our community through public programs, publications and professional association. We are stewards of stories and protectors of the artifacts and archives that tell those stories. We engage audiences of all ages and welcome all to visit, learn, and explore.

Our museum galleries and research center are open 5 days per week. We operate year round. Programs are offered throughout the community as well as in the Museum building. The Museum presents exhibits, programs and activities that educate, entertain, and inspire participants. The Stearns History Museum is the anchor of the City of St. Cloud’s Heritage Park, a 80-acre nature park with walking trails, abundant wildlife, and a skateboard park. There truly is something for everyone.

Position Details

The Archives at the Stearns History Museum are known professionally and by patrons as one of the best in the state of Minnesota. A team of professional, friendly staff offer guests an excellent experience from entrance until their research questions are answered or redirected.

The Archivist is a key member of the leadership team at the Stearns History Museum. The Archivist is responsible for all administration of the Museum’s archives. This position is responsible for management of the library’s digital resources and data. The Archivist shall lead the development of tools that provide access to potential patrons anywhere in the world. As a member of the leadership team, the Archivist is responsible for providing content research and to assure that all programs offered to patrons are of the highest quality research. This position provides research and collections management expertise for the Research Center’s library and archival collections. This includes the electronic resources and digital collections.

Collections Management

• Facilitates public access to and physical maintenance of the archival collections by ensuring they are properly cataloged, indexed, and stored
• Accepts and accessions donated or purchased archival collections according to the needs and policies of the Stearns History Museum
• Accepts curatorial donations according to the needs and policies of the Museum when Curator is not available
• Recommends for removal and deaccessions approved items
• Is responsible for creating and uploading of metadata and digital objects into the Stearns History Museum’s archives management catalog and other asset management platforms
• Ensure electronic resource accessibility, functionality and reliability
• Assist with the coordination of e-resources, digital data and projects.

Administrative Duties

Develops policies and procedures in collaboration with colleagues and staff regarding archive and library operations and general museum operations

• Assures archival and library correspondence is answered
• Prepares and monitors Research Center/Archives budget
• Writes grant content for the Research Center/Archives
• Develops and implements work plans as based upon the Museum’s strategic plan
• Advises and informs the Executive Director of archival related issues, written policies, plans, and procedures, security, disaster recovery plans, and collection growth
• Supervises the maintenance of the Research Center/Archives and makes recommendations to Executive Director relating to security, safety, appearance, physical maintenance, and general upkeep
• Purchase of research/archival materials and supplies required for maintenance, preservation, and development of the Research Center/Archives
• Works closely with Museum staff and software contractors providing access, troubleshooting problems, and providing usage data for our collections.
• Communicates with donors and potential donors regarding collections procurement procedures
• Provides excellent customer service

Museum Duties

• Write materials for social media, website, SHM publications, exhibits and local partners’ publications as appropriate and directed by the Executive Director
• Participates in project work groups according to Museum needs (example: exhibit content research)
• Member and staff leader of Collections Committee
• Recruit, train and supervise project staff; volunteers and interns in the following areas: archival processing, arrangement, cataloging, indexing, description, and conservation
• Attend museum-wide special events and programs as requested

Other Duties

• Responsible for special projects and other duties as assigned
• Serves on professional committees as a Museum representative to share expertise and experience with others
• Stays abreast of developments in the field and is engaged in personal professional development

Required Qualifications

• Masters Degree with 3-5 years of experience or a Bachelors degree in history, museum studies, or library sciences or related field with 6+ years of experience in a humanities-oriented cultural facility
• Excellent writing, speaking, project management and interpersonal skills
• Must have valid driver license, reliable vehicle and be willing to travel within the county
• Must be available and willing to work weekends
• Knowledge of organizing and cataloging objects in a collection
• Knowledgeable about conservation methods, materials, and resources for objects
• Research skills
• Supervise and work successfully with volunteers and staff
• Attention to detail, high level of accuracy, and ability to perform work in a timely and accurate manner
• Knowledge of trends in library and archives
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and skills
• Ability to act independently as well as in a collaborative environment
• Must be able to pass a background check

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities

• Experience with any/all of the following: completing batch processes, and best practices in data management
• An interest in or passion for history
• Experience and/or coursework in reference service
• Experience in technology project management
• Demonstrated organizational, assessment, project management, process improvement, and problem solving skills
• 2+ years of digital project and/or metadata work in an academic, special, or research library (or closely related institution)
• Demonstrated experience with e-resource management and troubleshooting processes.
• Knowledge of accepted national cataloging and metadata standards and practices.

Hours/Schedule

Stearns History Museum is open to the public Wednesday – Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-5. This is a 40 hour per week position with at least 75% of the work being completed on site at the Museum. Regularly scheduled weekends to support museum operations are expected.

Application Guidelines

For consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume as to cessig@stearns-museum.org by April 24, 2023. Review of applications will begin immediately. 

All inquiries about this position should be directed to:

Carie Essig, Executive Director
cessig@stearns-museum.org