Duke University, Duke University Libraries
Position ID:
Duke-DUL-SHAP [#31563]
Position Title:
Section Head of Archival Processing
Position Type:
Other
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
2026/03/02 11:59PM
(posted 2026/01/22, listed until 2026/06/28)
(posted 2026/01/22, listed until 2026/06/28)Position Description:
Position Description
Section Head of Archival Processing Job Code/Title: TBD Department: Rubenstein Library Technical Services Job Level: 00 Supervisor: Head, Technical Services Job Family: 29 FTE: 1.0 FLSA Status: Exempt Ranked: Yes Term: N/A Date Created/ Reviewed: January 2026 Position Summary The Head of the Archival Processing Section coordinates, manages, and contributes to processing and description of archival, manuscript, and mixed format collections within the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. This includes managing staff responsible for archival processing and overseeing description and metadata projects for the section according to local inclusive description policies as well as national archival and preservation standards. Responsibilities Personnel and Project Management – 65% • Supervises the operation of the Archival Processing Section of the Rubenstein Library’s Technical Services Department (RLTS). Directly manages the work of section staff (currently 5 FTE) and coordinates the work of other Duke Libraries staff participating in the processing and description of archival and mixed format collections. • Establishes processing goals and plans project schedules and ensures section’s output is consistently high quality. Trains staff and reviews the archival catalog records and collection guides produced by RLTS, according to DACS and local standards. Embraces the Rubenstein Library’s Guiding Principles of Description and ensures consistent development and application of inclusive description practices. Creates and documents workflows, collaborating as needed on issues related to acquisitions, description, discovery, and use of archival materials, navigating complexities such as restricted access, preservation or conservation, audiovisual collections, and born digital or electronic records. • Collaborates with department colleagues and RL collectors to plan for and receive materials entering the Archival Processing queue. Occasionally travels in support of RL acquisitions. • Collaborates with other managers and staff in the RL Technical Services Department in developing the department’s priorities, goals, and in managing shared spaces and workflows. Participates in the planning, review, and implementation of the policies and documentation of the RL Technical Services Department. • Participates and contributes to DUL-wide initiatives and committees relating to access, collection discovery, archives, metadata, and integrated library systems. Works to create an environment that promotes inclusion, respect, trust, and accountability. Archival Processing and Description – 20% • Collaborates with colleagues or independently completes archival and manuscript processing and description projects. Ensures the quality of descriptive records through compliance with national and local standards. • Carries out and manages special projects and performs other related duties as assigned, including collaboration on archival data clean-up and enhancement projects. Plans and develops project work; plans and estimates costs, including selecting and evaluating the work of project staff or interns, as needed. Professional Engagement – 5% • Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge and takes an active interest in the profession. Growth and interest should be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations, and service to the library, University, or community in a professional capacity. Other – 10% • Works shifts in the RL reading room as assigned, including occasional weekend shifts. • Assists with in-depth research questions and offers instruction in appropriate areas of expertise. • Other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities • Supervises 5 employees • Recruits and supervises (directly or indirectly) interns, project staff, student assistants, and volunteers, as needed. Qualifications It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that values and respects diversity of perspective, background, and experience. In addition, managers and supervisors are expected to help develop a common vision by providing clear direction and priorities, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and promoting mutual understanding through effective communication. They are also expected to take the time to effectively plan and evaluate performance, provide feedback, recognition and coaching, and develop employees to achieve their personal and organizational goals. Education: Required: Advanced degree in library science, history, public history, cultural studies, or a related field in humanities or social sciences. Experience: Required: Two or more years of experience processing and describing archival or manuscript collections of varied content, formats, and sizes; One or more year staff management or supervisory experience; Demonstrated project planning and project management experience; Knowledge and experience creating archival description according to DACS and RDA standards, using MARC and EAD; Working knowledge of OCLC cataloging utilities, ArchivesSpace, and local integrated online library systems like Alma; Working knowledge of controlled vocabularies and thesauri (including searching for and assigning Library of Congress Subject Headings and Name Authority File headings for archival collections); Familiarity and prior engagement with reparative and inclusive library description practices. Must be attentive to detail and organized; be adaptive to working in a dynamic environment prone to change; demonstrate excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; successfully work independently and collaboratively; and have a commitment to providing outstanding customer service. Preferred: Two or more years staff management or supervisory experience; experience with accessioning, arranging, and providing access to audiovisual and born digital archival materials; working knowledge or familiarity with DCRM cataloging suite; training and experience creating Library of Congress Name Authority File personal and corporate name records; experience working with institutional records and screening collections for restricted content. Working Conditions • Works in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible • Regularly positions self to reach high and low shelves • Occasionally needs to lift or move boxes weighing up to 30 lbs • Normal office environment, with majority of work completed onsite • Occasional weekend shifts required • Occasional travel required These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. This description is subject to change at any time. Salary and Benefits: Duke Libraries has established a specific hiring range for this role, which is set at $57,222 - $82,400. All salary offers will be based on the candidate's years of experience, rank, and considerations of internal equity. Comprehensive benefits package includes 20 days vacation, 14 holidays, 12 days sick leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for professional development and training. Application: Cover letter, detailed resume and the names, addresses (mailing and e-mail), and telephone numbers of three references should be submitted to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31563. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Priority given to applicants who apply by Monday, February 9, 2026. Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact Meghan Lyon at meghan.lyon@duke.edu. Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The Duke University Libraries have a strong commitment to Affirmative Action and is actively seeking to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of our staff.Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses )
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info:
919-660-5808
365 Rubenstein Library
Box 90194
Duke University
Durham, NC 27708
Box 90194
Duke University
Durham, NC 27708