Library Specialist

Job title: Library Specialist

About the Role The Reed College Library Specialist in Special Collections and Archives builds and maintains digital collections of rare and unique materials, both digitized and born digital. The role digitizes materials, applies descriptive metadata, and uploads digital items to discovery platforms. It collaborates with library staff and college colleagues to implement best practices, develop workflows, and enable discovery and use of digital collections.

What You'll Do

• Create and edit records in various content management systems, including ArchivesSpace, Reed Digital Collections (RDC), and spreadsheet programs like Excel or Google Sheets.
• Perform quality control and manage configurations for Archive-IT web crawls.
• Create, apply, and maintain archival metadata relating to digital items, adhering to best practices and standards.
• Digitize tangible materials according to appropriate archival and preservation standards.
• Upload digital materials to discovery platforms.
• Develop best practices and solutions for digital collections.
• Create digital collections and exhibits that support the use of collections and primary sources materials by students, faculty, staff, and members of the public.
• Participate in professional activities within the library, the college, and professional organizations.
• Research and document preservation standards for Reed Special Collections and Archives.
• Supervise student employees as needed.
• Organize and plan digital collection projects.

What We're Looking For

• You are enthusiastic about engaging with history, archives, and cultural heritage materials in an academic environment.
• You are proficient with data management tools, e.g. Excel and Google Sheets.
• You are able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• You are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn new skills and concepts.
• You are a resourceful problem solver who can identify challenges and develop effective solutions.
• You are highly detail-oriented and committed to accuracy and quality in your work.
• You are comfortable working with students, faculty, and staff, providing prompt, professional, and consistent service.
• You are willing and able to learn new systems, technologies, and digital platforms.
• You are skilled at managing multiple priorities, organizing your time effectively, and meeting deadlines.
• You are capable of leading and contributing to multiple projects simultaneously.
• You possess strong writing, communication, and research skills.
• You may be familiar with digitization workflows, archival description, and metadata best practices.
• You may have experience working in special collections, archives, or related cultural heritage settings.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with digitization workflows, archival description, and metadata best practices.
• Experience working in special collections, archives, or related cultural heritage settings.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $24–$27 per hour.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance options for you and dependents, a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution (after one year of service), educational assistance for employees and their children, 22 days of paid vacation, paid holidays, half-day Fridays in the summer, and other campus amenities.
• This is an on-campus, full-time, overtime-eligible position.