Special Collections Archivist

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is seeking a Special Collections Archivist to join our library staff at the DAR Headquarters building in Washington, DC.

The Special Collections Archivist will apply their knowledge of current archival standards and best practices to arrange, preserve, and provide access to the DAR's Special Collections. Our Special Collections include such items as manuscripts, file case items, family bibles, and personal genealogical research papers.

The Society's national headquarters complex includes the DAR Library, one of the nation's premier genealogical research centers. The Library collection contains over 200,000 physical volumes, including genealogical compilations, record abstracts, and other materials such as family histories, cemetery record transcriptions, and Bible records that are available only at the DAR Library.

Essential Responsibilities :

• This role is responsible for processing new collections and preserving existing collection materials. This will include performing physical processing of materials, naming and numbering new collections, creating a hierarchical catalog record, and developing online finding aides.
• This position will develop guidelines, subject headings, policies, and procedures to ensure proper collection management.
• Oversees the overall maintenance and condition of the Special Collections materials, identifies conservation and preservation issues, and works with internal staff and external vendors to ensure materials are properly protected.
• Will collaborate with our Digital Projects Librarian to prioritize items for digitization.
• Review donation requests to ensure that they fill a needed place within our collection and that they meet our guidelines.
• Supervise the work of an Assistant Archivist for the Americana Collection and will have the opportunity to develop and implement a long-term strategy for managing this collection.
• Provide assistance to researchers at our Reference Desk, which will include retrieving / refiling requested materials and providing basic genealogical research consultations as needed.

Required Qualifications :

Perks and Pay :

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives.   All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender / sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The DAR will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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