Project Archivist (Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust Archive)

The Borthwick Institute for Archives was founded in 1953, and became part of the University of York at its inception in 1963. Today, the Borthwick Institute holds over 780 archive collections, amounting to just over 950 cubic metres of archives.

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) agreed to deposit their archive at the Borthwick Institute for Archives in 2006. There were later accessions of materials in 2013 and 2018. Now, following a review of materials held at their offices in York, JRCT are seeking to transfer a further 300 boxes of archives to the Borthwick Institute. The content of this part of the collection is primarily, but not exclusively, 20th century grant files relating to organisations and projects funded by the JRCT.

This post will work with JRCT to facilitate the cataloguing and repackaging of the transferred boxes, and work to ingest the archives catalogue into our cataloguing system, AtoM.

The post-holder will be based in Archives and Research Collections (Borthwick Institute for Archives), at the University of York. The post-holder will work closely with a team of other archivists and will liaise with and report to a Project Board comprising Borthwick archivists and members of the JRCT.

Responsibilities:

- Create new arrangements and descriptions for uncatalogued collections.
- Create relevant authority records for significant individuals, families, places, and corporate bodies found in the material being catalogued, following national and international standards such as the NCA Rules and ISAAR(CPF).
- In conjunction with colleagues, prioritise metadata creation to ensure maximum exposure and impact.
- Undertake research as necessary in primary and secondary sources to support descriptive cataloguing and authority record creation.
- Identify areas of the collection where Data Protection legislation applies and, in consultation with colleagues, put appropriate administrative measures in place.
- Structure and import existing catalogue data to AtoM and disseminate to UK and European catalogue data aggregators.
- Update the user community and colleagues regarding progress and discoveries.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications required:

- Recognised postgraduate qualification in archives.
- Knowledge of international cataloguing standards.
- Knowledge of UK data protection requirements.
- Knowledge of archives created by a charitable body.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to concentrate for long periods of time.
- Experience of using specialist archival cataloguing software.
- Proven experience in the successful delivery of large and complex archival arrangement and description projects.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.