Reference Archivist (Library and Archives Professional 1) / Part-Time

The Washington State Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of manuscripts, photographs, ephemera, books and maps as mandated in its founding legislation. You will work to preserve these collections and make them accessible to the public, as well as to the historical society staff, by cataloging collection materials in the collections database. You will also be responsible for providing reference services and research access to the archival collections and filling orders for images from the collection.

• Receive requests for access to special collections material and research inquiries.
• Pull and reshelve special collections material for all in person research visits and outside inquiries.
• Respond verbally and in writing to electronic, telephone, and mail inquiries from the public regarding access to special collections material.
• Assist with pulling materials for WSHS staff visits.
• Receive image and licensing requests on behalf of the WSHS.
• Locate and retrieve original photographs from storage, if needed assign catalog numbers, and complete full cataloging.
• Pull and reshelve special collections materials.
• Provide digitization or seek digitization assistance from collections staff, depending on time constraints.
• Enter orders and process payments in the Altru system.
• Work with fiscal staff to process payments when needed.
• Prepare license, communicate and send images for orders.
• Answer the reception telephone; admit visitors; monitor researchers to prevent losses from the collection.
• Facilitate volunteers.

• Master of Library and Information Science
• Bachelor’s of Science degree that 30 quarter hours of library science
• Two (2) years of experience as a librarian in a museum, academic or historical library/archive
• An accredited Associates degree
• Four (4) years of experience in a museum, academic or historical library/archive
• Six (6) years of experience in a museum, academic or historical library/archive
• Demonstrated experience in Special Collections and working with researchers.

• Benefits
• Health insurance
• Paid leave
• Staff training and other compensation benefits

The Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washington's diverse and storied history. Our work illuminates the past, enlightens the present, and informs the future.