SUMMARY

The Processing Archivist accessions, arranges, describes, and assists with providing access to archival records and manuscript collections held by the Rakow Research Library of the Corning Museum of Glass. As a member of the Archives and Manuscripts Team, the Archivist implements user-informed descriptive practices for paper-based, analog, digitized, and born-digital materials, working with team members to facilitate intellectual and physical access to archival collections in ways that meet the unique needs of the Library’s research communities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential functions denoted with *)

Archives and Manuscripts

• Accessions, arranges, rehouses, and describes manuscript collections in accordance with relevant professional standards and local practices. * 
• Works closely with the Supervisor, Archives and Manuscript Collections to determine the best approach for arrangement and description informed by MPLP and specific needs of glass researchers, artists, students, and enthusiasts.*
• Identifies sensitive information for restriction and removes extraneous materials.
• Assists in the selection of materials for conservation treatment. 
• Prepares finding aids and agent records in ArchivesSpace. 
• Prepares MARCXML and container list exports from ArchivesSpace for cataloging staff; works and experiments with emerging tools and standards as appropriate. 
• Works with team members to respond to public inquiries about archival collections and provide research support to virtual and in-person researchers. 
• Assists in the ongoing development of the Archives and Manuscripts Team’s processing procedures. 
• Collaborates with the Library collections management team on all aspects of conserving, digitizing, storing, receiving, and accessing archival materials.* 
• Monitors archival supplies and creates orders as needed.
• Assists with unpacking archival supply shipments and organizing the inventory of supplies.

General Library

• Participates in the Library’s reference, outreach, and research support programs as a member of the integrated reference and archives unit.
• Serves on Library, Museum, and professional committees as appropriate. 
• Supports the preservation of the collection by demonstrating and promoting the proper handling and storage of Library materials. * 
• Actively participates in Library team meetings and serves on matrix teams and work groups, as needed. 
• Actively engages colleagues throughout the Museum and promotes the importance of Archives and Manuscripts as essential elements of institutional distinction. * 

General

• Actively and intentionally support the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.*
• Actively support the Museum’s Advancement initiatives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• ALA-accredited master’s degree, international equivalent, or related graduate degree.
• One to two years’ experience with archival processing.
• Experience implementing standards in archival arrangement and description, including DACS, EAD, and EAC-CPF.
• Experience with archival content management systems, such as ArchivesSpace, Archivists’ Toolkit, Archon, or AtoM.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and cloud services such as Microsoft 365; ability to learn job-related software and services such as MS Teams, OneDrive, and Adobe Sign.
• Involvement in or ability to become involved in regional and/or national professional associations.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Respect and exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the Corning Museum of Glass in all interactions with colleagues, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Represent the Museum in a professional manner at all times.
• Adhere to all prescribed organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and adapt to change.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Highly accurate, detail-oriented, and organized; focuses on follow-up.
• Works independently and as part of a team; strong collaboration skills.
• Works with minimal supervision

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position, operate/use equipment, communicate, detect/distinguish, and reach. The employee is frequently required to move about, ascend/descend, and position oneself. The employee is occasionally required to detect/distinguish (smell) mold or agent that would be dangerous to the collection. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to distinguish color and adjust focus.

The employee is frequently required to move/transport up to 50 pounds.

The work environment is usually indoor climate controlled and occasionally indoor not climate controlled during offsite work. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

The employee shall be fully acquainted with and comply with all safety policies and procedures of the Corning Museum of Glass.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Maintain confidentiality of information related to the Corning Museum of Glass and employees that may be encountered, either formally or informally, during the normal course of business.

DISCLAIMER

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the Corning Museum of Glass as the needs of the Museum and requirements of the job change.

SALARY RANGE

$61,000 annually - $65,000 annually

About The Corning Museum of Glass

The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) was established in 1951 by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) as a gift to the nation commemorating the company’s 100th anniversary. CMoG is an independent not-for-profit museum dedicated to exploring a single material: glass. Welcoming more than 300,000 annual visitors from around the world, the Museum's campus is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, the world’s foremost library on glass, and one of the premier glassworking schools in the world.  CMoG was named by the New York Times among the U.S. museums to see for 2025, and Newsweek readers voted CMoG one of the Top 3 Best Art Museums in America.

Glass is a versatile, ancient material that is still being explored and understood by artists, scientists, and historians today. The story of glass is a story about art, history, culture, technology, science, craft, and design. 50,000+ objects representing more than 3,500 years of history are included in the Museum’s collection—ranging from a portrait of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to a 200-inch telescope lens to contemporary sculpture. The Museum regularly publishes journals, educational videos and scholarly publications—many of which can be accessed online from anywhere in the world. 

We believe that prioritizing diversity, opportunity, belonging, and accessibility strengthens our Museum and enhances our ability to connect with all communities. We are actively fostering an inclusive culture that values and respects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Creating a culture of belonging is central to our mission and helps ensure the Museum is welcoming to all.