Archivist, Reference and Print Collection

Description

Position Title: Archivist, Reference and Print Collection

FLSA Classification: Full-Time; Exempt

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has an opening for a full-time, exempt Archivist, Reference and Print Collection in our Museum Services department. 

Company Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music—a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music while providing diverse learning opportunities. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its emergence as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to ultra-contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded. 

What We Offer for Full-Time Staff:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
• Competitive Pay
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Paid Holidays (13) and Floating Holidays (2)
• 401(K) with Up to 3% Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness 
• FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
• Continuing Professional Offerings
• Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
• Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, Dollywood Theme & Water Parks, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more) 
• Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
• Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
• Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
• FSA and Dependent Care Options 
• Dog Friendly Work Environment
• Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities

Department Overview: In direct support of the mission statement of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, the Museum Services Division preserves and protects the Museum’s collections using best practices, while incorporating emerging technologies to provide access to these collections. Within Museum Services are teams of registrars, collection specialists, librarians, archivists, exhibit managers, and curators.

Position Overview: Reporting to the Director of Library and Archival Collections, the Archivist, Reference and Print Collection organizes, preserves, and manages access to the museum’s print collection, conducts cataloging, and provides reference services for internal and external researchers. The position contributes to exhibitions, programming, publications, online digital archive, and other museum initiatives.

Specific Duties Include: 

• Provide access and research services to internal and external patrons using the museum’s library and archival collections
• Oversee the selection and acquisition of books and periodicals for the library
• Conduct original and copy cataloging of books, periodicals, songbooks, and sheet music utilizing OCLC’s WorldShare
• Supervise intern or volunteer staff in the digitization of print materials based on institutional priorities using a variety of technologies 
• Ensure accuracy of descriptive metadata for digitization content
• Research and curate print materials for the museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, and website
• Maintain collection care, handling, and security protocols in the reading room 
• Steward relationships with other archives, clients, and donors
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree in a relevant field (Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Public History)
• Two years of professional experience working with library and archival collections
• Excellent customer service skills and experience with providing reference services
• Experience with cataloging and MARC Bibliographic Records
• Knowledge of current cataloging and metadata standards for print materials 
• Experience with industry-standard digital asset management systems
• Experience with the selection and acquisition of books and