ABOUT WESTERN

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the “Western Experience” - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

ABOUT US

Western Libraries (WL) provides the library and archival expertise and infrastructure – information resources, technology, people, and spaces – required to cultivate and mobilize knowledge, and accelerate excellence in teaching, research and scholarship.

EDUCATION:

• Must be a full-time student at Western (enrolled in minimum 3.5 courses) and retain full-time student status for the duration of this appointment or be a student returning to full-time studies in the fall
• Enrolment in or completion of one or more archives-related graduate courses is an asset

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with office productivity software, specifically MS Word and Excel, required
• Experience with GIS an asset
• Experience with archives management, records management or geospatial software an asset
• Experience handling archival, cartographic, rare book and/or other special collections items an asset
• Experience with document or book scanning an asset
• Previous archives, map or rare book work experience an asset
• Introductory knowledge of one or more library or archives metadata standards (e.g. Dublin Core, XML, RAD)
• Customer service or social media experience an asset

SKILLS, ABILITIES & EXPERTISE:

• Physical ability to handle archival materials, maps, and rare books, which will include heavy lifting of boxes weighing up to 20 kg., periodic reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, kneeling, bending, squatting, pushing and pulling
• Basic understanding of archives, records management and library terminology
• Written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to express ideas clearly and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience
• Ability to maintain a positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer service orientation
• Reliable and dependable with the ability to consistently work assigned schedule
• Ability to follow processes, practices and instructions accurately
• Ability to complete assigned work with high attention to detail
• Demonstrates integrity and works in accordance with Western’s policies and procedures
• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized work environment
• Computer skills with Microsoft Office and file management software, with the ability to learn and use new software programs as required
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Ability to prioritize and organize a fluctuating work load
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Ability to work in a manner that is compliant with confidentiality requirements as applicable

The successful candidate will assist staff of the Map Collection, in providing access to and preserving selected map and spatial data holdings by undertaking one or more of the following project-based or public service duties:

• scanning historical and rare maps, aerial photographs, or other spatial records
• completing GIS projects including georeferencing and or digitization of historical maps
• entering descriptive data and other types metadata into spreadsheets or databases;
• checking potential or new donations against existing holdings;
• physically processing archival documents (flattening, removing clips/staples, re-boxing/re-foldering);
• preparing various types of materials for digitization;
• reviewing digitized content for completeness/accuracy;
• undertaking basic preservation work, including re-housing materials in specialized enclosures or encapsulating individual items;
• re-filing and/or re-shelving archival documents, rare books, maps, air photos, or other items;
• assisting with public programming and outreach projects, including supporting social media and/or story map preparation;
• assisting with public services by performing limited directional or basic reference duties; and/or

other related duties as assigned.

• Transcribing metadata and editing and uploading digital files.