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Archival Processor

Cornell University
26.00 - $28.65
tuition assistance
May 01, 2026

We are hiring 3 Archival Processors. Two (2) hires will be 3-year TERM appointments. One (1) hire will be offered a regular (non-term) employee position.

About the Cornell University Library

With welcoming spaces, expansive collections, and innovative services across our libraries on campus, Cornell University Library is a unified community empowering academic achievement and intellectual exploration at Cornell and beyond.

The Opportunity

Under the general direction of the Director for Archival Technical Services, the Collections Assistant facilitates access to new and backlog archival and manuscript collections in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections (RMC). This position focuses on the arrangement and description of archival collections in all types and formats, preparing detailed finding aids in ArchivesSpace using Describing Archives: a Content Standard (DACS). This position also participates in unit's and RMC's initiatives to support teaching, patron requests, preparation for digitization and exhibitions; and may facilitate patron use of the collections by carrying out other tasks as assigned, based on departmental needs.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

The Archival Processor Role's Annual Time and Responsibility Breakdown

  • Collection Processing and ArchivesSpace Data Management (80%)
  • Collection Intake, PreProcessing, and Compliance Assessment (15%)
  • Other position responsibilities (5%)

Core Hours and Location

The Archival Processor roles are based in the Carl A. Kroch Library and performed on-site Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:30PM. There is some flexibility on start and end times, to be determined by your supervisor.

All three (3) positions are full-time and benefits-eligible.

Two (2) positions will be hired as three-year term appointments.

One (1) position will be hired as a regular employee.

Success Factors

You will be considered competitive for this role if you demonstrate:

Archival Processing Experience and Interest

  • Experience with archival processing, or direct exposure to archival work that confirms you understand and enjoy working with analog, digital, or hybrid collections.
  • Familiarity with archival principles such as arrangement, description, and ability to assess compliance with professional descriptive standards, FERPA, NAGPRA, copyright, privacy and confidentiality or conservation concerns, including working within established standards and processes to ensure collections are organized and documented consistently and are understandable to others.

Attention to Detail and Structured Work

  • Strong accuracy and consistency when working with detailed records, metadata, and collection materials.
  • Ability to follow established standards and documentation practices to ensure work is clear, trackable, and usable by others.

Independent Work with Good Judgment

  • Ability to manage assigned work independently while knowing when to ask questions rather than making assumptions.
  • Sound judgment in handling materials and adhering to established processes and team practices.

Adaptability and Team Contribution

  • Flexibility in navigating changing tools, workflows, and priorities.
  • Collaborative mindset with a willingness to contribute to a supportive, low-drama team environment.

What We Need

  • A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
  • Bachelor's degree and up to 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
  • General understanding of the principles of arrangement and description of archival collections and digital preservation best practices.
  • Demonstrated moderate computer skills (standard office software packages, database searching, command line file manipulation or similar).
  • Ability to perform detailed work with high degree of accuracy and high productivity in a setting of frequent interruptions.
  • Ability to work independently with general supervision.
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
  • Ability to work with dusty materials on a regular basis.
  • Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

  • Familiarity with archival or library cataloging rules, standards, and best practices, including those for rare materials.
  • Working knowledge of one or more foreign languages.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

  • Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
  • Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
  • Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
  • Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

With a founding principle of "... any person ... any study,"Cornell is anequal opportunity employer.

University Job Title:

Collections Asst IV

Job Family:

Library/Museum

Level:

D

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$26.00 - $28.65

Remote Option Availability:

Not Applicable (Evergreen Requisition)

Company:

Contact Name:

Carolyn Chow

Contact Email:

cc2654@cornell.edu

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience

  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

  • Unique applicable skills

  • Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-04-29
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