Carol Roszell Position Description

Archivist/Resource Center Director

Archivist: (relates to conference Commission on Archives and History; Board member of Texas United Methodist Historical Society and Board member of United Methodist Historical Society)

The primary task of the archivist is to establish and maintain physical and intellectual control over records and artifacts of enduring value that are created from the activities of the conference, districts, and local churches and associated persons. They may be paper items (letters, reports, minutes, manuscripts) as well as photos, selected artifacts, motion picture film, audiotape, videotape, microfilm, and other media. The archivist must select, organize, arrange, describe, and ensure the long-term preservation of such records through standardized archival practices. A guide to the collection, called a “finding aid,” is written to provide information about the contents of the collection, background information on the records’ creators, and where to locate the materials by providing detailed listings of box contents. The position requires lifting heavy boxes.

The archivist is interested in preserving both the information and the physical format of the records and artifacts. The materials are stored in archival quality acid-free file folders and boxes. Many different types of media (such as photographs, acidic papers, and unstable copy processes) can deteriorate if not stored and maintained properly

The archivist identifies and locates the materials people seek to answer, support, or enhance their research needs. The administrative responsibilities require understanding and applying principles of sound management including preparing the budget, purchasing supplies and equipment, and inventory control. The archives serve all people, including but not limited to, conference, district, and local church persons as well as scholars, writers, genealogists, and general public inquiries. Records management training and/or church historian training is provided for: district training events, clergy meetings, local church groups and individual consultation. Assistance is provided to local churches that would like to pursue a United Methodist Historical Marker. The archivist is a standing member of the conference Commission on Archives and History.

Resource Center Director: (relates to Nurture Council; special collection for Depression Connection Team; Disability Concerns)

The Resource Center houses an extensive collection of media resources including: videos, video curricula, DVDs, CR-ROMS, books on tape, audio tapes, periodicals, study aides, LCD projectors and screens.

The primary purpose is to provide clergy and laypersons a variety of resources to encourage and support learning and growth in Christ. Similar to the management of any other business, the Director is concerned with the long-term planning of the resource center as a business, and as a service, and its relationship with the conference members.

Director’s duties include:

Administrative:

Compile statistics and annual reports. Create budget and oversee the financial management of purchases and borrowing fees. Computer application knowledge, records management, prepare reports, write correspondence, and oversee equipment. Must have a thorough knowledge of library automation systems. Must adhere to service standards and accommodate a wide variety of client needs. Write and review the mission statement, service, overdue materials/fees, and collection policies.

Circulation:

Coordinate the borrowing of and access to the resource center materials. Utilize the library automation software to reserve, check out, and check–in resources. Shelve resources; contact resource center users regarding overdue materials and fees. Maintain circulation statistics and borrowers records.

Collection Development:

Maintain the library's collection through the selection, acquisition, processing, housing, weeding, retention, relegation and discard of all types of resource center material. Make decisions on how the collection can best serve the resource center users. Selection of resources must take into consideration the scope and breadth of the collection, the format of the resource, the age of the materials, languages to be offered, special collections, and weak/strong subject areas as defined by the scope of the Collection Development Policy.

Purchase media items. Manage print periodical subscriptions. Determine appropriate action regarding lost or damaged materials.

Reference:

Offer consultation to individuals to clarify their resource need and determine what materials will fill it. Identify and access a variety of reference sources, including but not limited to print and electronic, to provide information on specific questions.

Cataloging:

The physical processing of materials through standardized cataloging practices. Perform original descriptive, classifying, and subject cataloging for all resource center materials in adherence to national standards. Must assign main entries and subject headings, establish appropriate form of main entries, added entries and place names; Correct cataloging errors and resolve difficult conflicts involving appropriate entries. Must maintain the computer catalog by editing, adding, and deleting bibliographic records.

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world