CATALOGING & ACCESS COORDINATOR | APPALSHOP ARCHIVE

Job Position Highlights

• Full-time position, in-person based in Jenkins, Kentucky.
• Salary:  $50,380, plus full benefits 
• Reports to: Appalshop Archive Director
• To apply: submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to chad@appalshop.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Description

The Cataloging & Access Coordinator increases program capacity in the Appalshop Archive as part of an organization-wide restructuring that places the Archive at the center of Appalshop operations. The Coordinator will ensure a smooth transition into this new organizational model, boosting capacity to the Archive by providing information and access to the Archive’s collections for use across all Appalshop programs and by the public.

This new role manages the organization, description, and discoverability of Appalshop’s collections, materials, bridging the gap between technical processing and user access. They perform original/complex cataloging, maintain the integrity of our Collective Access database,  and coordinate workflows to ensure materials are accessible. They field inquiries by staff and the public, research applicable holdings, and provide information about content and potential availability for use. They provide access to materials via platforms such as the Archive website and database, Appalshop’s YouTube channel, and social media. 

Supported through Appalshop’s investment in organizational change, this position will ALSO help establish the systems through which the Archive can contribute to Appalshop’s long-term financial sustainability. By making collections discoverable, improving information about availability and use, and creating efficient licensing and fulfillment workflows, the Coordinator will strengthen Appalshop’s ability to generate mission-aligned earned revenue through archival licensing, research and reproduction services, educational and exhibition uses, and archive-based program and product development. The Coordinator will also help evaluate demand, costs, usage, and revenue so Appalshop can evaluate and sustain these services beyond the grant period.

Licensing and earned-revenue infrastructure will include working with the Archive Director and relevant Appalshop staff, coordinating workflows for licensing, permissions, research and reproduction services, contracting, payment, and content delivery. Track inquiries, uses, fulfillment costs, turnaround times, and associated revenue; help identify materials with potential for external licensing and programmatic reuse; and support equitable fee structures that preserve community and public access while appropriately valuing commercial uses.

Roles and Responsibilities

Cataloging & Metadata

• • Create, update, and enhance bibliographic records (PBCore) for diverse objects and formats, including film, video, audio, photographs, paper, art, and textiles
  • Perform authority control, ensure database integrity, and resolve issues within the database.
  • Audit catalog data for accuracy and consistency to improve discoverability.

Access Services Coordination

• • Oversee workflows that connect users to resources, including managing electronic resource access, and physical processing. 
  • Coordinate uploading digital access files to various public-facing platforms such as Collective Access, the Archive website, YouTube, and social media. 
  • Respond to internal and external research and usage inquiries. 
  • Create a documented and efficient licensing and access-services workflow. See that collection materials contribute to new licensing, educational, exhibition, distribution, and program-development opportunities.
  • Collect data to assess the revenue potential and long-term cost of archival services.

Community Engagement

• • Assist with public engagement events such as Kentucky/International Archive Day, Open Archive Day, Home Movie Day, and archival community workshops, listening sessions, oral history gathering, and more. 
  • Assist with local and regional tabling and community event opportunities.
  • Assist in developing radio content for Appalshop’s radio station, WMMT

Other duties as assigned by supervisors

OUTCOMES OF THE CATALOGING & ACCESS COORDINATOR'S WORK

• Appalshop successfully transitions into a new organizational model
• Applies best practices and standards for cataloging and access
• Appalshop programs and staff are supported and sustained in collaboration with key staff and stakeholders
• Coordinator is visible at Archive and Appalshop sponsored events

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) or equivalent experience.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with cataloging standards, and ability to adapt to using the Archive’s Collective Access cataloging system. 
• Knowledge: Expertise in classification systems (LC) and subject heading assignment.
• Skills: Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and communication abilities.

TO APPLY

Submit cover letter, resume, and three references to chad@appalshop.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.