History San José is hiring: Curator of Library and Archives in San Jose

The Curator is responsible for the development and management of the History San José Archives and Research Library. Duties include acquisition and appraisal, processing, database management, research, reference, outreach, and support for exhibit planning. The collection includes manuscripts, government records, books, periodicals, maps, architectural records, photographs, audiovisual materials, oral histories, electronic records, and selected artifacts.

History San José manages multiple historic structures at two locations: History Park and the Gonzales/Peralta Adobe—Fallon House Historic Site, as well as a significant collection and archives. Our mission is to offer compelling experiences — exhibitions, festivals, educational programs, and academic research — for audiences to discover the dynamic history of San José and the Santa Clara Valley. The organization is guided by a new strategic plan that emphasizes preservation of artifacts, enhancing public engagement, and maintaining curated spaces that showcase the region's rich heritage.

Structure

1. The Curator of Library and Archives reports directly to the President & CEO.
2. Collaborates with Curator of Collections on matters related to the History San José Collection.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Collect, survey, and accession material relevant to the institutional mission and serve on the Collections Committee.
2. Take a leadership role in the creation of archival procedures and workflows including metadata, cataloging, processing, and digital content.
3. Direct, facilitate access to, and respond to all external and internal reference requests related to the collection, including publication and licensing.
4. Direct, plan and engage in the processing or cataloging of archival collections.
5. Supervise and train interns, volunteers, and contract personnel engaged in archival processing or reference services.
6. Digitize materials according to accepted professional practices.
7. Support History San José’s special events, education programs, and marketing with existing social media campaigns when related to the archives.
8. Represent HSJ at professional conferences as appropriate.

Education and Experience

1. ALA accredited M.L.S./M.L.I.S. or M.A. in Archives or Library Science.
2. 2+ years progressive archives or special collections experience.
3. Knowledge of San José, Santa Clara Valley, and/or California history is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Experience implementing archival principles and practices.
2. Familiarity with preservation standards for physical and digital archives.
3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in manuscript processing.
4. Experience with digitization workflows.
5. Demonstrated knowledge, experience and implementation of relational databases and/or content management systems.
6. Knowledge of intellectual property issues.
7. Demonstrated knowledge, experience and implementation of descriptive standards, metadata schemas.
8. Experience providing reference services.
9. Ability to lift 40 lbs. and climb ladders.
10. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
11. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.

Preferred Characteristics

1. Pro-active, problem-solving approach towards completing assignments.
2. Fluency in one or more non-English languages appropriate to the populations of Santa Clara County.

Specifications

Benefits in accord with History San José Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter by April 4, 2025 to

Michelle Duncan, Director of Operations

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos