Oral History Assistant (Temporary Position)

Lafayette Public Library invites applications for (3) Temporary Library Assistants in oral history and archives.  

The term of each position is up to a max of 500 hours to be completed no later than October 31, 2024.    

We welcome applications from college level students, recent graduates, and graduate students, from all fields, topics, and time periods in U.S. History, particularly those with academic and practical expertise in the field of oral history. Students and graduates of museum or archives management programs are also encouraged to apply.  

Responsibilities will include efforts to document, preserve and broaden the diversity of the Library’s collection of recorded memories and stories of the people of Lafayette, Colorado. Assistants will be responsible for facilitating oral history recordings, completing transcriptions, and assisting the Collection Manager with various aspects of supporting the Library’s archival collection of local history materials.    

Assistants will primarily be responsible for facilitating oral history recordings throughout the community. This includes either being assigned an oral history recording and/or conducting community engagement to recruit participants. Additionally, this includes scheduling recordings, filling out archival paperwork, operating audio/video recording equipment, and some travel to conduct the recordings (within the Denver/Boulder area).  

They are also responsible for supporting the Collection Manager in developing, organizing, and facilitating the “My Story Kit” training program, which helps to train community volunteers to collect and preserve their own personal oral histories and those of family members.  

We are primarily looking for candidates available beginning late spring through early autumn and who can work a Monday through Friday schedule of up to 39 hours with occasional evening and weekend hours. This is a temporary (up to a max of 500 hours) position without benefits and reports to the Library Collection Manager.  

In addition to the application candidates should include a resume or curriculum vitae and cover letter describing their interest and qualifications. Also, please include the names and contact information for three references.  

Essential Functions

Successful applicants will have some experience with oral history, documentary film, and/or interviewing. Candidates must have the ability to appropriately manage their time to achieve outcomes while working both independently and collaboratively with a small team, they should be willing and able to occasionally travel within the Denver/Boulder area. A general familiarity with indexing and metadata standards is desirable. Additionally, applicants must have experience working with diverse communities and conducting community engagement.

 The Opportunity – Examples of Work 
 

• Facilitate between 3 to 5 oral history recordings a month.
• Transcribe 3 to 5 oral recordings a month.
• Process 3 to 5 oral recordings a month using a digital repository built with Islandora.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations and individuals in Lafayette.
• Attend public events to promote and represent the Library and the City of Lafayette
• Train community volunteers to collect their own oral histories.
• Performs other duties related to the Library’s local history archives as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE:  Knowledge of basic oral history practices and interview processing, including indexing and cataloging oral history interviews.
SKILL:  Proficiency in the operation of equipment and software necessary to perform the functions of the job including audio and video recording devices. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and a sense of humor in working with colleagues and community members.  
ABILITY:  Highly dependable, organized, focused, and able to successfully manage multiple projects Self-starter who takes direction well but also able to work independently Attention to detail, creative thinker and highly productive Must have ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and shift priorities as needed Commitment to working within a team environment and nurturing effective working relationships with individuals and groups A positive, forward-thinking attitude and the ability to connect and interact effectively with a variety of individuals of different ages, backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences.
TRAINING:  Some college required.
EXPERIENCE:  Some experience either an internship, or paid work at a public history organization or in a related field such as involves interviewing and or digital editing, digital archiving, audio/visual, or related experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Preferred Qualification: Four (4) year college degree, at least one year of experience in oral history work with demonstrated knowledge and experience with community engagement and working with diverse communities and Colorado History, a demonstrated knowledge of oral history/documentary theory and practices as well as the use of repository software, experience with video/audio editing, working with diverse communities in the City of Lafayette specifically, fluency in Spanish and English and possessing a driver’s license and independent transportation.

Special Requirements

• This is a temporary (350-500 hours), non-benefit position.
• The hiring range is between $18.30 - $25.62/Hour, depending upon experience.
• A $0.50 hourly differential pay for candidates who pass Spanish language proficiency examination.
• In addition to the application candidates should include a resume or curriculum vitae and cover letter describing their interest and qualifications.  
• Please include the names and contact information for three references.  

Apply online at Oral History Assistant (Temporary Position) | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)