ARCHIVES 2015

This project examines the perceptions of archivists regarding levels of job classification with particular focus on mid-career positions and determines if they are borne out with data. The investigators seek to address concerns within the archival profession that there exists a lack of job openings and positions available to mid-career archivists, with overrepresentation of entry-level and upper management positions. To quantify this perceived disparity of job offerings we will illustrate the number of professional archival positions at each career level available during a two-year time period (2013-2015). Each discrete job opening will be assigned to one of three categories: entry-level, mid-career, or upper management. We will contextualize these findings with data collected from a survey sent to SAA membership in 2015. The survey posited several key questions, including what career level respondents believed themselves to be in, whether they perceived a deficit of mid-career job opportunities, and if they saw a clear path from entry level to upper management/leadership positions. Through their findings, the investigators aim to shed light on the balance, or lack thereof, in the current career hierarchy and necessary areas for growth in the archival profession.

About the Authors:

E. Evan Echols is a Senior Assistant Librarian in the Manuscripts and Archives Department ofthe University of Delaware Library, where he has been since 2006. He is responsible formanaging manuscript collection audiovisual materials and creating policies for their housing,preservation, and description. Other responsibilities include processing and description,outreach and instruction, and providing regular public service and reference assistance. Echolsreceived a MasterÕs Degree in Library and Information Science from the School of InformationStudies at Syracuse University. He has been a member of SAA since 2007.

Tammi Kim is an Assistant Librarian in the Manuscripts and Archives Department of theUniversity of Delaware Library, where she has been since 2013. Prior to joining the University of Delaware, Kim worked at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies atthe University Georgia. Kim received her MLIS with a concentration in archival studies from theDepartment of Information Studies at UCLA in 2011. She has been a member of SAA since 2009.