Librarian

The MTHS Library & Archives has custody over and the management of the most comprehensive collection of both published and primary source materials pertinent to the study of the history of Montana and the region. The collection includes books, maps, pamphlets, posters, periodicals, newspapers, manuscript collections, oral histories, state government records and photographs along with supporting materials exploring the history of neighboring states and provinces. The person sought for this position will be a positive representative of the Montana Historical Society to the public and will embody the MTHS culture of excellence, teamwork, professionalism, and passion for the work that we do.

Function\: Under the direction of the Library Manager, this position will be an integral member of the Library & Archives team. The successful candidate will perform reference services for patrons in person and remotely and works with the Archives program on acquisitions and collection development. The candidate will also assist with public presentations and outreach about the Library & Archives collections, along with other duties. Among other tasks, the ability to exercise sound judgment, be detail orientated, have great time management skills, along with a welcoming and friendly attitude, is important to this position. 

Other\: The Librarian 1 will work a 40-hour a week schedule, Monday through Friday. This position is not eligible for telework.

The MTHS, guardian of Montana’s memories, is located in beautiful Helena, Montana. Come join us at the MTHS where we work together to preserve the past, share Montana’s stories, and inspire exploration, to provide meaning for today and a vision for tomorrow! 

Representative Duties\:  

• Responds to a wide variety of inquiries from individuals, state agencies, professionals, educational groups, local organizations, and institutions by conducting research and providing the information in person, by phone, mail, and e-mail on a broad range of topics.  

• Assists researchers with research objectives and accessing Library & Archives resources.  

• Helps supervise Library & Archives collections in the public reference room.  

• Conducts educational tours of the Library & Archives for researchers, classes, staff, and others.  

• Creates and maintains databases, web pages, tutorials, guides, and other print and electronic resources for MTHS Staff, patrons, students, and the public on conducting research and on various topics of Montana history.  

• Advises patrons on copyright and digital rights laws, policies, procedures, and issues associated with Library & Archives materials and resource use.  

• Delivers public programs and outreach about the Library & Archives collection.  

• Assures that items used in the Reference Room are returned to their appropriate home locations for ease of retrieval the next time they are 

  requested. 

• Helps maintain the integrity and accuracy of the online catalog and finding aids by reviewing and editing records and creating new records when appropriate.  

• Assists processing archivists with arrangement and description of collections over 10 linear feet.  

• Assists accessioning archivists with rehousing incoming donations.  

• Helps maintain physical control of unprocessed collections, ensuring that they are properly labeled and entered in ArchivesSpace.

Education\:

• Master’s degree in Library Science; or 

• Master of Library and Information Science; or  

• A graduate degree in a related field.

Experience\:

• One (1) to two (2) years of job-related work experience is preferred.  

• Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted. 

Knowledge of\:

• Montana and Western history, including its historiography and research sources.  

• modern archives theory, standards, and practices and their implementation.

Skills In\:  

• performing research and providing reference services to diverse audiences.  

• writing and communication skills, especially the ability to make complex ideas accessible to the public.  

• public presentation skills.

Ability to\:

• work well with a team, both as a leader and as contributing member.  

• interact well with Library visitors.

Advertised Physical Requirements\:  

• Must be able to climb, crouch, pull, push, reach, stand, engage in repetitive motions including movements of the hands, wrists, or fingers, move, touch including finger dexterity, communicate, hear including receiving detailed information orally or making fine discriminations in sound and see including color, depth perception or clarity.  

• Must be able to move and stand for several hours at a time.

Hours of Operations\:

• The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week and is open all holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• As an employee of the Montana Historical Society your work hours may fall outside the regular Monday to Friday 8\:00 a.m. to 5\:00 p.m.

Required Application Materials\: 

• Cover Letter 

• Resume 

• State of Montana Application

Montana Historical Society is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https\://www.e-verify.gov/.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.