Archival Technician Intern (YCW)

Young Canada Works (YCW) Archival Technician Intern

Niagara Falls Public Library

Fixed-Term, Full-Time (26 Weeks)

The Niagara Falls Public Library is seeking a Full-time Archival Technician Intern for 26 weeks (beginning in May 2025) through the Young Canada Works (YCW) program. This internship will allow the successful candidate the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in an environment of encouragement, facilitation, and initiative.

Reporting to the Local History Librarian, the Archival Technician Intern will support the Local History department to process and maintain materials in the Local History Collection, as well as design and participate in public outreach initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Archival Technician Intern will assist in the organization of the NFPL’s Archival and Local History collections by accessioning, arranging, describing and preserving the collection.
• Utilizes the Local History Collections and online resources to research and develop public outreach initiatives including library programming, social media content, articles, exhibitions and displays.
• Identifies and liaises with potential donors of records; arranges, where appropriate, for the acquisition of records; arranges, where appropriate, for the transfer of de- accessions and transfer of records to other institutions.
• Using the Rules for Archival Description, arrange, describe, digitize and create documentation for unprocessed materials.
• Assists the Local History Librarian in; oversees daily operations of the archive and special collections; provides guidance and instructs staff in current and acceptable archival practices, procedures and processes.
• Reviews services and operations; recommends changes; recommends objectives outcomes; plans and implements accessioning projects;
• Creates metadata in Archive and Management and Digital Asset Management Systems.

Skills, Knowledge, Training:

• Master’s Degree in Archival Studies (MAS) or Library/Information Studies (MLIS, MIS or MI) with a focus in Archives from an ALA-accredited institution, or
• A Two (2) year post-secondary Archival Technician diploma, or
• A two (2) year post-secondary diploma in a related field such as: records management; collections management or conservation and preservation (especially of paper, photo, film or documents)
• A combination of relevant experience and education
• Possesses a high degree of visual and/or aural concentrations and attentiveness
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with an ability to learn and operate in an environment where priorities change regularly
• Ability to work independently and to assume responsibility for assigned tasks and associated decision making
• Ability to follow complex procedures, and collaborate with others in a dynamic and team-oriented environment
• Familiarity with database software and principals
• Advanced Microsoft Office and keyboarding skills
• Knowledge of preservation and imaging of archival records
• Knowledge of reference and research methods
• Knowledge of records management concepts
• Knowledge of basic conservation techniques for the preservation of archival materials
• Knowledge of RAD (Rules for Archival Description)
• Knowledge of digitization and digital preservation theory, best practices and software.
• Familiarity with digital preservation technologies and hardware, including: HTML, XML, metadata systems and Archival Information Management Systems.
• Understanding of current copyright legislation as it pertains to archival materials in all formats an asset
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations regarding handling of confidential materials
• Experience working with standardized metadata and cataloguing rules
• Experience working with scanning and photography equipment
• Valid G class License
• Ability to lift boxes weighing 40 pounds

Key Competencies:

o   Commitment to outstanding customer service

o   Strong communications skills

o   Data analysis skills

o   Good interpersonal skills

o   Continuous learning

o   Planning and organization

o   Problem solving and decision making

o   Programming and outreach

o   Reader’s advisory and reference

o   Technology Level 3

Eligibility under Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage:

• Be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and,
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation
• Be willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment.
• Will not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program.
• Be a college or university graduate.
• Not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program.

Workplace Environment:

The NFPL strives to be a workplace which fosters respect for all customers and co-workers, and requires employee commitment to the following;

• Adherence to the legal requirements of all levels of government, e.g. Health and Safety, Human Rights, Harassment, Freedom of Information and Privacy.
• Adherence to the policies and procedures of the Library which implement these requirements.
• Building and nurturing positive relationships among and with customers and colleagues.
• Culture of teamwork, collaboration and respectful feedback.

Position Type: Fixed-term, Full-time

Wage: $20.03 per hour

Work Hours: 35 hours per week (includes days, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays).

Start Date:  May, 2025

How to Apply:

Email your cover letter and resume detailing your qualifications to hr@nflibrary.ca. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 PM, April 25, 2025.

To be considered for the role, the candidate must be eligible under the Young Canada Works criteria.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.

While we appreciate all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Niagara Falls Public Library is committed to providing accommodations in all aspects of the recruitment and hiring process under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

The Niagara Falls Public Library does not employ Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of its recruitment process.