archives specialist Interview Questions and Answers

1. What is your understanding of archival principles and best practices?

   • Answer: Archival principles encompass the ethical, legal, and practical guidelines for managing archival materials. Best practices include provenance (maintaining the original order and context), original order preservation, intellectual control (creating finding aids and metadata), appropriate storage and preservation techniques (environmental control, handling procedures), and access and use policies, all aiming to ensure long-term preservation and accessibility of materials.

2. Describe your experience with archival description and metadata creation.

   • Answer: I have extensive experience creating descriptive metadata using various standards like Dublin Core, Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and Resource Description and Access (RDA). I'm proficient in using archival databases and content management systems to input and manage metadata, ensuring accurate and consistent information for discoverability and retrieval. I understand the importance of using controlled vocabularies and subject headings.

3. How do you ensure the preservation of archival materials?

   • Answer: Preservation involves a multi-faceted approach. I focus on environmental control (temperature, humidity, light), proper handling techniques, disaster preparedness and recovery planning (including emergency response protocols and offsite storage), and regular condition assessments of materials. I also utilize appropriate storage materials and methods to minimize deterioration.

4. Explain your experience with digital archiving and born-digital materials.

   • Answer: I have experience with various aspects of digital archiving, including ingestion, preservation planning, metadata creation for digital objects, and using digital preservation software. I'm familiar with formats and file migration strategies, as well as strategies for ensuring long-term accessibility of digital materials, understanding the risks associated with bit rot and obsolescence.

5. How familiar are you with different archival storage formats and media?

   • Answer: I am familiar with a variety of archival storage formats, including paper-based materials, photographs (various types), film (including nitrate and acetate), audio and video recordings (various formats), and digital files (various formats). I understand the unique preservation challenges associated with each format and have experience in proper handling and storage procedures.

6. Describe your experience with arranging and describing archival collections.

   • Answer: I have experience in processing archival collections, which includes intellectually controlling the materials. This involves arranging materials according to their original order, creating descriptive inventories and finding aids, assigning appropriate metadata, and developing a controlled vocabulary for efficient retrieval. I am adept at working with diverse collection types and formats.

7. How do you handle requests for access to archival materials?

   • Answer: I carefully review requests against the collection's access policies and any applicable legal or ethical restrictions. I provide appropriate access, while also ensuring the preservation of the materials. This may involve providing copies, controlled access in a reading room, or facilitating remote access via digital surrogates.

8. What are your skills in using archival databases and software?

   • Answer: I am proficient in using various archival databases and software, such as [List specific software used, e.g., Archivists' Toolkit, CONTENTdm, ArchivesSpace]. I'm comfortable with database administration, data entry, reporting, and searching. I'm also adept at learning new software and adapting to technological advancements in the field.

9. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your workload in a busy archival setting?

   • Answer: I use project management techniques, such as creating detailed to-do lists, setting deadlines, and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. I am adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously and can adapt to changing priorities.

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