Archivist

Iowa Methodist Conference Archivist This position is 10-20 hours a week or 20-40 hours per pay period. This position would be housed in our Conference Office located in Des Moines, IA.The Iowa Methodist Conference Archivist is responsible for collecting, evaluating, preserving, organizing, storing, and managing important historical records, documents, and artifacts pertaining to Iowa Methodist Churches and pastors who have served in Iowa for future information. • Receive Methodist Archival Items and Collectionsa. Church information: Historian Reports, histories/updated histories, celebration booklets, directories, important pictures, newspaper articles, etc.b. Pastors' pictures, biographies, autobiographies, obituaries, information, newspaper articles (special recognition, etc.)c. Membership books, histories, and important documents from closed churchesd. Iowa Conference Journalse. Newspapers & Periodicals: Iowa Methodist Hawkeyes, Iowa Historian Newsletters, Grace Upon Grace, Interpreter, General Commission Publicationsf. Other Methodist related books (preferably relating to Iowa Methodism)g. Bibles, hymnals, disciplines (well supplied)h. Artifacts with options to keep in archives or another location • Assess, Preserve and Store Methodist Archival Items and Collectionsa. Assess documents (manage disposal of documents which hold no value)b. Ensure use of proper preservation techniques Preserve paper records, letters and documents on acid-free paper Remove staples, scotch tape, etc. Use archival pens, archival tape, stainless steel staples, etc. Enclose documents in archival (acid-free) sleeves, folders, boxes, etc. Preserve photographs, films, video, audiotapes, CD, DVDMake necessary repairs on archival itemsc. Catalog and process booksd. Develop and keep an inventorye. Scan - create electronic (preserved) copies of important records for future research • Provide Assistance to Local Churches and Conference Staffa. Revise Church Historian Report Forms periodicallyb. Compare new Church Historian Reports with previous years before filingc. Update and share brochure, "The Iowa Methodist Conference Archives"d. Update and share brochure, "Tips for Church Historians and Secretaries"e. Provide information from archives files on pastors, church information, etc.f. Suggest items to be included in our archivesg. Assist church historians as to what to keep and how to preserve documentsh. Assist church historians or other personnel in writing church historiesi. Suggest ideas for celebrationsj. Share statistics from Conference Journals • Research Enquiries Received by Phone, E-mail, Snail-mail and in Persona. Provide dates of births, baptisms, and other genealogy information from closed church membership records for social security purposes, for joining another church or for family genealogyb. Provide pastors' service records, pictures, obituaries, etc.c. Identify and retrieve research materials, photocopy documents, and monitor people who come to do their own research • Receive Assistance from General Commission on Archives and Historya. Use GCAH Guidelines for Archives from websiteb. Seek help and suggestions from GCAHc. Correspond with other state Methodist archivistsd. Attend some training meetings (when available) • Attend Training and Workshop Opportunities in Person or on Zooma. Iowa Conservation & Preservation Consortium (on-line and training sites)b. Historical Societies, libraries, collegesc. Suggested Archives reference books • Be Responsible to the Iowa Methodist Archives and History Committeea. Address concerns to Committee Chairb. Write reports of your activities for archives meetingsc. Offer archival "keepsakes" for display at Conference Centerd. Assist Archives Committee with special projects and activitiese. Suggest needed items, such as new computer, printer, scanner, cabinets, etc.f. Suggest ideas for future organization, storage, etc. • Order archival suppliesa. Check with designated Committee Member and/or Conference Personnel for needed additional archival supplies (acid free paper, archival file folders, stainless steel staples, archival pens, acid testers. etc.) – Submit voucher for approval.b. Check with designated Committee Member and/or Conference Personnel for needed office supplies (computer ink cartridges, mailing envelopes, pens, markers, etc.) Submit voucher for approval.c. File copies of vouchers and receipts