CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
2G02
ARCHIVIST I
GENERAL
DEFINITION
This is archival work of limited scope and difficulty identifying, classifying, and
cataloging records and documents for retention in a municipal archive. Employees work
independently on less complex assignments and participate with a higher level archivist on more
complex assignments. Assignments expand in scope and complexity as employees gain
experience in the work. Work is performed under the direction of the City Archivist.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position
to be approved for this class.)
- Employees in this class must perform archival work of limited scope and difficulty,
identifying, classifying, and cataloging municipal records and documents for retention
in a municipal archive.
- Employees in this class must perform the work in the Records Department.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK
(ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
- Reviews and analyzes terminal records submitted by extant and past city agencies and
public bodies; determines origin of all records and documents by searching out organization,
function and history of the generating agencies; consults past ordinances; statutes, histories and
newspaper articles in order to establish provenance; makes archival classifications based upon
findings; prepares written descriptions detailing history of originating agencies and the
relationship of records to them.
- Examines records for uniqueness and informative value; compares records from one
generating body to another to determine overlap of information contained; retains records
meeting present and anticipated demands from the public and scholars; prepares catalog entries
describing records series contents; sorts, collates, indexes, and shelves records in the most
advantageous manner; prepares shelf lists and cross index files.
- Writes articles and reviews describing special collections; compiles bibliographies of
source materials in area repositories; answers written requests for information.
- Assists individuals by describing information held and its application to their research.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS
AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- archival standards, procedures and practices used in the classification of records,
documents and papers.
- computer hardware and software relating to work assignment.
- the legal and administrative rules and regulations of records disposal and retention.
- the functions, organizations, and history of Philadelphia agencies and public bodies.
- historical bibliographic sources.
- the techniques of records preservation, duplication and restoration.
- principles of records management and record retention schedules.
ABILITY TO:
- conduct research in the history, function and organization of record generating agencies.
- apply standard archival procedures and practices to the classification of records,
documents and papers.
- utilize computer hardware and software relating to work assignment.
- express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and departmental officials.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING
AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement
represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject
applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based
on training and experience requirements as approved on 12/97.)
EDUCATION
- Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with
major coursework in archival administration, library science, information science, or a related
field.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
- One year of experience in a training capacity learning archival examination, research, and
classification.
Or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience determined to be
acceptable by the Personnel Department.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions
required of a position in this class.
PAY RANGE: EP13
Class Established: 4/1974
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC - 11/1997 ; Ad Board - 12/1997
TOC/toc/deb
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 2G02