Electronic Records Specialist
- Staff, full-time (32+ hours per week)
Title: Electronic Records Specialist
Position Number: 997402
Unit/Department: Cowles Library
FTE: 100%
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
Department Summary:
Cowles Library is the largest private academic library in Iowa. Our purpose is to support the educational goals of Drake University by providing services, collections, technology, and learning opportunities that make it possible for faculty and students to successfully access and use information.
https://library.drake.edu/
Job Summary:
Primarily responsible for ongoing accession, processing, description, and preservation of electronic records within Drake University Archives and Special Collections. General responsibilities will include leading the development an electronic records policy, processing and preserving born-digital archival collections, and outreach to campus departments for the acquisition of vital University records.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Experience or course work in electronic records and strong technology skills
• Knowledge of archival principles and best practices for arrangement description
• Experience with digital forensic tools and techniques for electronic records management
• Understanding of records management principles and practices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as creatively, collaboratively, and effectively as a team member
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education
Preferred Qualifications:
• ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent education and relevant library experience
• Knowledge of digital preservation standards and frameworks (OAIS, PREMIS, METS)
• Familiarity with audiovisual materials processing and digitization
Job Duties:
- 40% - Electronic Records Management: Supports the development, implementation, and execution of procedures for managing born-digital collections for ingest, storage, preservation, organization, description, and access; Assists with integrating digital forensic tools to help ensure authentic and appropriately preserved electronic records; Works closely with the Digital Projects Librarian to support integration of digital collections and institutional repositories, including assisting with preservation workflows, metadata standards, and digital asset management best practices.
- 25% - Records Management & Policy Support: Provides support and guidance to University offices in developing, implementing, and improving recordkeeping systems and practices, including the management and preservation of electronic records; Collaborates with the Director of University Archives & Special Collections to implement policies in governing the management of University records in both print and digital format.
- 15% - Collections Processing & Description: Performs accessioning, appraisal, arrangement, and description of born-digital and analog records, including audiovisual materials; Applies diversity, inclusion, and social justice considerations relate to archival collections, following SAA’s Core Values and Code of Ethics.
- 15% - Reference & Public Services: Provides reference assistance for institutional requests for historical information to University offices as well as to students, alumni, and the general public; Maintains and updates University Archives & Special Collections website.
- 5% - Other Activities: Serves on one or more cross-functional library teams and university-wide committees. Also performs other duties as assigned.
Salary and Benefits:
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2026. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter. If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email hope.bibens@drake.edu .
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
