Department : Mary Baker Eddy Library
SUMMARY
Research & Reference Services staff support the Library's mission by providing assistance to individuals interested in the collections and responding to queries from all over the world. Patrons include distinguished scholars, as well as the general public. An important component of the work involves fulfilling the historical information needs, large and small, of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, including The Christian Science Publishing Society. The Library's collections are primarily documentary in nature, including special collections focused on Eddy and her life and times, as well as the organizational archives of the church.
This is a four-level job family and incumbents must master the duties and skills of one level in order to move to the next. Demonstrated experience, educational level, and years of experience may allow for beginning employment at a level higher than the entry position.
Specific duties for the Research Associate, Researcher I, Researcher II, and Researcher III vary according to :
- Education level achieved by the employee
- Number of years of experience conducting historical research
- Level of experience in project management and self-directed work
- Level of experience reviewing or supervising the work of others
- Depth of knowledge of the collections and the history of Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science
The Mary Baker Eddy Library is a trusted and authoritative resource on Mary Baker Eddy and the history of the Christian Science movement, providing public access to original materials and educational experiences about Eddy, the ideas she advanced, her writings, the institutions she founded, and their healing mission.
ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Associate
Regular Duties (90%)
Answers routine research questionsStaffs public research spacesProvides one-on-one research and reference assistance, including introducing patrons to the collections, databases, and finding aidsProvides guidance on how to correctly handle historic materialsAnswers phone calls and fills purchase requestsRetrieves original materials and publications from the Library stacksRequests materials from off-site storageFills photocopy requestsAssists with projects related to archival processing; digitization; records management; acquisitions; programs; and exhibitsSpecial Projects (5%)
Writes articles about the collections for MBEL websiteTechnical / IT (5%)
Administers the point-of-sale system for patron salesConducts routine inquiries in research databases, including M-Files, re : Discovery, and ProQuestCreates, tracks, and manages queries through a Salesforce databaseImplements scanning projectsCoordinates and tracks project workflows in Trello and AsanaFacilitates video conferencing meetings in ZoomResearcher I
Regular Duties (60%)
Performs all Regular Duties of the Research Associate levelAnswers more complex research questionsWrites articles about the collections for MBEL websiteSpecial Projects (30%)
Reviews content for the Library's website and the publications of The Christian Science Publishing Society, working with the Senior Research Archivist to fact check material and ensure that all content is held to the highest standard.Supports other work, including for the Mary Baker Eddy Papers, the Library's public programs, and the creation of both online and onsite exhibits, primarily through researching in the collections and writing content.May lead internal research projects, such as developing chronologies and studies to enhance the historical understanding of Mary Baker Eddy and the Christian Science movement.Assists with projects relating to records management, acquisitions, programs, exhibits, and other Library activities.Supports the administration of the Research team by helping to maintain policies and procedures for the staff.Technical / IT (10%)
Performs all Technical / IT duties listed under the Research Associate Level.Provides training and assistance to staff and patrons in the use of technology resources.Performs basic troubleshooting of issues relating to technology programs used by research staff.Researcher II
Regular Duties (40%)
Performs all Regular Duties of the Researcher I level.Assists staff members as they answer queries, including :Providing guidance regarding the collections
Discussing historic issues and materials with staffEducating staff about the provenance of materialsReviewing responses to queries drafted by staff for accuracy, style, and grammar.Special Projects (40%)
Performs all Special Projects duties of the Researcher I level.Identifies, develops, directs, manages, and implements projects related to specialized historical research, such as compiling and authenticating chronologies andLeads internal research projects, such as developing chronologies and studies to enhance the historical understanding of Mary Baker Eddy and the Christian Science movement.
Reviews content for the Library's website and the publications of The Christian Science Publishing Society, working with the Senior Research Archivist to fact check material and ensure that all content is held to the highest standard.Supports other work, including for the Mary Baker Eddy Papers, the Library's public programs, and the creation of both online and onsite exhibits, primarily through researching in the collections and writing content.Administrative / Leadership (10%)
Assists with questions relating to the administration and management of Research & Reference Services.Assumes a leadership role in implementing long-term research projects, such as the Mary Baker Eddy Papers.Conducts and facilitates project-based meetings.Mentors Research Assistant, Research Associate and Researcher I staff members.Supports the Manager of Research Services and other management to ensure the effective functioning of research services.Technical / IT (10%)
Performs all Technical / IT duties of the Researcher I level.Researcher III
Regular Duties (50%)
Performs all Regular Duties of the Researcher II level.Serves as the lead staff member working with longer term patrons, such as fellows. This includes identifying content relevant to their research, reviewing content and making it available to them. Also provides guidance to these patrons by engaging with them both off site and during their visit.Oversees and conducts the research necessary to respond to the more complex research requests. Complex research requests may entail sensitive or confidential subject matter, questions about policy evolution, or direct requests from the Christian Science Board of Directors and senior management.Conducts research into confidential records.Reviews materials for historical accuracy. This includes a wide variety of materials, such as articles, books, and lectures published by the Library and The First Church of Christ, Scientist, as well as exhibit and website texts.Writes, revises articles, conference papers, blog posts, historic research compilations, chronologies, and research studies.Assists staff members in answering queries, including :Providing guidance regarding the collections
Discussing historic issues and materials with staffEducating staff about the provenance of materialsReviewing responses to queries drafted by staff for accuracy, style, and grammar.
Manages the confidential inboxes for incoming queries to assign to staff, ensuring an appropriate balance of workload and matching skill-level with query complexity; works with other senior members of the research staff to ensure that resources are available to answer high priority and confidential requests.Special Projects (15%)
Performs all Special Projects duties of the Researcher II level.Administrative / Leadership (25%)
Performs all Administrative / Leadership duties of the Researcher II level.Manages and coordinates the Library's fellowship program, contacting potential fellows, administering the application process, supporting their research and coordinating with other departments to help them conduct and present their research.Manages research inquiries from coordinating managers and the Christian Science Board of Directors, conducting specialized research and responding to sensitive requests.Assumes a leadership role in the management of the Research Room by scheduling appointments and desk shifts, working with less experienced staff to ensure that content can be made available for patrons and generally supporting Assists with questions relating to the administration and management of Research & Reference Services.Manages the work of short term employees and interns in certain areas of specialization, such as reference work.Technical / IT (10%)
Performs all Technical / IT duties of the Researcher II level.Manages and implements scanning projects.Manages and tracks project workflows using both Trello and Asana.All positions perform other duties as assigned, including participation in public Library events (on community days).
STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS
Reporting Relationships
Supervisor : Manager of Research & Exhibits
Supervises : Researcher I, II and III may supervise projects for Research Associates, temporary employees, and interns, providing training as well as written and verbal guidance. Researcher II and III may also supervise projects for Researcher I.
Regular Contacts
All levels work directly with organizational departments and the public, and work closely with the Library's Special Collections, Organizational Archives, and Programs staff.Researcher II and III work closely with Coordinating Managers and members of the Board Office.JOB REQUIREMENTS :
Education / Experience
Required Experience (all positions)
Experience conducting in-depth historical research in primary and secondary materials, including print and online.Experience in a library or archives environment, including working with the public.Years of Required Experience
Research Associate : 0-2 years of experienceResearcher I : 2-5 years of professional experienceResearcher II : 5-8 years of professional experienceResearcher III : 8-12 years of professional experienceRequired Education
Research Associate : Bachelor's degree, preferably in history, library science, or a related disciplineResearcher I : Master's degree in history, library science, or a related discipline required, or a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least two (2) to five (5) years of experience working with collections related to the life and work of Mary Baker EddyResearcher II : Master's degree in history, library science, or a related discipline required, or a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least five (5) to eight (8) years of experience.Researcher III : Master's degree in history, library science, or a related discipline required, or a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least eight (8) to 12 years of experience.Knowledge / Skills
Research Associate :
The ideal candidate has a working knowledge of Mary Baker Eddy, her ideas and legacy, the history of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and is familiar with 19th century American religious or women's history.Excellent writing, editing, and communications skills.Ability to stay on task and meet deadlines.Ability to work well alone or in teams and to support interdisciplinary and interdepartmental projects.Excellent customer service skills.Researcher I :
In addition to the knowledge and skills of the Research Associate level, the Researcher I must have general familiarity with the collections maintained or accessed by the Library, and familiarity with Library finding aids or a Master's degree in a related discipline; and a firm knowledge of Mary Baker Eddy, her ideas and legacy, and the history of The First Church of Christ, Scientist.
Researcher II :
In addition to the knowledge and skills of the Researcher I level, the Researcher II must be deeply familiar with the collections maintained or accessed by the Library and have advanced skills in library and archival research methods and resources, and have institutional knowledge and significant in-depth knowledge of Mary Baker Eddy and of the history and organization of The First Church of Christ, Scientist and The Christian Science Publishing Society.
Researcher III :
In addition to the knowledge and skills of the Researcher II level, the Researcher III must have experience managing small research projects, as well as managing and mentoring interns or new early career researchers.
Technology Requirements
Strong computer and technology skills, including familiarity with :Research databases (ProQuest, Concord Online, JSH Online)
Content management systems (M-Files, Re : discovery / Proficio)Customer relationship management systems (Salesforce)Point of sales systems (PayPal)Workflow or project management software (Asana, Trello)Genealogy databases (various)Office software (Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat)Video conferencing technology (Zoom)Social media platforms (FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram)File sharing and storage software (Box, Dropbox)Internet browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer)Work Environment Requirements
Ability to comfortably lift up to 40 pounds and use stepladdersAvailability to work occasional evening and weekend hours on-siteChristian Science information
The ideal candidate values Mary Baker Eddy's life and work, and recognizes the Library's role in furthering the mission of her Church. Membership in The Mother Church is required.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
