What are the responsibilities and job description for the Archivist position at Harvard University?
Job Summary
The Schlesinger Library is the leading center for scholarship on the history of women in the United States. The Archival Technical Services unit at Schlesinger Library fosters the discovery, use, and care of archival and manuscript materials through various activities including accessioning, processing, description, metadata creation, preservation, and collection management. Archival Technical Services’ priorities reflect the Library’s ongoing work to document the history and contributions of women and organizations currently under-represented in our collections.
We seek an Archivist who is passionate about archival processing and its crucial role in fostering discovery and accessibility. The Archivist processes diverse archival and manuscript collections, arranging and describing materials according to national standards and best practices; highlighting materials for researchers; and providing widespread public access to collections. This is an opportunity for a critical thinker to join an experienced team of passionate archivists who are working collectively to evaluate and improve our practices while reaffirming our existing strengths. Reporting to the Lead Processing Archivist, they will work as part of an inclusive team, participating in and contributing to the evolution of a program of thoughtful, flexible, user-centered archival processing.
We seek an Archivist who is passionate about archival processing and its crucial role in fostering discovery and accessibility. The Archivist processes diverse archival and manuscript collections, arranging and describing materials according to national standards and best practices; highlighting materials for researchers; and providing widespread public access to collections. This is an opportunity for a critical thinker to join an experienced team of passionate archivists who are working collectively to evaluate and improve our practices while reaffirming our existing strengths. Reporting to the Lead Processing Archivist, they will work as part of an inclusive team, participating in and contributing to the evolution of a program of thoughtful, flexible, user-centered archival processing.
Position Description
- Appraises, arranges, describes, preserves, and catalogs archival and manuscript collections in both analog and digital formats. This includes evaluating their research value, creating a processing plan, and consulting with conservation staff regarding fragile materials.
- Creates DACS-compliant archival descriptions, including catalog records and finding aids, following national standards and Schlesinger Library procedures and applying best practices for inclusive and reparative description.
- Determines appropriate levels of arrangement and description, using a range of approaches to ensure flexible and efficient processing.
- Adheres to procedures outlined in departmental processing manuals and contributes to the improvement and documentation of departmental workflows and practices.
- May undertake additional activities such as photograph cataloging, web archiving, metadata remediation for digitization, participating in donor visits, and exhibit work.
- Covers regular shifts at the Schlesinger Library reference desk.
- May supervise student assistants and interns, including hiring, training, planning and assigning work, assessing performance, addressing performance issues, and resolving problems.
- Monitors current developments, trends, and best practices in the archival profession. Fosters collaborative relationships within the department, Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe, and across Harvard Library as appropriate. May represent the department in various collaborative projects and programs within the greater Harvard Library system and beyond.
Basic Qualifications
- ALA-accredited MLS (Master’s in Library Science) with a concentration in archives management, or an MA in history or a related field.
- Two or more years of experience processing archival materials in various formats.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Knowledge of national data content and structure standards related to archival control of collection materials (e.g., DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, AAT).
- Understanding of content appraisal, preservation needs, and issues related to copyright, privacy, and confidentiality in archival collections.
- Familiarity with or interest in current approaches and best practices in inclusive and reparative archival description.
- Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Knowledge of archival and library management systems, and proficiency with computer technology (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, databases, XML).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work productively both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, team-based environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with critical thinking and listening abilities.
- Proficiency in one or more foreign languages (Spanish or Chinese preferred).
- Understanding of contemporary U.S. women’s history.
Physical Requirements
- The physical demands of this position include lifting and carrying boxes up to 40 pounds, managing cartloads of material weighing up to 240 pounds, frequent standing, walking, climbing ladders, and bending to retrieve or reshelve collections.
- Manual dexterity is required to handle delicate archival materials carefully.
- Prolonged periods of examining documents under magnification and repetitive data entry tasks are also common.
Working Conditions
- Work conditions involve a climate-controlled, indoor environment with specific temperature and humidity levels to preserve materials. The archivist may encounter dust and mold, necessitating the use of personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Limited natural light is typical in the workspace, and frequent use of computers and other digital tools is required.
Additional Information
Cover Letter:
Please note that cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Radcliffe Institute. Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document that is uploaded when you are instructed by HARVARD CAREERS, Harvard’s online application program to “Upload my resume/CV from my computer”
Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. However, we encourage all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Interviews:
We hope to conduct interviews virtually and might invite finalist candidates for on-campus interviews. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process.
Please note that cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Radcliffe Institute. Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document that is uploaded when you are instructed by HARVARD CAREERS, Harvard’s online application program to “Upload my resume/CV from my computer”
Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. However, we encourage all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Interviews:
We hope to conduct interviews virtually and might invite finalist candidates for on-campus interviews. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process.
Work Format Details
This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
About Us
About the Harvard Radcliffe Institute:
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute is dedicated to creating and sharing transformative ideas across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars. Academic Ventures fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute’s commitment to women, gender and society.
The Harvard Radcliffe Institute is dedicated to creating and sharing transformative ideas across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars. Academic Ventures fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute’s commitment to women, gender and society.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Job Function
Library
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
386056 Library Professional
Work Format
On-Site
Sub-Unit
-
Salary Grade
056
Department
Schlesinger Library
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status
Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Employment, Identity
Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $5,250
