Archivist

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Schlesinger Library ethically collects and stewards archival, published, and digital materials documenting the histories of women and gender-diverse people in the United States. We make these collections accessible to scholars, students, educators, and the public through our reading room, classroom, gallery, and online platforms, advancing our commitment to building a more inclusive historical record. Our collections span equal rights and social justice, women’s health and reproductive lives, gender and sexuality, Radcliffe College, culinary history, and family papers. The Technical Services department plays a central role in the Library’s mission by enabling the discovery, use and management of archival, published, and born-digital collections through accessioning, processing, arrangement and description, metadata creation, and collection management.
We seek an Archivist who is passionate about archival processing and its crucial role in fostering discovery and accessibility; who is committed to equitable representation and inclusive description; and who brings an interest in and facility with both analog and born-digital materials. 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 and born-digital processing. The Archivist processes diverse archival 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 archivists and catalogers who are working collectively to evaluate and improve our practices while reaffirming our existing strengths.

Requirements

• 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.
• Knowledge of national data content and structure standards related to archival control of collection materials (e.g., DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, AAT).
• Knowledge of archival and library management systems, and proficiency with computer technology (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, databases, XML).
• Proven experience processing born digital collections and materials.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work productively both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, team-based environment.
• Flexibility, innovation, and user focus in their approaches to archival processing.
• Familiarity with or interest in current approaches and best practices in inclusive and reparative archival description.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with critical thinking and listening abilities.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in one or more foreign languages, particularly Spanish or Chinese preferred.
• Interest in contemporary U.S. women’s history.

Responsibilities

• Appraises, arranges, describes, preserves, and catalogs archival collections in both analog and digital formats. This includes evaluating their research value, creating a processing plan, and ensuring projects are completed in a timely fashion.
• Determines appropriate levels of arrangement and description, using a range of innovative and user-centered approaches to ensure flexible and efficient processing.
• 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.
• May undertake additional activities such as photograph cataloging, web archiving, metadata remediation for digitization, outreach and instruction, 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.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree