Collections Archivist, Institute Archives and Special Collections, MIT Libraries, Cambridge MA

Posted December 16, 2013

**This is a 3-year term appointment with the possibility of extension.**

The MIT Libraries seek an Archivist to join the service‐oriented and innovative staff of the Institute Archives and Special Collections. The Collections Archivist will ensure the acquisition, management, description, and access to archival collections, and will participate in activities of the records management program. The “Digital MIT” initiative to transform processes to digital has increased the Institute’s need for enhanced archival and records management activities.

The primary focus of the Collections Archivist is to work with staff in defining best practices related to archival content management, both in analog and digital form. The Archivist will contact offices, faculty and staff regarding archival content of enduring historical value, participate in donor solicitation, and act as a liaison to MIT Libraries’ subject liaisons for issues regarding archival collection development and management. Some specific responsibilities of the position include:

Preparing and managing transfer of archival collections, including coordinating the gift agreement process.
Accessioning and preparing collections for use utilizing the Archivists’ Toolkit (ArchivesSpace); reviewing rights and access issues; and preparing descriptions for finding aids.
Developing and documenting procedures and workflows and creating and updating web content and manuals to support effective collection development and management of content.
Working closely with the Metadata Archivist and Digital Archivist and participating in accessioning/ingesting born‐digital content as assigned.
Serving as the contact for the outsourced temporary‐records storage program, maintainingdocumentation, permissions, and annual destructions.

The Collections Archivist will report to the Associate Head, Institute Archives and Special Collections and will have direct supervisory responsibility for one Archives Collections Associate. S/he will participate in staffing the Archives reference desk and assist with outreach efforts, and s/he will participate in committees and projects within MIT Libraries and beyond. The Collections Archivist is expected to keep current with emerging standards and best practices in the field.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS for the position include:

ALA‐accredited MLS/MLIS or Masters degree in history or relevant subject/field.
Minimum one-year professional‐level experience acquiring and managing archival material in an archives or library.
Demonstrated knowledge of archival and records management theory and practice including issues related to intellectual property, ethics, content management, preservation, and access.
Experience with an archival content management system and technologies applicable for the archival environment.
Experience with records management and electronic records issues.
Experience with descriptive metadata standards including MARC, DACS, Dublin Core.
Experience with EAD data structure standard.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to collaborate effectively within and across organizational boundaries, to work successfully with a diverse population, and to exercise appropriate diplomacy and tact in working with a wide variety of customers.
Strong communication skills including ability to write and document clearly.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with proven success in independently prioritizing work andNmanaging competing deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to be flexible, tolerate ambiguity, adapt to change and successfully work in a fastpaced, dynamic environment.
Supervisory experience or demonstrated potential to be an effective supervisor.
Ability to regularly lift and move records boxes weighing up to 40 pounds.

Preferred

Experience with Archivists’ Toolkit.
Experience with DSpace software platform.
Knowledge of MODS, METS, Premis data standards.
Experience working in an academic institution.
Knowledge of the history of science and technology.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: $53,000 minimum. MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health and retirement plans, a dental plan, tuition assistance and a relocation allowance. The MIT Libraries afford a flexible and collegial working environment and foster professional growth of staff with management training and travel funding for professional meetings.

Apply online at: http://hrweb.mit.edu/staffing/. Applications must include cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin January 27, 2014 and will continue until position is filled. MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and minority candidates.