Archives Assistant, Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown MA
Posted January 28, 2014
The Archives at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA is hiring an Archives Assistant, the job is part-time (up to 18 hours/week):
The application is available through our online career center:http://www.perkins.org/about-
Primary Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Archivist, the Archives Assistant is responsible for processing archival collections including organization, description, and preservation measures, assisting with digital collections including photography, scanning, and metadata creation. Assist with updating the archives website and social media accounts, and other duties including inventory, data entry, and transcription projects.
Tasks Performed:
Implements uniform arrangement, description, and preservation standards to ensure that collections are efficiently, effectively, and appropriately processed. Writing finding aids and creating other documents to improve collection description and access. Responsible for digitization, post-production and image correction, and metadata creation for online exhibits of archival materials. Updating the archives website, and content creation for social media (Flickr, Twitter, Pinterest). Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned, including assuming duties in the absence of the Archivist.
Essential Functions:
Ability to properly handle fragile, historic materials. Knowledge of digital scanning, image editing, and web page design and development. Knowledge of digital content standards and metadata schema (e.g. Dublin Core, MARC, RDA, METS). Possess knowledge of archives and special collections work routines. Possess knowledge of copyright law. Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and to current trends related to digitization. Ability to provide reference and research assistance. Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner. Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.
Minimum Physical Requirements:
Lifting, carrying and/or moving of boxes, some of which could be heavy or require the use of carts, bending, pulling, collating, and filing. Significant computer work, which may require repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
Desired Education:
Master’s degree or current enrollment in an ALA-accredited Master’s program.
Desired Major:
Library Information Science
Desired Job Experience:
Current enrollment in a Master’s program, an advanced degree in a related disciplinary field with archival management coursework and/or experience. Experience arranging, processing, and preserving archival collections. Working knowledge of current metadata and descriptive standards, including DACS and EAD.
Certifications Required:
ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library Information Science.