Archivist, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Lexington, MA
Posted May 9, 2014
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library’s Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives is seeking a full-time archivist. The successful candidate will be self-motivated and forward-thinking with a commitment to access, public service, and preservation.
Reporting to the Manager of Library & Archives, the archivist works under limited supervision with considerable latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. He or she is expected to uphold the highest ethical standards of a professional archivist in maintaining, preserving, and providing access to the Museum’s archival collection. Although prior subject knowledge of the history of Freemasonry and fraternalism is not required, the successful candidate will be expected to gain subject knowledge on the job, with guidance from the Museum & Library’s professional staff.
The archivist is responsible for all aspects of the archives collections. The archives collections are comprised of a number of important collections pertaining to Freemasonry, fraternalism, and American history, as well as the institutional archives of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite’s Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, which date back to the 18th century; and the institutional archives of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, which date back to its founding in 1975.
Duties and Responsibilities
Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Arranges, describes, and houses archival materials according to current professional standards, including the creation of finding aids and MARC records
· Provides archival reference services for in-house staff and external researchers
· Actively seeks new acquisitions via donation and/or purchase
· In conjunction with the Executive Director, assists in the development of policies and procedures for the records management program for the Museum and Supreme Council
· Maintains, updates, and implements record retention schedules for records management program
· Maintains a thorough and up-to-date understanding of digital file formats, electronic records management, and digital sustainability practice and theory
· Continues to inventory, prioritize, and catalog archives backlog
· Assists with the planning, research, and organization of reading room exhibitions
· Participates in digitization projects
· Promotes archives collections to academic, Masonic, and other audiences through various outlets, including the Museum & Library’s blog and The Northern Light, the membership magazine of the Scottish Rite’s Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
· Staffs reference desk on Saturdays of every other month
· Recruits and supervises archives interns and volunteers as needed
· Performs other duties as assigned/required by supervisor
Position Requirements
· Master’s Degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution, or graduate degree in archival studies, or graduate degree in a related discipline with equivalent experience in archives
· Minimum of 5 years professional archives experience, preferably in a museum or academic setting, and including experience with reference, acquisitions, and collections processing
· Demonstrated knowledge of trends, principles, and practices in archival collections, including issues in electronic/digital archives
· Enthusiasm for Masonic, fraternal, and American history
· Strong and broad historical research and analysis skills; excellent attention to detail
· Sound and effective writing skills
· Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills evidenced by success working in a collaborative environment
· Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and growth
· General knowledge of issues in records management, along with practical experience, or at least one course in records management
· Strong customer-service orientation and excellent interpersonal skills
· Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
· Must be team oriented, collaborative, diplomatic, and flexible
· Ability to regularly lift 40 lb. records storage boxes
Preferred Qualifications
· Second Master’s degree in American history or American studies
· Subject knowledge of the history of Freemasonry and fraternalism
· Institutional archives and/or records management experience
· Familiarity with archival collections management systems or databases, such as ArchivesSpace
· Knowledge of archival metadata schemas and standards, EAD, DACS
· Familiarity with Mimsy XG collection management software
· Reading knowledge of French
Work schedule
Position requires working Saturdays every other month: Tuesday – Saturday, 8:30-4:30
Alternating month schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30
Salary & benefits
$40,000 to $42,000 per year. Benefits include Medical & Dental health plan, paid vacation, and 401K plan.
About the Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives
The Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives is one of the premiere repositories in the United States for the study of Freemasonry and fraternalism and is one of six major Masonic libraries in the United States. It is a department within the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, an American history museum founded and supported by Scottish Rite Freemasons in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. The Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives’ collections reflect the Museum’s scope of Freemasonry, fraternalism, and American history and supports research on the Museum’s object collections, as well as the exhibitions the Museum has displayed through its nearly 40 year history.
The Archives collection, consisting of more than 2,000 cubic feet of material, is comprised of numerous collections including Masonic and fraternal regalia catalogs dating from the late 19th century, a collection of thousands of Masonic and fraternal postcards, a large collection of Masonic and fraternal membership certificates, hundreds of Masonic ritual manuscripts dating back to the 18th century, minute and ledger books of various other fraternal groups, the Galford Collection of WWI and WWII posters, the Uys Family Collection of material pertaining to teenage hoboes in America, and the G. Edward Elwell, Jr. Collection of autographs.
Additionally, the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts has placed over 11,000 objects and documents on extended loan at the Museum as part of a joint project to catalog, preserve, and make accessible this collection. Among the archival items are approximately 200 18th-century letters, 200 photographs, and 900 Masonic certificates.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to:
Richard V. Travis
Executive Director
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
33 Marrett Rd.
Lexington MA, 02421-5703