Researcher I, The Mary Baker Eddy Library for The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, MA
Posted September 4, 2014
SUMMARY OF WORK:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
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As a member of a team of researchers, fulfills the informational needs of internal and external inquirers. This includes responding to emails and phone messages, and assisting those who visit the Library’s Research Room. (The annual number of questions answered numbers well over four thousand.)
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Regularly assists patrons who visit the Library’s Research Room. Manning the “front desk” is a responsibility that rotates among Research Team members. This involves:
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one-on-one research and reference assistance, including introducing patrons to the Library collections, databases, and finding aids;
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providing guidance on how to pursue research, and how to correctly handle historic materials;
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answering phone calls and handling purchases of document copies.
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Assigns and tracks queries for the entire staff, using a Salesforce database. This is another rotating duty.
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Assists patrons by retrieving original materials and publications from the Library stacks, requesting materials from offsite storage, and filling photocopy requests.
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Writes articles about the collections for the Library’s website, such as the “Object of the Month” and short pieces on the “Research & Reference” area of mbelibrary.org.
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Regularly explores the archival collections, finding aids, and published materials to develop a strong working knowledge of the life of Mary Baker Eddy and the history of the Christian Science movement (from Eddy’s day to the present).
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Participates, as a team member, in regular meetings designed to engage staff in considering the policies, focus, and future of the Research Room, and the Library.
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Assists, when needed, with questions relating to archival processing, records management, acquisitions, programs, exhibits, and other Library activities.
Performs other duties as assigned, including participation in public operations of the Library (on community days).
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
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A Master’s degree in library science or history (or equivalent education and experience) is optimal. The ideal candidate has a good working knowledge of 19th century American religious or women’s history, and is familiar with or can quickly learn biographical and other historical information on Mary Baker Eddy, her ideas and legacy, and the history of The First Church of Christ, Scientist.
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Experience conducting in-depth historical research, including print and online.
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Experience in a library or archives environment, including working with the public (children and adults).
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Excellent writing, editing, and communications skills.
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Strong computer skills, including familiarity with databases.
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Ability to comfortably lift up to 40 lbs and use step ladders.
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Ability to work some weekend hours (the Research Room is generally open the first Saturday of each month).
The incumbent must be a team player – committed to interacting with and consulting his colleagues, enthusiastic about the high standards of Research & Reference Services, and in harmony with the Library’s purpose. Team members are also expected to give excellent customer service, and convey a positive experience to all inquirers.
This position requires signing a Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement.
Researcher I, as a member of the staff of Research & Reference Services, provides research assistance to individuals interested in the collections of The Mary Baker Eddy Library, handling queries from all over the world – historical research questions posed in person, by email, by phone, and so forth. Patrons include distinguished scholars as well as the general public, the latter often needing instruction on best practices in historical research. Another important component of the work is fulfilling the historical information needs, large and small, of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, including The Christian Science Publishing Society. The collections utilized by Research staff are primarily documentary in nature, and include special collections focused on Mary Baker Eddy, her life and times, as well as the organizational archives maintained by the Church’s Office of Records Management.