Survey Archivist, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Posted January 29, 2015
Under the direction of the University Archivist and supervised by Collection Development Curator/Archivist, the Manuscript/Archival Collection Survey Archivist (‘Survey Archivist’) will be responsible for gathering, interpreting, and depositing into a project specific database, basic data about 19th century manuscript and archival collections related to North America from across the Harvard Library special collections and archives. Data gathering will consist of both collating information from Harvard library and archival systems such as HOLLIS and OASIS and visits to libraries and archives, as needed, to examine collections that do not have adequate or any information in systems and/or to interview curators/archivists about holdings. The Survey Archivist will also participate in the updating of the database tool created for an earlier project of 17th and 18th century materials. The new data will be used, both in the future and also while in the process of being collected, to help organize and further plan for the processing and digitization of Harvard’s 19th century manuscript and archival holdings related to North America. Data collection focuses on collection description, date, location, extent, processing status, major subject terms, geographic area, access and restrictions on access, and other areas. Please note: this is a full time term appointment ending on November 30, 2016.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Project deliverables:
- Assistance to ensure an updated database tool that has the capability to be keyword searchable, allows the construction of reports from all fields on all tabs, and provides all items in one list.
- A brief collection description for each related collection at all libraries/archives providing a single, broad overview of the collection with a focus on collection location, description, date, extent, processing status, major subject terms, geographic area, access and restrictions on access, and other areas such as searchable keywords or topics. Links to HOLLIS, OASIS, and to digitized content will also be included.
Data gathering:
- HOLLIS data downloaded into the project survey database.
- Additional data gathered from other systems such as OASIS and VIA
- As needed, repository visits to interview repository staff and view items and assess processing status for the purpose of digitization.
- As appropriate, re-purposing data from survey database created for 17th and 18th century collections
Description:
- Each initial HOLLIS collection record verified to contain 19th century manuscript/archival items related to North America.
- Collection descriptions that are edited or shortened versions of collection-level HOLLIS records.
- Links to full collection-level HOLLIS records, OASIS finding aids, and digitized content added to the descriptions.
- Additional data added to applicable fields such as subject categories and geographic areas.
- Descriptions composed of full sentences, including keyword searchable terms highlighting collection contents.
- Templates established to facilitate the creation of consistent collection descriptions.
- Aside from the creator, title, dates, extent of collections, and links to digitized content, descriptions to include:
- A carefully edited opening sentence which broadly describes the collection and creator
- Searchable content-based keywords and subjects will be incorporated into sentences describing the materials and highlighting notable content.
- Background information on the creator and the historical context of the collection
- Named individuals will be identified with their birth/death dates, [Harvard degree if appropriate], and occupation, if known
- Forms and genres included in the collection
- Known languages in the collection
- Processing status based upon a project-based standard of assessment
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in history, American Studies, or a related discipline required.
- Master’s degree in library/information science with a concentration in archives or equivalent required.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working in an archives or manuscript setting required, preferably in a college or university.
- In depth understanding of and experience with library and archival information systems and related manuscript and archival descriptive practices required.
- Experience with spreadsheet and database software such as Excel, Access, and MySQL.
Additional Qualifications:
- Work with 19th century collections preferred.
- Knowledge of Harvard library and archival systems preferred.
- Knowledge of Harvard’s manuscript and archival collections preferred.
- Proven strong and broad historical research and analytical skills required.
- Sound and effective writing skills required.
- Excellent attention to detail required.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, manage, and coordinate complex projects to meet deadlines in a dynamic and high pressure environment.
- Demonstrated ability to both work independently and with a wide range of library and archives staff.
- Must be able to tolerate ambiguity and be adaptable to a work setting in which interruptions or scheduling changes are common.