Accession Assistant, Baker Library, Harvard Business School, Boston, MA

Posted August 14, 2017

Baker Library Special Collections seeks a responsible and detail-oriented Accession Assistant to provide general support for the accessioning, processing, and cataloging of archival and manuscript collections at Baker Library. Duties include creating inventories, refoldering and rehousing materials, and assisting in the preparation of collections for access.

Skills, experience, credentials needed:

Required: BA/BS or equivalent. Demonstrated proficiency with computer applications and strong attention to detail essential, including legible handwriting. Excellent communications skills and ability to be collaborative and work under supervision. Basic knowledge of nationally-accepted standards and best practices for archival processing and description. Familiarity with accepted conservation and preservation methods applied to archival and manuscript collections and sensitivity to proper care and handling of special collections. Must be able to regularly lift 40 lbs. Library school students exploring or pursuing a career in archives and special collections are encouraged to apply.

Preferred: Current enrollment in a library science program from an ALA-accredited academic program or equivalent master’s program. Previous special collections library experience, particularly with inventorying and processing collections, desirable. Demonstrated experience with library information systems and familiarity with creating finding aids using Encoded Archival Description (EAD).

Overview:

Baker Library Special Collections collects rare and unique materials that focus on the evolution of business and industry. The collections span eight centuries beginning in the late 1300s to the present day and include corporate archives, manuscripts, account ledgers, rare books, broadsides, photographs, films, electronic records, and company annual reports. The extensive holdings of the Harvard Business School Archives include the records of the School from its founding in 1908 to the present day. These rich and varied collections support research in a remarkably diverse range of fields such as business, economic, social and cultural history as well as the history of science and technology.

Baker Library Special Collections provides access to these materials in the de Gaspé Beaubien Reading Room in Baker Library | Bloomberg Center. 

To apply: Please submit resume and cover letter to Tim Mahoney at [email protected] or Baker Library Historical Collections, Harvard Business School, Boston, MA 02163. No phone calls please.