Reference and Outreach Archivist, Northeastern University, Boston, MA

Requisition Number: STFR004194

Division/College: Library

Northeastern University

Reference and Outreach Archivist

In addition to Northeastern History, the University Archives and Special Collections at the Northeastern University Libraries houses and carefully curates a diverse and growing collection of historical records about Boston. One major focus is to preserve and provide access to the history of Boston’s social movements, including civil and political rights, immigrant rights, homelessness, and urban and environmental justice. We have recently acquired two major news collections that both serve as the backdrop to our collecting as well as expanding our horizons for future large-scale projects.

To that end, our work is community-focused, rooted in critical theory, and extremely collaborative–including city-wide civic participation, inter-archival digital collection building, partnering with grassroots organizations and activists, and liaising with our user communities–on campus and off.

This position is right for someone with a true passion for our collecting foci; someone who can spread that energy virally. Someone with the sensitivity, driven to reach audiences outside of typical Archives user communities– to inject community knowledge, rooted in history, into current discourse.

Reporting to the Head of Special Collections and University Archivist, the Reference and Outreach Archivist (ROA ) manages all University Archives and Special Collections’ public and outreach services.

The ROA manages the Archives’ reference services, including managing reading room staff and overseeing answering reference or research requests; plans and implements online and physical library exhibits; conducts tours and provides talks and presentations to visitors; maintains the Library’s online presence, including reference and research tools; and works with Scholarly Communications department on Library publishing initiatives.

The ROA will also reach out to and work collaboratively UASC’s community partners which include social justice organizations and activists working in Boston, members of under-represented communities with a special focus on African-American, Latinx, Asian-American and GLBTQ folks, newspaper publishers and members of the press, and Boston’s community historians. The ROA will also assist in securing funding for special projects.

The ROA coordinates with Research and Instruction Librarians to teach course-integrated instruction and workshops; forges relationships with faculty to encourage the integration of special collections into teaching and student research; creates instructional materials; and sustains ongoing communication with and outreach to students and faculty.

The ROA Manages rights and reproductions, including photographs and other visual materials from the UASC in the production of print and electronic publications.

Master’s degree in Library and/or Information Science with an Archives Concentration. 2+ years of successful, professional experience with increasing responsibilities in an archival setting. Broad understanding of trends in Archives and Special Collections as well as technical ability. Strong project management, planning, organizational, and supervisory skills. Attention to detail. Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with community partners. Must be able to lift 40 pounds and work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible.

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: http://apptrkr.com/1124932