Part-Time Library Assistant, Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS), Boston, MA

Posted February 21, 2020

The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) seeks a part-time library assistant (up to 21 hours per week) to greet visitors and provide services to researchers who make use of the Society’s collections in the MHS library. 

 

The MHS is an independent research library that collects, preserves, and makes accessible manuscripts and other materials that promote the study of the history of our nation–a mission that has remained constant since 1791. The MHS holds more than 3,600 manuscript collections, as well as extensive collections of early American imprints, newspapers, maps, printed ephemera, photographs, engravings, and other research materials.

 

The library is staffed Monday, Wednesday -Friday 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM, Tuesday 8:45 AM to 7:45 PM and Saturday 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM. The ideal candidate would have a flexible schedule including Saturday availability. 

 

Duties: 

 The library assistant works as part of the reference team and reports to the Reference Librarian. Duties include staffing the library reception area, answering telephone and email reference queries, monitoring the reading room, paging materials, and assisting the reference staff with various library tasks. The library assistant greets, authorizes, and directs all researchers entering the library; explains MHS library policies and procedures; and directs incoming telephone calls for the MHS as a whole. The majority of the library assistant’s time is spent interacting directly with the public. This position is essential in promoting the Society’s public image and in maintaining the security of the collections.

 

All library assistants are cross-trained on visitor services functions and may be called on to cover the Society’s reception desk.

 

Requirements: 

The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree; possess a demonstrated interest in American history, with strong interest in Early American or Massachusetts/New England history; and have experience working with a diverse public in a customer service or similar position; be proficient with Microsoft Office applications; have strong research skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong planning and organization skills; and possess the ability to work well in a team environment;.

 

Completion of some coursework in Library and Information Science, American history, American studies, public history, or an archives program strongly preferred; familiarity with user-end functions of an integrated library system (Voyager), Aeon or similar circulation module, and providing reference assistance, as well as previous experience working with archival materials in a library, museum, or other historical organization are preferred. 

 

This position requires the ability to lift boxes weighing up to fifty pounds and to transport materials loaded onto wheeled carts. 

 

Salary: $14.00/hr

 

Application Procedure:

Please send an application by email (preferred) or postal mail, including a cover letter, brief resume, and list of three references to Dan Hinchen, at [email protected] or Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215

 

Applications received before March 7 will be given preference; open until filled.

 

*The Massachusetts Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We aim to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Candidates of all backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to apply. We are committed to creating a work place free from