Processing Archivist (part-time), Private Collection, Newton, MA

Posted April 6, 2022

Descripiton:

Salary and hours: $26-28 per hour; 14 hours per week over two days per week, preferably Mondays and Wednesdays

Term: Summer position, June-August 2022, with potential to extend into the fall

An internationally known private collection of European art seeks an advanced graduate student or recent graduate of an archival management program to arrange, rehouse, and describe materials documenting the collection from c. 1960 to the present. The archivist will work under the supervision of the collector and his curator, and with the guidance of the museum archivist where the collection will ultimately be placed. Papers are in a variety of languages, primarily English, with Dutch, German and French.

The archivist will work in two phases, at times simultaneously:

Phase 1: Arrange, rehouse, and describe materials documenting the art collection
Phase 2: Arrange rehouse, and describe personal papers documenting the collector’s involvement with arts institutions, organizations, and publications, primarily in the field of Dutch art

In both phases, the archivist will:

Locate bills of sale and other documentation of art collection objects for removal to collection object files
Arrange remaining papers chronologically, identifying individuals, events, exhibitions and projects of importance; these may be arranged into sub-series when appropriate
Rehouse papers into archival folders and boxes, to be labeled and stored on open shelving
Create collection finding guide consistent with current professional archival standards for use in ongoing memoir and collection documentation projects
Meet and work with collector and curator as needed to discuss and further document collection materials

Basic Qualifications:

A minimum of one year of experience with processing and describing archival collections is strongly preferred. Candidates must have an interest in European art history, Dutch art preferred. The ability to handle sensitive and confidential records with discretion is essential.

Additional Requirements:

M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited academic program with an archives concentration preferred but not required
Demonstrated proficiency in archival processing and description, with experience in the use and application of DACS and EAD, as well as other archival content and communication standards

Attention to detail, skillful time-management, ability to work autonomously, and capability to balance independent archival work with collector and curator collaboration
Ability to climb stairs and ladders, lift 40 lbs., and work in basement conditions
Basic reading knowledge of at least one European language preferred but not required

How to Apply:

Please submit resume and cover letter to Susan Anderson ([email protected]) by April 29, 2022.