Assistant Archivist, Harvard Law School, Boston, MA

Posted October 17, 2022

Description:

The Harvard Law School Library seeks an assistant archivist to assist with processing and digitizing the
Charles Ogletree papers, an approximately 500 linear foot manuscript collection comprising materials
that document Ogletree’s career as a Harvard Law professor, author, and legal theorist with interests in
international law, civil rights law, and criminal law. The Harvard Law School Library promotes
collaboration, innovation of processes and procedures, and high accountability in all phases of
collections stewardship. The Digital Lab serves HLSL’s mission to provide open access to the library’s
world-class collections, and manages accessioning, processing, and digitization of the library’s Modern
Manuscripts collection. Working collaboratively with the project managers and other Digital Lab and
Historical & Special Collections staff, the Assistant Archivist will appraise, describe, and assist with
making the collection accessible using the Library’s integrated minimal processing, mass digitization
workflow. The work on the Ogletree collection will contribute to the development of flexible, efficient,
and user-centered archival processing and digitization practices and standards.

As an Assistant Archivist you will:

• Appraise the Charles Ogletree papers for digitization, appropriate levels of arrangement and
  description, and physical rehousing needs based on the project plan.
• Create Describing Archives: A Content Standard DACS compliant descriptive metadata for the
  collection and enter it into a project spreadsheet on a rolling basis.
• As needed, collaborate with other project team members in rehousing the collection, including
  re-boxing and re-foldering material, preparing the collection for digital imaging, inventory
  tracking’ quality control of scanned images, and deposit of digital objects to the Harvard Library
• Digital Repository Service.
• Update and maintain the collection’s access tools, including an ArchivesSpace finding aid and
  Alma catalog record.
• Follow procedures outlined in departmental processing manuals, and work as part of the team
  to help improve and document changes in departmental workflows and practices.
• May supervise student assistants and interns.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science (completed or in progress), preferably with a concentration in
  archives management.
• One year of experience appraising, arranging, and describing archival materials in a variety of
  formats.

Additional Qualifications:

• Knowledge of current national archival and descriptive standards and best practices, including
  DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, etc.
• Understanding of content appraisal, digitization workflows, preservation needs, and copyright,
  privacy and confidentiality issues relevant to archival collections.
• Exceptional written, verbal, critical thinking, and listening skills.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work productively, both independently and
  collaboratively, in a highly collegial and team-based environment.
• Proficiency with computer technology (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, XML).
• Experience with or knowledge of ArchivesSpace and Alma, or similar archival and library
  management systems.

Physical Requirements:

Will involve moving items weighing up to 40 lbs for various needs.

Working Conditions:

• There may be limited exposure to dust and mold.
• Requires the ability to work in multiple locations. Some of the work may take place at the
  Harvard Depository in Southborough, Massachusetts.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
  essential functions.
  

This is a two year term appointment with potential for renewal, subject to departmental need.
We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

How to Apply:

Please follow this link for more information or to apply.
https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=25240&siteid=5341#jobDetails=1
975143_5341