Processing Archivist, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Posted October 17, 2022

Description:

Reporting to the Collections Services Archivist, the Processing Archivist arranges and describes manuscript collections, archival records, visual materials, and objects, including large mixed-format and born-digital collections, using appropriate-level processing strategies to ensure their accessibility, preservation, discovery, and use. In this capacity, the Processing Archivist will: devise and implement processing plans; screen collections for sensitive materials; and prepare and update access tools including finding aids and catalog records in accordance with national and local standards such as the Harvard Joint Processing Guidelines. The Processing Archivist will also assist in the ongoing development and refinement of local processing and description practices and contribute to the Center’s culture of evaluation by maintaining processing metrics and project documentation.
The Processing Archivist will also collaborate with colleagues on Collections Services team projects and departmental efforts, including: serving regular shifts on the reference desk; participating in departmental and library-wide planning activities; training and supervising interns; serving on relevant Harvard Library committees and/or working groups; and undertaking special projects as assigned. The Processing Archivist is expected to actively contribute to and engage with the archival profession.

Basic Qualifications:

Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited advanced degree in a related discipline with an archival concentration.
Minimum of two years’ experience arranging and describing manuscript collections.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Demonstrated experience creating DACS-compliant, EAD-encoded finding aids; familiarity with MARC for original cataloging of manuscript materials; and working knowledge of LCSH and LCNAF. Experience identifying and restricting sensitive information. Excellent attention to detail; demonstrated ability to manage time and complete projects in a timely manner. Superior written and verbal communication skills; excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills; ability to manage a variety of tasks and multiple priorities. Flexibility and tolerance for change are essential in this fast-paced work environment; ability to work independently as well as collaborate in a team environment in a cooperative and collegial fashion.

Preferred qualifications: experience processing born-digital collections and familiarity with digital forensics workflows; familiarity with accepted preservation methods for special collections materials; familiarity with ArchivesSpace and EAC-CPF. Broad knowledge of American history and culture and the history of medicine and science highly desirable.

Additional Information:

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

Time Off: 3 – 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, incredibly affordable classes directly at the Harvard Extension School, and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complementary health services.
Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events, and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.