Collections Documentation Specialist, Peabody Museum or Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Posted October 26, 2022

The Collections Documentation Specialist coordinates all collections-related digitization efforts, including documentation level scanning and imaging, and cross-departmental project coordination, establishes and manages cataloging standards, and ensures data integrity amongst all Peabody Museum database users. Reports to the Director of Collections Technologies. To apply, go to https://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs 60358BR

Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensure a museum-wide, systematic approach to the digitization of collections documentation in support of the Peabody Museum’s ethical stewardship goals.
Work closely with Peabody curators to support curatorial documentation efforts.
Continuously improve collections documentation including digital and paper files and the Peabody’s collections database.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of digitization standards and digital asset storage.
Train staff, as needed, on digitization methods and the processing of collections-related documentation.
Advise on establishing database standards across all Peabody Museum departments.
Assist in the application of ethical stewardship standards to existing collections database content.
Serve on the Peabody Museum’s Collections Technology Working Group.
May work with/supervise temporary staff as needed.

Position Requirements:

B.A. in anthropology, art history, museum studies or related field; M.A. in Library and Information Science or related field preferred.
Three or more years of museum experience.
Understanding of and commitment to the ethical stewardship of museum collections in partnership with stakeholder communities.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with particular ability to multitask, manage complex projects, and prioritize work in an environment with competing deadlines
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of the Massachusett people. It cares for over 1.2 million items from across the world, including cultural, archaeological, and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic and archival materials. The Museum is committed to the ethical stewardship of its collections through implementation of collaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, and engagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment and to act in ways that address the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.