Digital Production & Metadata Specialist, Massachusetts Historical Society, (Boston, MA)

Posted August 4, 2023

The Massachusetts Historical Society, located in Boston, Mass., seeks a full-time Digital Production &
Metadata Specialist to work with the MHS’ vast collection of documents and artifacts, which tell the story of Massachusetts and America from colonial times to the present.

Purpose:
The Digital Production & Metadata Specialist (DPMS) creates digital components for digital projects,
web exhibitions, outside requests, and other projects requiring digital representations of the Society’s
archival and library collections; coordinates tracking tasks and maintains workflow documents for
internal digitization projects; assembles detailed descriptive, structural, and administrative metadata; and completes tasks relating to metadata mapping, metadata enhancements, and improvements to descriptions to promote discoverability of digital content.

Reporting Relationship:
This position reports primarily to the Lead Archivist for Digital and Web Initiatives with approximately
20% of their time spent working on metadata and resource discovery tasks with the Lead Web Developer and Software Engineer; and this position is part of the digital production team within the Collections Services department.

Schedule:

This is a full-time position, 35 hours/week, workday scheduled during regular business hours Monday-
Friday.

The DPMS is expected to work onsite at the MHS’ Boston location 4 days per week and is eligible to
work remotely 1 day per week. After 6 months, depending on current priorities, the DPMS may be
eligible to work onsite 3 days per week and 2 days remotely.

Major Responsibilities:

Coordinates the smooth workflow of items and collections being digitized, including locating source
materials, assembling administrative metadata, and starting and maintaining detailed tracking lists
Resolves logistical issues relating to source materials including preparation and handling of library
collections
Creates digital images of items from the Society’s collections and creates administrative and
descriptive metadata required to manage and utilize the digital images
Monitors web presentations with an eye toward those who would benefit from redescription and
participates in departmental efforts to improve descriptions and provide additional contextual
information
Creates descriptive metadata, content descriptions, refines (and/or creates) collection guides and
assembles (or reviews) structural metadata needed for item-level and collection-level web
presentations
Transcribes and encodes handwritten documents
Troubleshoots issues with sets of XML transcription files and metadata files
Undertakes specific tasks (granular revisions and/or batch processing) to address metadata
improvements and better enable discoverability via search tools on the MHS website and metadata
feed for external harvesters
Follows and contributes to existing documentation and guidelines regarding digital imaging,
transcription, encoding, and metadata creation
Troubleshoots issues with digital production utilizing web-based tools and web-based forms within
the MHS content management system.
Assists with the smooth workflow of digital production tasks (including utilizing and improving
databases and/or revising stylesheets for displays within production environment)
Works as a member of the digital production team
Participates in digital production team meetings and offers input about web design and navigation
issues
Participates in Collections Services department meetings

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in library science or archives program or digital humanities program
Demonstrated experience with image editors (e.g. PhotoShop) and scanning procedures
Demonstrated experience with descriptive cataloging standards and appreciation for the importance
and discovery potential of controlled vocabulary and name authority control
Experience working with special collections
Experience with markup languages (XML or HTML) and/or schema (preferably TEI and EAD)
Familiarity with XSLT, METS and/or MODS
Some experience with metadata mapping, string replacements
Ability to read cursive handwriting
Superb attention to detail
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to learn software and technology efficiently and adeptly
Ability to keep self abreast of changes in areas of specialization and daily work

How to Apply

Application procedure:
Please send by email a single PDF that includes a cover letter, résumé, and the names of three
professional references to Lead Archivist for Digital and Web Initiatives Nancy Heywood at
[email protected].
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, with a target hire date in October.
Compensation and Benefits:
Annual Salary for this position starts at $60,000.00 per year, with salary increasing based on
additional experience beyond the job’s minimum requirements.
The MHS offers a generous benefits package including:
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
Vacation starting at three weeks plus 12–14 holidays per year
Unlimited sick time
Retirement benefits with an employer match of up to 4%
Pre-tax commuter benefits and a monthly public transportation incentive
Reciprocal entrance to local education and cultural institutions
Pre-Hire Requirements:
MHS requires proof of a vaccination and up-to-date boosters for COVID-19 for all employees.
As part of its offer process, MHS will conduct a reference and criminal background check for
any finalist. We are not able to sponsor visas.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
The Massachusetts Historical Society aims 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 workplace free from harassment and discrimination on
the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or
ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or
veteran status, or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a “protected
class”).
Candidates in need of accommodation in the application process should reach out to our human
resources department with inquiries.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and
responsibilities to this job at any time.