Community History & Digitization Specialist, Boston Public Library & Northeastern University, (Boston, MA)

Posted August 30, 2023

Position Overview:

The position of Community History and Digitization Specialist is a two-year, grant-funded position created in partnership between the Boston Public Library and Northeastern University.

Under the provisions of a grant in support of the Northeastern University Library Boston Research Center (BRC), the Community History and Digitization Specialist will assist in cultivating and maintaining relationships with select community organizations in East Boston, Chinatown, Roxbury, and the South End in order to develop community-driven research projects using archival and other historical materials. This potentially includes identifying and delivering historic records and data sets into proper workflows for deposit into the Massachusetts Digital Commonwealth’s statewide repository system, the Northeastern University Library’s repository system, or other online platforms. The position also will perform any and all phases of work in support of grant-related neighborhood programming and outreach services in Boston Public Library (BPL) locations and in designated neighborhood locations.

Reports to:

Boston Public Library Community Learning Supervisor.

Supervises:

As assigned, professional and support staff.

Responsibilities:

Assists with the implementation of the grant including research, writing, and outreach at BPL and other designated neighborhood locations.
Reaches out to community organizations identified by BRC and BPL staff and affiliates to schedule meetings to discuss high-level goals and procedures.
Identifies both historic and active collections of records, documents, images, and data sets that would support research on the history of Boston neighborhoods.
Works with BPL Digital Services staff to familiarize community organizations with digitization and ingest processes related to the Massachusetts Digital Commonwealth.
Works with both BPL and BRC staff to determine and develop optimal processes for conversion of collections into rich digital objects.
Works with BPL staff and consultants to determine current best practices in digitization and enhancement for digital history.
Works with BPL staff and consultants to create data models, workflows, technical specifications, and other related documentation necessary for development of BRC-related systems.
Assists in initiating, developing, planning, and implementing grant-related outreach and programs at BPL branches and other designated neighborhood locations.
Works with appropriate staff to procure materials necessary for successful programs.
Facilitates program related payments and manages program funds as assigned.
As assigned, collaborates with community groups, city agencies, and non-profits to bring grant-related high-quality programming and services out into designated neighborhoods.
Works with administrators and staff to develop, deploy, and support grant-related outreach services for all ages and to identify service populations in designated neighborhoods.
Provides professional staff support for grant-related outreach events at BPL locations and designated neighborhood locations.
Works with administration and branch staff to evaluate grant-related outreach services and recommends changes in service or new services.
As assigned, makes oral and written reports and presentations on grant-related activities at BPL branches or other designated neighborhood locations. As assigned, also may make presentations related to the grant at local and national conferences.
Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.
Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, please go to the following: https://city-boston.icims.com/jobs/25347/community-history-%26-digitization-specialist/job?hub=8&_gl=11nrit1p_gaMTU2Njk2NDI5OC4xNjg5MzYzMzg0_ga_5Y2BYGL910*MTY5MzMzNzg3OC41LjEuMTY5MzMzNzg4NS4wLjAuMA..&mobile=false&width=1200&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-300&jun1offset=-240