Community History & Digitization Specialist (P2), Boston Public Library, (Boston, MA)

Posted January 3, 2024

Position Overview:
The Community History & Digitization Specialist participates in the Boston Public
Library’s Community History projects, including development of community-driven
research projects using archival and other historical materials, working with
underserved communities to identify and amplify their personal histories,
identifying and delivering historic records and data sets into proper workflows for
deposit into the Massachusetts Digital Commonwealth’s statewide repository
system, and providing educational pathways for the public to use the library’s
digitized local history collections for learning and research. The position also
conducts the work of neighborhood programming and outreach services related to
local history in Boston Public Library (BPL) locations and in designated
neighborhood locations.
Reports to:
Community History Supervisor
Supervises:
Staff as assigned
Scope of Responsibility:

1. Participates in the activities of the Boston Public Library’s Community
   History Program, including the identification of collections focused on
   community’s histories, outreach to communities, the creation of local
   histories, and the education of the public in the use of digitized collections
   related to community history.
2. Works with community members and organizations to develop tools to make
   the stories of historically underserved communities accessible through oral
   histories, digitized historic collections, community-supported websites,
   online community platforms, workshops and other methods, .
3. Identifies both historic and active collections of records, documents, images,
   and data sets that would support research on the history of Boston
   neighborhoods.
4. Works with BPL Digital Services staff to familiarize community organizations
   with digitization and ingest processes related to the Massachusetts Digital
   Commonwealth.
5. Works with BPL staff and consultants to determine current best practices in
   digitization and enhancement for digital history.
6. Works with BPL staff and consultants to create data models, workflows,
   technical specifications, and other related documentation necessary for
   development of community-focused online systems.
7. Assists in initiating, developing, planning, and implementing outreach
   activities to make community connections, explore the needs of the
   community, provide services in remote locations, and to promote use of the
   team’s and the library’s collections and services.
8. Provides outreach to staff in libraries and cultural institutions across the
   state to encourage the creation of digital community history programs and
   about the BPL Digital Commonwealth program.
9. Works with appropriate staff to procure materials necessary for successful
   programs.
10. Facilitates program related payments and manages program funds as
    assigned.
11. As assigned, collaborates with community groups, city agencies, and non-
    profits to bring community-focused high-quality programming and services out into designated neighborhoods.
12. Works with administrators and staff to develop, deploy, and support
    outreach services for all ages and to identify service populations in
    designated neighborhoods.
13. Works with administration and branch staff to evaluate Community History-
    related outreach services and recommends changes in service or new
14. services.
15. As assigned, makes oral and written reports and presentations on grant-
    related activities at BPL branches or other designated neighborhood
16. locations. As assigned, also may make presentations at local and national
17. conferences.
18. Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other
    professional activities.
19. Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

Competencies:

Familiar with and interested in Boston history, neighborhood identities, and
community activism.

• Familiar with research methodologies and pedagogy relating to social
  history.
• Familiar with and interested in a broad range of social networking and online
  collaboration tools.
• Ability to execute BPL policy.
• Ability to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to plan and run meetings with minimal supervision.
• Initiative and independent decision-making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Identifies, plans, and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; determines
  and implements project timelines.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to collaborate with library staff, external partners and resources.
  Qualifications:

1. Education – Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a
   master’s degree in library and information science, public history, urban
   policy, or other relevant field of study. Relevant subject knowledge and/or
   specialized training required. In exceptional circumstances specialized
   education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of
   the educational requirements.
2. Experience – Two years of appropriate library professional experience or
   any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training sufficient
   to indicate ability to do the work. Knowledge of broad-based library
   programming practices, including current trends in youth and adult
   programs and services. Excellent knowledge of online communications and
   social networking tools.
3. Requirements – Some evening and weekend hours based on scheduled
   programs and events. Ability to travel to BPL locations, to the Boston
   Research Center, and to off-site locations in designated neighborhoods, as
   assigned.
4. Residency – Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of
   hire.
5. CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information
   check with the City of Boston.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, please go to the following: https://www.boston.gov/career-center