Project Archivist, Harvard Law School, (Cambridge, MA)

Posted August 6, 2024

Job Summary

The Historical & Special Collections (HSC) unit houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of research materials for the study of legal history. In keeping with the mission of the Harvard Law School Library (HLSL) to support the teaching and research programs of the Harvard Law School, HSC collects, catalogs, preserves, and provides access to printed materials, manuscripts, and visual materials that document the history of the law in general and that of the Harvard Law School in particular.

The Project Archivist will continue and complete the on-going processing of the Charles Ogletree papers, including appraising the collection for appropriate levels of arrangement and description, physical rehousing needs, restricted materials, and potential digitization based on the existing project plan and departmental workflows. After the Ogletree project is completed, the Project Archivist will continue processing the Antonin Scalia papers. Remaining work includes appraisal, description, and rehousing materials, and collaboratively developing a collection digitization plan with the project managers. Both projects also include importing data into and maintaining the collections’ ArchivesSpace finding aids and other access tools.

This position works closely with the Collection Services Archivist, Curator for Modern Manuscripts, and other HSC staff. The work on these collections will involve both HSC’s commitment to the development of flexible, efficient, and user-centered archival processing and digitization practices and standards, as well as more traditional processing methods as necessary for the Scalia papers.

Position Description

As Project Archivist you will:

Appraise the remainder of the Charles Ogletree and Antonin Scalia papers for appropriate levels of arrangement and description, physical rehousing needs, restricted materials, and potential digitization based on the existing project plans and departmental workflows.
As needed, suggest revisions to project plans and collaboratively design new strategies for fulfilling project objectives.
Create DACS compliant descriptive metadata for the collections and enter it into project spreadsheets on a rolling basis.
As needed, collaborate with other project team members in rehousing the collections, including re-boxing and re-foldering material, preparing the collections for digital imaging, and performing item-level review/appraisal of materials on a rolling basis.
Update and maintain the collections’ access tools, including ArchivesSpace finding aids and Alma catalog records.
Supervise a less-than half-time project assistant and possibly interns

Basic Qualifications

Master’s degree in library science.

Minimum one year of experience appraising, arranging, and describing archival materials in various formats.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Degree with a concentration in archives management is desirable.
Knowledge of current national archival and descriptive standards and best practices, including DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, etc.
Understanding of content appraisal, digitization workflows, preservation needs, and copyright, privacy and confidentiality issues relevant to archival collections.
Experience processing large and complex collections.
Exceptional written, verbal, critical thinking, and listening skills.
The ability to manage multiple priorities and work productively, both independently and collaboratively, in a highly collegial and team-based environment.
Proficiency with computer technology (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, XML).
Experience with or knowledge of ArchivesSpace and Alma, or similar archival and library management systems.

Physical Requirements

Ability to independently lift items weighing up to 40 pounds.

Working Conditions

This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA.

This job is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment. There may be limited exposure to dust and mold.

Additional Information

This is a two-year term appointment with potential for renewal, subject to funding and departmental need.

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts.

How to apply

To view the complete position description and to apply, see here.