Collections Services Assistant, Countway Library, (Boston, MA)

Posted September 29, 2025

Job Description

Countway Library’s Center for the History of Medicine is seeking a Collections Services Assistant to conduct pre-processing activities for accruals to the Bernard Lown papers, 1921-2021 (inclusive), 1960-1995 (bulk). Bernard Lown (1921-2021) was a Professor of Cardiology, Emeritus at the Harvard School of Public Health, and Senior Physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Among other peace activism and humanitarian work, Lown co-founded International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (1981) and Physicians for Social Responsibility (1961).

This is a one-year, temporary, non-benefitted position requiring 14 hours of onsite work conducted between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday-Friday. Hours per week are capped at 14 per University policy. $22.00 per hour.

Responsibilities

Re-housing and grouping manuscript materials.
Creating box and folder lists for unprocessed accruals to the collection.
Barcoding and labelling collections material for offsite storage.
Logging AV and electronic media as needed.
Imaging electronic media as needed.
Conducting preservation photocopying and other tasks as necessary.

Individual will be trained on how to list collections according to the Center’s descriptive practices.

Qualifications

Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
Sensitivity to proper care and handling of special collections materials.
High school diploma or equivalent education.
Completion of a graduate-level introductory archives course (preferred).
Interest in the history of medicine and public health.

Physical Demands

Frequent use of a computer keyboard, mouse, and barcode scanner.
Lifting boxes up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
Pushing and maneuvering a loaded book truck weighing up to 80lbs.
Bending, stooping, sitting, and standing for long periods of time.
Tolerant of library-related allergens.

How to Apply

Please include a cover letter to be considered for this position. Send resume and cover letter to: [email protected].