Archivist, Boston Public Library, (Boston, MA)

Posted March 16, 2026

Description

The Boston Public Library (BPL) is seeking an Archivist to join the Archives unit, part of BPL’s Special Collections Department. The Archives unit, established in 2020, is responsible for managing, describing, preserving, and providing access to archival collections held across BPL’s Special Collections curatorial areas as well as BPL’s institutional records. The Archivist will have a unique opportunity to help shape local practices and workflows as the department continues to develop. As a young department in an institution with a long history of collecting, we value a proactive and flexible approach to collection management and a team-based approach to problem-solving. 

We are seeking an archivist with broad experience in archival arrangement and description who has an interest in conscious and inclusive description, user-centered equitable access, and sustainable workflows. The BPL Archives Department is a small but collaborative team that is committed to continuous learning. We are exploring different approaches to extensible processing and iterative workflows, and the incumbent should have experience finding different technical solutions for information management. We value incremental improvement over perfection and are looking for someone who is not afraid to make mistakes and will explore creative and innovative solutions through experimentation. 

Responsibilities

Processes archival collections held by the Boston Public Library across all formats. Ensures that collections are arranged and described in accordance with established standards and best practices at an appropriate level of detail and effort. Assists with development of the library’s processing policies and procedures for archival materials across a spectrum from basic initial control through full, detailed description. Works closely with appropriate staff to set accessioning, deaccessioning, and processing priorities, and tracks and reports progress. Collaborates with other BPL staff on the development and use of tools and workflows to support description and access. 

Scope of Responsibility 

1. Arranges and describes archival collections both large and small to varying levels of detail, and assesses and determines appropriate levels of processing based on research value, condition, and other factors. 
2. Applies knowledge of current and emerging archival descriptive standards and systems (including DACS, EAD, and authority control standards) to the development of processing practice. 
3. Collaborates with Preservation and Conservation staff to determine appropriate housing of archival materials and identify and recommend materials for conservation treatment. Participates in stacks maintenance and inventory projects. 
4. In collaboration with Special Collections and Content Discovery staff, assists with the establishment of digitization priorities for archival materials and the design and implementation of project plans to address those priorities. 
5. Supports reference and research staff with inquiries regarding archival collections. 
6. Alternates with other staff members in supervising a public reading room in such a way as to maintain an atmosphere conducive to research while responsibly preserving and protecting materials. 
7. Assists with the training of staff and interns at all levels in processing methodologies and tasks. 
8. Participates in instructional and outreach programs and activities to promote knowledge and use of the library’s archival collections. 
9. Documents activities, makes oral presentations, and prepares written progress reports regarding the status of assigned areas of responsibility. 
10. Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Competencies 

1. Proven skill in arranging and describing archival collections both large and small to varying levels of detail, and assessing and determining appropriate levels of processing based on research value, condition, and other factors. 
2. Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice; comprehensive knowledge of descriptive standards for archival and manuscript materials, especially DACS and EAD, and familiarity with other relevant standards, such as DublinCore, EAC, MODS, METS, MARC, AACR2, RDA, LCNAF, and LCSH. 
3. Demonstrated experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections. 
4. Ability to execute library policy. 
5. Ability to plan and supervise the work of others. 
6. Demonstrates initiative and independent decision-making skills. 
7. Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, editorial, and formal writing abilities. 
8. Ability to think creatively and innovatively. 
9. Significant experience working with special collections materials.
10. Ability to collaborate with library staff, external partners and resources. 

Qualifications

1. Education – Bachelor’s degree from recognized college or university. Master’s degree in library and information science required with formal training or professional experience in archival theory and practice. In exceptional instances specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for a part or all of the educational requirements. 
2. Experience – Four years of professional experience in archival processing and description in museum, library, or other similar cultural heritage institution required.
3. CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston. 

Please note BOSTON RESIDENCY IS REQUIRED for the position. New hires must prove residency within the City of Boston prior to their the first day of employment. City of Boston residency is limited to Boston city limits and does not include Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and adjacent cities and towns.

In addition to the above, the following qualifications are desirable but are not required for consideration: 

• Working knowledge of a scripting language, preferably Python or Ruby, the use of APIs, and/or SQL. 
• Familiarity with records management practices and models, with a preference for demonstrated experience working with organizational records. 
• Experience processing audiovisual collections. 
• Familiarity with or experience processing and managing born digital materials. 
• Familiarity with anti-racist approaches to archival work and/or experience with reparative description. 
• Subject knowledge or experience working with architectural collections, organizational records, and/or community collecting. 

Hours and Compensation

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-3 

Salary range: $75,897.18- $98,483.733 (will increase to $77,415.13- $100,453.41 in October 2026 as stipulated by union contract) 

Hours per week: 35 

Position: Regular Full-time 

Department: Boston Public Library, Research & Special Collections, Special Collections (Archives) 

Reports to: Manager of Archives 

Supervises: Professional and support staff as assigned. 

Work location: Boston Public Library – Central Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. Position will also require work at BPL’s off-site storage facility at the City of Boston Archival Center in West Roxbury.

Work environment : Most duties are performed in various stacks environments with artificial light and a variety of temperature and humidity controls. The noise level varies based on storage location. The working environment may include exposure to dust, mold, and/or other organic material or other irritants inherent to historic collections. 

Responsibilities of this position may require the ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb stairs. Tasks may require the incumbent to lift and carry up to 40 pounds with appropriate equipment or assistance from another person. 

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the City of Boston employment website. Please include a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant experience along with a current resume or CV. Please combine your cover letter and resume in a single PDF file and attach them together in the resume upload section.  

The position overview, scope of responsibility, job requirements and competencies can be found in the City of Boston Career Center posting: https://bit.ly/bpl-archivist