Scalia Papers Project Assistant, Harvard Law School, (Cambridge, MA)

Posted July 20, 2026

Job Description:

Historical & Special Collections (HSC) at the Harvard Law School Library has an opening for one 14-hour per week onsite position beginning in August 2026. The person in this role will assist with the ongoing processing of the Antonin Scalia papers, including establishing file and item level control. The Scalia papers finding aid can be accessed here: https://id.lib.harvard.edu/ead/law00291/catalog.

The Scalia papers project assistant will report to the Scalia Project Archivist and work in close collaboration with other HSC staff.

Historical & Special Collections is a small and energetic team engaged in all aspects of special collections work. Open to all, HSC connects researchers around the world with legal history, and supports the Harvard Law School’s research, teaching, and learning mission.

Position Duties:

• Assist with processing the Scalia collection, including item-level document review, manuscript rehousing, creating descriptive metadata, and entering data into spreadsheets, ArchivesSpace, Alma, and Aeon
• Willingness to work with confidential material and sign a non-disclosure agreement
• Other duties may include:
  • Digitization prep of select collections material
  • Finding aid cleanup in ArchivesSpace and/or XML
  • Staffing of the department Reading Room up to 2 hours per week
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

This position requires an MLS (archives concentration preferred) completed or in progress. Preference will be given to applicants with processing experience (internship experience qualifies), experience handling special collections materials, basic understanding of copyright, privacy, and confidentiality issues relevant to archival collections, and experience working with ArchivesSpace. Experience working with legal materials is also a plus. We seek an individual possessing careful attention to detail, clear communication, flexibility, and proficiency and enjoyment working independently and in teams.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds; use a step stool; and load, unload, and move book carts and dollies.

Hours & Compensation:

$20.00 / hour

14 hours/week

Open: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 

This is a part-time, temporary non-benefited position, 14 hours per week through June 2027, with the possibility for an extension contingent upon continued funding.

How To Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to Sarah Peyer-Nelson, Project Archivist, at [email protected].