Archives and Records Management Assistant, Baker Library-Harvard Business School, (Cambridge, MA)

Posted August 31, 2026

Job Description:

Baker Library Special Collections and Archives seeks an Archives and Records Management Assistant to support reference, research, and public services, with a particular focus on the HBS Archives.

Reporting to the Senior HBS Archivist, the Assistant provides research and reference support for HBS clients and the broader research community. As a member of the Special Collections Reference Team, the Assistant also supports public services in the de Gaspé Beaubien Reading Room, helping researchers navigate collections and ensuring the appropriate use, care, and security of Special Collections materials.

The position also contributes to selected archives and records management activities that improve physical and intellectual control, including box inventories, labeling and barcoding.

Position Duties:

Reference, Research & Reading Room Support

Provide reference and research support for Special Collections, with a particular focus on the HBS Archives.
Respond to assigned research and reference inquiries by identifying and locating relevant archival and published materials.
Retrieve and reshelve archival and published materials needed for reference requests and research projects.
Recognize when research questions require additional consultation or referral to the Senior HBS Archivist or other Special Collections staff.
Handle confidential, restricted, and potentially sensitive information with discretion and in accordance with established access policies.
Staff the de Gaspé Beaubien Reading Room as a member of the Special Collections Reference Team.
Welcome researchers and provide orientation to Special Collections resources and Reading Room policies and procedures.
Monitor the use of Special Collections materials and help ensure their proper care, handling, safety, and security.
Maintain accurate records of collection use and assist with routine Reading Room procedures.

Archives and Records Management Support

Assist with projects that improve administrative, physical, and intellectual control of HBS archival collections.
Complete and update box-level inventories and collection documentation.
Create and apply box labels, barcodes, and other collection-control information.
Assist with tracking and maintaining the physical organization of archival collections.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Strong research skills and demonstrated ability to locate, evaluate, and synthesize information from multiple sources.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently on assigned research and reference tasks while knowing when to seek guidance or consultation.
Ability to exercise discretion when working with confidential, restricted, or sensitive records and information.
Commitment to the proper care and handling of rare and archival materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Current enrollment in an ALA-accredited master’s degree program in library and information science or a related field; coursework in archives, special collections, or reference services is a plus.
One year of relevant reference, research, library, or archives experience, preferably in a special collections or archival environment.
Experience providing reference or public services in a library, archives, museum, or research environment.
Familiarity with special collections Reading Room policies and procedures.
Familiarity with archival finding aids, library catalogs, databases, and other research and discovery tools.
Familiarity with basic preservation practices and the proper handling, housing, and storage of archival materials.
Previous experience working with confidential and/or restricted records.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed onsite in an indoor library, archives, and office environment.
Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
Work requires handling, retrieving, shelving, and transporting archival boxes and collection materials.
Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds; remain stationary for extended periods; and push, pull, reach, bend, and move materials as necessary to perform assigned duties.

Hours & Compensation:

Hours: 14 hours per week, scheduled Monday–Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Salary: $23.00 per hour

How To Apply:

To Apply: Send a Resume and Cover Letter to [email protected], attn: Special Collections & Archives, Baker Library