Archivist

About the role

The Schlesinger Library ethically collects and stewards archival, published, and digital materials documenting the histories of women and gender-diverse people in the United States. We make these collections accessible to scholars, students, educators, and the public through our reading room, classroom, gallery, and online platforms, advancing our commitment to building a more inclusive historical record.

Responsibilities

• Appraises, arranges, describes, preserves, and catalogs archival collections in both analog and digital formats.
• Determines appropriate levels of arrangement and description, using a range of innovative and user-centered approaches to ensure flexible and efficient processing.
• Creates DACS-compliant archival descriptions, including catalog records and finding aids, following national standards and Schlesinger Library procedures, and applying best practices for inclusive and reparative description.
• May undertake additional activities such as photograph cataloging, web archiving, metadata remediation for digitization, outreach and instruction, and exhibit work.
• Covers regular shifts at the Schlesinger Library reference desk.
• May supervise student assistants and interns, including hiring, training, planning and assigning work, assessing performance, addressing performance issues, and resolving problems.
• Maintains awareness of current developments, trends, and best practices in the archival profession.
• Fosters collaborative relationships within the department, Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe, and across Harvard Library as appropriate.
• May represent the department in various collaborative projects and programs within the greater Harvard Library system and beyond.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited MLS (Master’s in Library Science) with a concentration in archives management, or an MA in history or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience processing archival materials in various formats.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with critical thinking and listening abilities.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.
• Proficiency in one or more foreign languages, particularly Spanish or Chinese preferred.
• Interest in contemporary U.S. women’s history.

Qualifications

• ALM accredited MLS (Master’s in Library Science) with a concentration in archives management, or an MA in history or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience processing archival materials in various formats.
• Knowledge of national data content and structure standards related to archival control of collection materials (e.g., DACS, EAD, MARC, LCSH, AAT).
• Knowledge of archival and library management systems, and proficiency with computer technology (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, databases, XML).
• Proven experience processing born digital collections and materials.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work productively both independently and collaboratively in a collegial, team-based environment.
• Flexibility, innovation, and user focus in their approaches to archival processing.
• Familiarity with or interest in current approaches and best practices in inclusive and reparative archival description.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with critical thinking and listening abilities.
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.
• Proficiency in one or more foreign languages, particularly Spanish or Chinese preferred.
• Interest in contemporary U.S. women’s history.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commute benefits, discounts and campus perks.

Pay

Salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Schedule

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

Additional Information

• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Employment.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts.

Additional Details

• Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location.
• Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.