Collections Care Associate

About the role

The COLLECTIONS CARE ASSOCIATE is responsible for the physical care, security, movement, and basic preservation of MIT Libraries' collections. Reporting to the Head of the Department of Distinctive Collections, this on-site role collaborates with library staff to coordinate preservation, conservation, and digitization workflows.

Responsibilities

• Inventory, photograph, document, package, ship, track, and securely transport materials while maintaining chain of custody.
• Develop and maintain workflow documentation.
• Monitor and distribute archival supplies.
• Provide backup support for Harvard Depository processing as needed.
• Perform basic preservation treatments, rehouse collections, replace storage enclosures, generate labels, tip in pages, create book pockets, flatten pages, disbind notebooks, remove framed materials, and maintain collection documentation.
• Assist with environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, and emergency response activities.
• Page and shelf collections.
• Escort individuals in restricted areas.
• Support exhibitions through material preparation and tracking.
• Staff the Distinctive Collections Reading Room reference desk to facilitate secure access to collections.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of two years of related experience in preservation, conservation, libraries, museums, exhibitions, or other detail-oriented environments.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently while recognizing when to seek assistance.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and willingness to learn new tools and software.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to lift and move objects weighing 10–20 pounds and perform work requiring frequent walking, travel between campus locations, and climbing stairs.

Qualifications

This is a full-time (35 hrs/wk.) position. The schedule is Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (actual schedule to be determined) although hours may change based on business needs and MIT's academic calendar. This is a union position. Employees are covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the MIT Libraries and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 93. Provisions related to wages, benefits and other terms of employment are contained in the agreement. Any questions regarding the agreement should be directed to lib-hr@mit.edu.