Archivist
Role Overview
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.
Our collections span equal rights and social justice, women’s health and reproductive lives, gender and sexuality, Radcliffe College, culinary history, and family papers.
The Technical Services department plays a central role in the Library’s mission by enabling the discovery, use and management of archival, published, and born-digital collections through accessioning, processing, arrangement and description, metadata creation, and collection management.
We seek an Archivist who is passionate about archival processing and its crucial role in fostering discovery and accessibility; who is committed to equitable representation and inclusive description; and who brings an interest in and facility with both analog and born-digital materials.
Reporting to the Lead Processing Archivist, they will work as part of an inclusive team, participating in and contributing to the evolution of a program of thoughtful, flexible, user-centered archival and born-digital processing.
The Archivist processes diverse archival collections, arranging and describing materials according to national standards and best practices; highlighting materials for researchers; and providing widespread public access to collections.
This is an opportunity for a critical thinker to join an experienced team of archivists and catalogers who are working collectively to evaluate and improve our practices while reaffirming our existing strengths.
Full Job Posting
Benefits
- Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- 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
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
- Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
- EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
- Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
- Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
- By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
- Why join the Harvard Radcliffe Institute?
- The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, known colloquially as Harvard Radcliffe Institute, is one of the world’s leading centers for interdisciplinary exploration. We bring together students, scholars, artists, and practitioners to pursue curiosity-driven research, expand human understanding, and grapple with questions that demand insight from across disciplines.
- The Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars. Academic Ventures fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute's commitment to women, gender, and society. The Emerging Leaders Program is a youth leadership development program partnering local high school sophomores with Harvard undergraduates in a mentoring relationship.
- The Institute’s work is shaped by its history as the former Radcliffe College—a school founded to ensure that the standard of education embodied in Harvard was accessible to women, who were then excluded from the University. But the legacy of Radcliffe College is not simply coeducation at Harvard; it is the recognition that universities will always be greater when they draw wisdom and talent from the widest possible pool.
- Take a look at this video to get different staff perspectives on working at Harvard Radcliffe Institute!
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.
- 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.
- 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.
About Harvard University
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