Archives 400 Survey Archivist

Title: Archives 400 Survey Archivist

Location: MA-Cambridge

Job Description:

This is a 3-Year term position. 

Under the direction of the Head of Archival Projects and in preparation for the 400th anniversary of Havard’s founding in 2036, the Archives 400 Survey Archivist will be responsible for gathering and interpreting basic descriptive data about all collections within Harvard’s archival repositories related to Harvard’s history. Given the length of Harvard’s existence and the breadth of its influence, the scope of the survey is vast, and a key component of the role will be to develop a rubric for rating materials and determining inclusion criteria.

Data gathering will consist of both collating information from Harvard Library’s online systems such as HOLLIS and HOLLIS for Archival Discovery and visits to libraries and archival repositories, as needed, to examine collections that do not have adequate or any information in online library systems and to interview archivists, curators, and librarians about holdings. Data collection will focus on collection description, dates, extent, processing status, access and restrictions on access, and other areas.

With the data collected, the Survey Archivist will coordinate with the Head of Archival Projects and the Archives 400 Steering Committee to analyze and forecast the processing and digitization needs of all in scope collections to meet the 2036 deadline. 

Position Description

• Evaluates existing metadata for Harvard’s special collections documenting the University’s history in HOLLIS, the Harvard Library’s online catalog, HOLLIS for Archival Discovery, and local offline systems to determine descriptive and digitization needs prior to Harvard’s 400th anniversary in 2036.

• Coordinates with curators and archivists across the Harvard Library to assess descriptive and digitization needs of uncatalogued and unprocessed collections within survey scope.

• Under the guidance of the Head of Archival Projects, coordinates with Archives 400 Steering Committee to determine in scope collections and creates and maintains documentation of survey assessment methodology.

• With the Collections Services Archivist for Metadata, Systems, and Standards and Head of Archival Projects, designs survey assessment database capturing existing metadata, digitization needs, and processing estimates for in scope collections.

• Generates reports and other documents in a manner suitable for distribution beyond the Technical Services for Archives and Special Collections unit.

• Presents survey status to Archives 400 Steering Committee and other internal and external project stakeholders.

• In consultation with the Head of Archival Projects, recommends the first high priority collections across the Harvard Library to be processed by the Archives 400 Project Processing Archivist and Archives 400 Archival Assistant.

• Acquires familiarity with Harvard University, including its history and organizational structure. Participates in occasional outreach activities such as guides, presentations, or tours.

• Participates in relevant Harvard Library committees and working groups as needed.

• Maintains currency with University, national and international descriptive standards and practices for the processing and intellectual control of archival materials.

• Other duties as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and the role's level of responsibilities.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library/information science with a concentration in archival studies or equivalent required

• Minimum of three years of experience working in an archives or special collections setting, preferably with experience surveying large and complex collections  

• In depth understanding of and experience with library and archival information systems, including ArchivesSpace, and archival descriptive standards, including DACS</p>

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience manipulating metadata in a variety of formats with tools such as spreadsheets or databases

• Demonstrated ability to plan, manage, and coordinate complex projects to meet deadlines in a dynamic and high-pressure environment

• Consults and works in a cooperative and collegial fashion. Communicates issues that affect plans, policies, and procedures in a timely manner

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and with a wide range of library and archives staff

• Demonstrated experience working with highly sensitive information or confidential records

• Demonstrated experience working in large-scale archival digitization projects

• Proven strong and broad historical research and analytical skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills, both orally and written

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism

Physical Requirements

• Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds across the library for various needs.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid position. The position is based on site in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There may be the opportunity for a hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University policies.

• Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs. Requests for flexibility will be considered consistent with Harvard University flexwork policies.

• May interact with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants.

• The work associated with this position is performed in a library/office setting

• At times will need to travel locally or more broadly.

Additional Information

Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.

• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.

• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.

• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.

• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.

• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function Library

Department Office Location USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code 386057 Library Professional

Work Format Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade 057

Department Technical Services for Archives and Special Collections

Annual Salary Range $76,400 - $130,000

Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Across the Harvard Library, our work is enriched by our diverse campus community. Our unique and wide-ranging abilities, experiences, and perspectives are integral to achieving Harvard University’s mission of excellence in research, teaching, and learning for our patrons, our collections, and our workplace. We believe that an inclusive environment that cultivates and promotes understanding, respect, and collaboration across our diverse workforce enables our success. 
 
We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities to be a part of our community of over 700 staff members. Our work with faculty, students and researchers to explore answers to intellectual questions, enduring and new, and to seek solutions to the world’s most consequential problems, requires that we not only reflect, but also champion our diverse society. 
 
Harvard Library inspires collaboration, reflection, experimentation, and discovery connecting users to related disciplines and to University-wide teaching resources. The Library engages users through curated discovery, digital collections, reimagined physical space, and specialized research support.  Today, Harvard Library’s holdings range from traditional print collections to rapidly expanding access to digital resources. Harvard Library provides the University's faculty, students, and researchers—now and in the future—with exceptional experiences and comprehensive access to these materials. 
 
Learn more about our contributions to the academic enterprise by visiting us at http://library.harvard.edu and about the Harvard University community at http://hr.harvard.edu/why-harvard. 
 
The Harvard Library is a proud member of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance.  

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.