Associate Manuscript Librarian

at Peabody Essex Museum, Phillips Library (view profile)
Published September 9, 2024
Location 306 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA 01969, Rowley, Massachusetts
Category Non-Profit  
Job Type Full-time  
Apply Here https://www.pem.org/about-pem/jobs-opportunities/open-positions
Cover Letter Requirements Required
Education Requirements MLIS preferred
Minimum Compensation in Local Currency $25.65
Maximum Compensation in Local Currency $27.25
Hourly or Salary? Hourly
Pay Grade Commensurate with experience.

Description

Applications received by September 22, 2024 will be given priority consideration.

The Associate Manuscript Librarian is responsible for arranging, describing, and preserving primary resource material in the Phillips Library. This includes creating finding aids and MARC records; overseeing the physical and digital preservation of non-published materials; employee, intern, and volunteer management, and advising on records management when appropriate.  The incumbent is the administrator for the archival collection management system, ArchivesSpace. They are expected to maintain familiarity with the collection, recommending acquisitions to help improve it, and participate collaboratively in library- and museum-wide projects and initiatives. This position reports to the Technical Services Librarian. Their work will take place at PEM’s Collection Center in Rowley, Massachusetts, with occasional responsibilities at the museum campus in Salem.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Processes collections and creates finding aids and other reference tools
  • Catalogs collections in Voyager and ArchivesSpace using MARC format and current descriptive standards including LCSH and DACS
  • Conduct and advises on long-term preservation planning
  • ArchivesSpace administrator
  • Processes new acquisitions including re-housing and cataloging
  • Supervises interns and volunteers
  • Conducts regular shifts on the reference desk
  • Uses, and tracks usage of, the archival and library supplies budget
  • Advises the Library Director on potential manuscript and archival acquisitions
  • Serves on library and museum-wide committees as necessary, and collaborates with library colleagues on staff-wide projects
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the job meets the requirements. The Phillips Library can and will provide training to successful candidates for some required experiences and abilities listed below.

ACADEMIC
ALA-accredited MLIS/MIS in library and information science or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Digital Archives Specialist, Academy of Certified Archivists, or Records Management certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES

  • 3 years of experience processing and cataloging historical manuscripts and archival collections.
  • Familiarity with MARC coding and national descriptive standards such as DACS.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; flexible, creative approach to providing bibliographic control over a large and diverse primary resource collection.
  • Sensitivity to proper care and handling of special collections materials; rare books and special collections experience is a plus
  • The ability to work closely and cooperatively with an experienced and diverse staff as well as the general public
  • Strong interpersonal, consensus-building, and organizational skills, and attention to detail
  • Computer skills with word processing, database management and OCLC online cataloging skills are required as well as knowledge of the MARC format.
  • Experience with these software packages and platforms preferred:
    • Microsoft Office
    • Google Suite
    • ArchivesSpace
    • ExLibris Voyager
    • OCLC Connexion
    • Monday.com
               Atlas Systems Aeon
  • An ability and desire to contribute to a variety of library initiatives and projects

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The Phillips Library can and will make reasonable accommodations to help the incumbent perform the essential tasks of this position.

  • The ability to operate desktop (keyboard, monitor, and mouse) and mobile computing tools, such as laptops and tablets
  • The ability to move, transport, and position books and other materials weighing up to 20 pounds
  • Library materials may be stored on shelves up to 12 feet high, requiring ascent and descent of ladders and lifts
  • Some of the work will take place at a desk with fragile paper-based materials. Some exposure to dust and dormant mold is inevitable.

INDEPENDENT ACTION
Works independently in carrying out responsibilities described above, and within broad museum and library policies and procedures toward library strategic goals.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

Occasional direct or indirect reports: Library volunteers, interns, and Fellows.

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