The Boston University Libraries seek a Processing Assistant to support collection management services in the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center and Special Collections. The position is responsible for assisting archivists with arrangement of archival records and materials, basic preservation of materials, description of materials and inventory creation, data standardization, and collection shifting.
The Processing Assistant will:
- Arrange collection materials to improve access and discovery.
- Conduct basic preservation services for archival materials, rehouse collections into archival enclosures, apply conservation best practices.
- Create box, folder or item level inventories, and collection summaries entering DACS-compliant and inclusive description into ArchivesSpace.
- Accession small additions to collections, creating accession records.
- Apply controlled vocabularies and subject analysis to archival description, following best practices for establishing name authorities.
- Assist with collection shifting and management projects.
- Participate in preparation and transfer of materials for research requests and special projects as needed.
- Update location registers, create barcodes and labels, supporting good inventory control of the archival collections.
- Update finding aids when corrections are needed.
- Review and update data in inventories, spreadsheets and ArchivesSpace and other library systems.
- Assist in training and supervision of student workers and/or interns.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills
- Bachelor's degree.
- 1-3 years of relevant experience.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Work experience in a library, archive, or museum setting.
- Knowledge of library standards including EAD, DCRM, RDA, MARC, Dublin Core.
- Familiarity with ArchivesSpace.
- Project management experience.
A resume and cover letter are required to be considered. This position will remain open until filled.
Working at Boston University Libraries
Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections services, and their own professional development. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment.
Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, ArchivesSpace, and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities.
Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
