Department:                Mary Baker Eddy Library

SUMMARY

The Archival Assistant is a full-time, entry-level position that supports preservation, cataloging, registration, and research in collections of The Mary Baker Eddy Library (MBEL).

MBEL is a trusted and authoritative resource on Mary Baker Eddy and the history of the Christian Science movement, providing public access to original materials and educational experiences about Eddy, the ideas she advanced, her writings, and the institutions she founded and their healing mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Archival Management Assistance (100%)

• Follows archival standards, as well as the guidance of Special Collections colleagues, to ensure the long-term care and preservation of the field and special collections.
• Practices proper handling of all collections materials.
• Catalogs collections items, creating records in collection management systems or editing existing records.
• Assists with responding to research queries about materials in MBEL’s Special Collections.
• Develops and implements processing plans, in consultation with the Archivist.
• Arranges and describes archival collections.
• Prepares finding aids and indexes to collections.
• Follows policies and procedures on the arrangement, description, and preservation of collections.
• Participates in large-scale collection processing, scanning, and deaccessioning projects.
• Participates in MBEL-wide projects, such as exhibit development and publishing projects.
• Assists with preparing reports and documentation for legal review.
• Attends conferences and workshops as a representative of MBEL.
• Writes content for MBEL website, including collection summaries and articles.
• Verifies transcriptions of oral histories.

Performs other duties as assigned.

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS
Reporting Relationships

Supervisor: Manager of Records Management and Special Collections

Supervises: N/A       

Regular Contacts

The Archival Assistant will primarily support the work of Special Collections colleagues, under supervision and guidance from the Manager of Records Management and Special Collections and in close consultation with the Archivist. This position will also work closely with all members of MBEL’s Research and Collections division and other MBEL staff, and may work with other departments in the church organization.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in History, Religion, Library and Information Science, or related field required.

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science and one year’s experience in archives preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

Knowledge of archival practices of appraisal, arranging, and description preferred. The ability to quickly learn about and recognize significant people, places, and events related to Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and its affiliates, and the history of the Christian Science movement required.  Clear written and oral communication skills required.  Knowledge of, or experience with, strategies for historical research preferred.

Technology Skills

Aptitude for learning digital asset management systems, collection management systems, archive collection management systems, and/or records management systems, including knowledge of metadata standards and controlled vocabularies for archives, museums, and news organizations. Familiarity with Re:discovery/Proficio and M-Files a plus.

Work Environment

Must be able to lift 40 pounds.

Christian Science Information

Mother Church membership is required. The ideal candidate values Mary Baker Eddy’s life and work, and recognizes the Library’s role in furthering the mission of her church.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.