Job Opening Title:
Library Assistant I – Reproductions
Name of Employer:
Massachusetts Historical Society
Job Site Location (City, State) :
Boston, MA
Application Deadline:
8 January 2024
Minimum Degree Requirement:
BA/BS
Years of experience required:
0
Salary Range:
$19/hr
Job Opening URL:
https://www.masshist.org/job-announcements
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply.:
Major Responsibilities:
• Provides all researchers, on site or remote, courteous, equitable, and effective service
• Supports the work of the RRL by photographing, scanning, or photocopying collection
materials toward fulfillment of reference reproduction requests*
• Delivers completed reference reproduction requests*
• Evaluates and fulfills complimentary reference reproduction orders*
• Responds to image related reference inquires in person, on the telephone, and via email
through the LibAnswers software suite; refers non-routine inquiries to RRL
• Retrieves, circulates, and reshelves materials including both properly routing items
through the Aeon system and ensuring secure, timely movement of items through the
library/building*
• Covers the circulation desk, ensuring preservation and security of collection materials
used in the reading room through direct supervision of all individuals in the reading room
and explaining, demonstrating, and enforcing library policies and procedures as
needed*
• Carefully handles collection materials in accordance with best practices, to ensure
preservation of collections*
• Completes library opening and closing routines in the morning and/or evening to prepare
for researchers and to ensure overnight security of library spaces
• Explains and enforces library policies and procedure
• Contributes content to The Beehive (MHS blog); may be asked to contribute to interdepartmental communications
• Fulfills the role of editor-in-chief for departmental newsletter, both creating original
content and compiling content submitted by colleagues, for a minimum of 1-month
annually
• Keeps up-to-date on departmental news and happenings through weekly meetings or
meeting notes
• Participates in professional development under the guidance of supervisor, and actively
seeks out professional development opportunities in the library science/archival/public
history fields
• Assists in breaking down library technology and workstations and moving furniture within
the library spaces to support extra-departmental use of the space
• Assists with other library projects and routine clerical tasks as needed
• May be cross-trained in all aspects of the Visitor Services Associate position, dependent
on departmental needs
• Regularly handles large and/or heavy loads up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting,
bending, carrying, walking, twisting, pushing and pulling, and climbing ladders
throughout the workday*
* Essential functions
Key Contacts
External – Researchers, general public
Internal – Library Reader Services Staff, Library Collection Services Staff, Visitor Services Staff
Requirements:
Education
• Bachelor’s degree or current enrollment in a Bachelor’s program required
• Current enrollment in a Master’s degree program, with coursework in American history,
public history, archives, library science, or a similar program, preferred
Experience
• Experience working with a diverse public in a customer service or similar position
• Experience working with archival collections and/or rare books in library, archives, or
public history setting preferred
• Experience working with Aeon or similar special collections circulation system preferred
• Experience working with user interface of Voyager or similar ILS preferred
Skills
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate, orally and in writing, with staff and
members of the public
• Ability to work with staff and members of the public with tact, patience
• Ability to assess and anticipate needs and be a flexible problem solver
• Ability to consistently enforce policies and procedures
• Ability to work on repetitive tasks
• Ability to follow specific guidelines and instructions
• Ability to identify matters of urgency or requiring supervisory/management assistance
• Ability to independently prioritize tasks, manage shifts in focus, and meet deadlines
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Ability to confidently work with technology, including ability to learn new programs and
equipment, and the basic troubleshooting of desktop operations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to read 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century handwritten manuscripts, preferred
• Ability to comply with all MHS policies and procedures, including emergency, health, and
safety protocols
Application Procedure: Please send by email a single PDF that includes a cover letter,
résumé, and the names and contact information for three professional references to Associate Reference Librarian Hannah Elder at helder@masshist.org. We will review and respond to all applications.
Applications received on or before January 8, 2025 will receive priority.
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