Job Opening Title:
Project Archivist
Name of Employer:
Lenox Library Association Archives and Special Collections
Job Site Location (City AND State):
Lenox, Massachusetts
Application Deadline:
Open until filled
Minimum Degree Requirement:
MLIS or equivalent in an allied field
Years of experience required:
2 years
Salary Range:
$35 per hour – part time, temporary, with possibility of extension
Job Opening URL:
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply:
Scope of Work:
Using existing in-house collection inventories and related documentation, the Project Archivist will generate a provisional or basic list of all special collections, with the primary purpose of establishing overall intellectual control and security and supporting planning for preservation, collection policy decisions, processing priorities, and the creation of detailed or structured comprehensive archival finding aids.
The Project Archivist will:
• Identify materials that are not formally or accurately accessioned.
• Document the condition of materials and identify missing collection information.
• Provide input on the deaccessioning of materials.
• Provide a final report outlining key findings and recommendations.
Requirements :
• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or an allied field from an
accredited institution.
• Minimum of two years of hands-on experience at an organization preserving,
arranging, and describing archival collections.
• Minimum of two years of experience preparing preliminary inventories and catalogs
of archival and special collections, using national data standards.
• Experience arranging and describing archival collections using national data
standards such as DACS, EAD, LCSH, and MODS.
• Ability to work independently and incorporate knowledge gained from previous archival work experiences to inform decisions and complete tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365.
• Knowledge of best practices in the handling and preservation of archival materials.
• Knowledge of general and specialized research tools and techniques, particularly in
the area of local history.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail.
• Ability to collaborate and share information in a group environment.
• Ability to collaborate and share information with Lenox Library staff, LLA Board
members, and the Special Collections Committee, as well as attend several
Committee meetings.
• Ability to provide brief written progress reports of activities to the Chair of the
Committee and the Director of Development before each scheduled meeting.
• Ability to oversee qualified LLA volunteers working on the archives and special
collections, as directed by the Project Archivist.
Outcome:
Create a written inventory with brief catalog entries on important works relating to Town of Lenox art, history, and culture. This inventory will be developed into a searchable finding aid for the Lenox Library Association’s archival and special collections. The goal is to understand the breadth and scope of the collections to determine next steps for their preservation and proper care, as well as to facilitate access to materials in person and online for scholars and the general public.
Schedule:
The Project Archivist is required to work at the Lenox Library for a total of 4 days, or 28 hours per week, for 6 months, with the possibility of an extension. The Project Archivist will work with the Library’s local history librarian by appointment only and report to the Director of Development on a weekly basis.
Beginning date of the project: January 2027
End date of the project: June 2027, with the possibility of an extension pending availability of funding.
This part-time position has no benefits.
The Project Archivist should plan to be available on weekdays for up to 30 hours per week.
Rate of Pay: $35 per hour
To Apply:
Send a current résumé and cover letter to: Maria Lynch, Lenox Library Association, 18 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240 or to mlynch@lenoxlib.org with the subject “Project Archivist Applicant “
Closing Date: Until position is filled.