Job Opening Title:
School of Theology Archives Reference Assistant
Name of Employer:
Boston University
Job Site Location (City AND State):
Boston, MA
Application Deadline:
Open until filled
Minimum Degree Requirement:
Years of experience required:
Salary Range:
$24.00 per hour
Job Opening URL:
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply:
Overview
The School of Theology Reference Assistant supports the Reading Room and Reference Services team in the Boston University Archives and Special Collections. In addition to working in the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center in the Mugar Library, this position will answer reference questions and provide reading room support in Boston University’s School of Theology Library, and with a particular focus on providing reference support for the New England Conference of the Methodist Church. Responsibilities include answering researcher questions, making remote reproductions, and other tasks as assigned. These projects may require physical activity, including heavy lifting, and exposure to dirt and/or dust.
This position is designed for current MLIS graduate students in library and information science & archival studies. The School of Theology Reference Assistant works directly with professional staff on projects and will gain hands-on experience interacting with collections and researchers.
Responsibilities Include:
Reference Support
The Reference Assistant will provide reference support by triaging and responding to reference requests, helping to determine pathways for research. They will also scan and send materials to researchers and patrons. They will identify and locate appropriate collections and boxes, using ArchivesSpace as necessary. In addition, they will assist staff with identifying and retrieving boxes from off-site storage. The Reference Assistant will also help with conducting research within the collections. They will scan material to support researcher requests.
Collection support
The Reference Assistant will provide collection support by identifying, scoping, and implementing projects that promote access to collections. Furthermore, they will prepare collection and navigation information for public use.
Other duties as assigned.
These duties may include reading room, administrative, and project support.
Qualifications
Required
• Strong attention to detail; ability to follow written and verbal instructions precisely and ability to interpret library policy and support researchers
• Effective organizational skills and capacity for sustained focused work
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint) and Adobe
• Familiarity working in databases and library content management systems (e.g., Ex Libris Alma, ArchivesSpace)
• Ability to lift and carry archival boxes up to 40 lbs. and manage cartloads of material
Preferred
• Currently enrolled in a graduate program in library and information science, archival studies, history, or a related field (recent graduates also welcome)
• Prior experience handling archival or library materials in any setting
• Customer service experience
Schedule & Compensation
• Hours: 14 to 35 hours per week (2 to 5 days); schedule determined by mutual agreement and project needs. 9 month term.
• Rate: $24.00 per hour
• All work is performed on-site; Mugar Memorial Library, 771 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, or School of Theology Library, 745 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA
Interested applicants must send a resume and cover letter to jasilva@bu.edu. This position will remain open until filled.
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, 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.
Interested applicants must send a resume and cover letter to jasilva@bu.edu. This position will remain open until filled.