Assistant Archivist

University Archives and Special Collections Department

Northeastern University Libraries invites applications and nominations of dynamic, committed, and creative individuals for the position of Assistant Archivist. The successful candidate for this professional position will have the opportunity to shape programs to enhance the effectiveness of the University Archives and Special Collections Department.

Responsibilities: Manage service and processing operations, including supervising the Reading Room, assisting researchers in using archival and manuscript materials and rare books, monitoring patron use, directing processing operations, analyzing unprocessed collections to develop appraisal and processing strategies, preparing descriptive inventories, and overseeing creation of bibliographic records for collections. Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff. Working with the University Archivist and Head, Special Collections Department, develop, and implement special projects. In the context of the Libraries’ digital library initiative, develop digital archival collections in consultation with Library staff. Develop web pages and exhibits on the history of the University and on the Department’s holdings. Develop and sustain effective relationships with campus, community, and organization representatives, liaisons, and other constituencies. Participate in Library and University planning. Serve as a University representative to and participate in community and professional archival organizations. Assume responsibility for the department in the absence of the Head. Plan and implement virtual and analog exhibits. Contribute to the development and implementation of departmental and library policies, procedures, and projects through participation on committees.

Setting: Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in interdisciplinary research, urban engagement, and the integration of classroom learning with real-world experience. The University’s distinctive cooperative education program, where students alternate semesters of full-time study with semesters of paid work in fields relevant to their professional interests and major, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in six undergraduate colleges, eight graduate schools, and two part-time divisions. For more information, please visit http://www.northeastern.edu/.
The Library holds membership in OCLC/NELINET, the Coalition for Networked Information Task Force, the Boston Library Consortium, and the Boston Regional library System, and is a Commission on Preservation and Access sponsor. Visit the Library’s web page for more information: http://www.lib.neu.edu/. The University Library’s Archives and Special Collections Department houses about 4,000 linear feet of archives and manuscripts, and over 10,000 monographs and dissertations. The Department actively collects in the area of social justice, especially relating to African American, Chinese, Latino, and gay and lesbian communities. Visit the Archives' website for more information: http://www.lib.neu.edu/archives/.

Qualifications: ALA-accredited MLS or graduate degree in history with an archival specialization; at least 3 years of demonstrated successful, professional experience in an archival setting. Knowledge of archival principles and practices. Demonstrated experience with relevant computer applications. Experience applying current standards of archival description (including MARC21, DACS, EAD). Knowledge of markup languages and Web page design. Supervisory experience, especially relating to archival processing and description. Knowledge of records management techniques preferred. Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, interpersonal, planning, analytical, conceptual, and supervisory skills. Service-oriented, energetic, innovative, self-motivated, and resourceful. Ability to work effectively with colleagues, donors, administrators, faculty, students, and members of underrepresented communities. Ability to work independently, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Strong commitment to diversity in the workplace. Ability and willingness to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds.

Salary: Hiring range is $39,000-52,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits.

Review of applications will begin April 1, 2008 and continue until the position is filled. Please send letter of application, resume, writing sample, and the names of three references to: Joan D. Krizack, University Archivist and Head, Special Collections Department: j.krizack@neu.edu.

Northeastern University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, and especially welcomes applications from minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.