Indigenous Collections Fellow, Boston Athenaeum (Boston)
The Boston Athenaeum is excited to offer an eight-month grant-funded fellowship aimed at enhancing the stewardship, discoverability, access, and use of our collections related to Indigenous persons and tribal communities, with a special focus on our Schoolcraft Collection.
Fellowship Overview:
This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the Athenaeum's Indigenous-related materials. The fellow will enhance our understanding and care of these collections, improving their accessibility for researchers and the public. The fellow will collaborate with library staff and external stakeholders to conduct research, improve documentation, and develop resources for the long-term preservation and appropriate use of these important materials. The fellow is expected to be onsite at the Boston Athenaeum two days per week with the possibility for occasional remote work. The exact schedule will be agreed upon prior to the start date. The fellowship will run from September 30, 2024 - May 23, 2025
Responsibilities:
Research
Survey of the BA’s Schoolcraft collection, a discrete body of over 200 printed documents in both English and Indigenous languages originally collected or written by ethnologist and Indian Agent for the American government, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft.
Explore the scope of materials with particular attention to Indigenous communities and languages represented
Reevaluate the materials with an eye to Indigenous knowledge sources and representation
Identify materials that may be culturally sensitive and require further assessment of their cataloging description and physical access
Time permitting, research beyond the Schoolcraft Collection to identify other Indigenous made or related materials in the Athenaeum’s collections. This includes items in the special and circulating collections such as maps, poetry, tracts, posters, etc.
Access/Deliverables
Survey and recontextualize the Schoolcraft collection
Contribute to the creation of an online research guide for the Athenaeum’s website
Work with Athenaeum staff to create a framework for continuing engagement with Indigenous collections
Present research and work to the Athenaeum community at the end of the fellowship.
Outreach
Consult with librarians and curators in the area who are working on similar projects, such as the Massachusetts Historical Society, Brown University, and Amherst College.
Compensation: $19/hour
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Museum Studies, Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Art History, American Studies, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
Knowledge of Indigenous history, cultures, contemporary issues, and reparative work with a focus on North America.
Strong research skills, especially with primary source materials.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Ability to learn new technologies and systems quickly.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and antiracism.
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.
Full/Part Time
Internship
Education
BA/BS
Salary
$19.00 / hourClosing Date
How to Apply
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume using the following link:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=0c2172f4-dddf-44f5-9300-133cc1de3cd2&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_US
Applications must be received by August 16, 2024 to be considered
The Boston Athenæum is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates who will increase our diversity; we encourage candidates of color and all diverse candidates to apply and are committed to hiring individuals who value a diverse and inclusive work environment. The Boston Athenæum is also committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact HR Generalist Nora Conley at 617-720-7630 or conley@bostonathenaeum.org
Posted
2024-07-19 | Quick link to this job