Job Details

Instruction and Outreach Archivist (Lib/Arch 2), MIT Libraries (Cambridge)

The Libraries are seeking to hire one archivist, either at the level of Librarian Archivist 1 or Librarian Archivist 2. Candidates are invited to apply for the position that best matches their qualifications and experience. (Librarian/Archivist 1 posting may be found here) 

 
Reporting to the Public Services Manager within the Department of Distinctive Collections (DDC), the Instruction and Outreach Archivist partners with faculty and subject liaisons to facilitate teaching using our rare and unique collections that engages with pedagogical trends in primary source instruction. The archivist  provides instruction sessions to classes, Institute partners, and community partners to promote DDC’s archival collections and services both in-person and virtually, as well as develops community engagement initiatives through fostering partnerships with faculty, staff, students and external partners.

The Instruction and Outreach Archivist also provides research services to on and off-site users, engaging their professional judgment and specialized training for special collections and archives, and accesses systems unique to Distinctive Collections to provide expert search facilitation and guidance in discovery, use and evaluation of rare materials for research.

The DDC holdings are unified by their uniqueness and rarity. Our collections range across disciplines, time periods and conditions, with strengths in science, technology, architecture, and the history of MIT.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instruction (50%)

Works across collecting areas (Institute Archives, Manuscript Collections, Visual Collections, Rare Books, Digital Collections) to prepare and lead instruction sessions with primary source materials, including evaluating and selecting said materials, developing class plans, and collaborating with faculty on assignment design & learning outcomes
Promotes inclusive teaching practices and a commitment to accessibility in the development & delivery of services and programs
Creates, develops, and maintains instructional resources, such as handouts, research guides and tutorials, assignments, and lesson plans to integrate Distinctive Collections materials into the curriculum
Assesses and adjusts instruction strategies and techniques based on learning objectives, student outcomes, and faculty feedback
Collaborates with MIT Libraries’ Research and Learning directorate on joint teaching initiatives and best practices
Collaborates with colleagues on collection development decisions (for example: soliciting feedback on specific collection offers, such as papers from retired faculty, or suggesting potential wants for collection acquisitions) in in order to support the curriculum and research needs of the Institute
 

Outreach (30%)

Plans, develops, implements, promotes, and assesses outreach activities to promote the integration of Distinctive Collections materials in instruction, research, and community engagement, including exhibitions, programming, and K-12 outreach, collaborating with Libraries colleagues when appropriate
In coordination with Libraries’ communications staff, assists with developing and implementing an integrated, cross-platform social media strategy to promote Distinctive Collections’ materials, services, exhibitions, and events. May supervise students and interns who contribute social media content.
Works with the Public Services Manager to coordinate the planning of Distinctive Collections programs and events, supporting the collection development team with outreach efforts to engage diverse communities, in alignment with library priorities
Assists with coordinating visits, tours and filming of Distinctive Collections’ holdings, spaces, and services
 

Research Services (20%)

Engages knowledge of local archival description practices, collection development policies, and historical trends in archival collections to facilitate navigation and access to materials for researchers
Provides in-person and virtual reference assistance as needed, utilizing DDC’s description and collection management systems to identify possible materials of interest in processed and unprocessed collections
Assists with the coordination, maintenance, and analysis of circulation, reference, and other use statistics for Distinctive Collections
Collaborates with other members of the public services team to create and maintain policy and procedures documentation for reference, instruction, and outreach, including training materials and manuals for desk staff and student assistants; assists with training staff members as needed
Creates and maintains reference tools, aids, guides, webpages, and tutorials to promote online learning and engagement with collections.
Assesses condition of materials and consults with the Wunsch Conservation Lab on housing and treatment needs as-required
May train and supervise interns, temps, or student workers in reference tasks
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required: Master’s Degree in Library, Archival, or Information Science or a combination of education and experience in reference, outreach, and instruction of archival and/or special collections.  

Minimum 3 years of experience in providing reference, outreach, and/or instruction with primary sources or rare books.
Experience with research and teaching trends, methods, and best practices.
Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively within and across organizational boundaries in a diverse organization and with a wide variety of users.
Enthusiasm for embracing the empathy, courage, self-reflection and respect essential in a multicultural, diverse and inclusive workplace, and ability to embrace those values in collections and public service work.
Demonstrated capacity for critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to be flexible, tolerate ambiguity, adapt to change and successfully work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with proven success in independently prioritizing work demonstrated in meeting deadlines and in managing complex projects to completion.
 
We expect candidates to be stronger in some qualifications listed above than others; we are committed to helping our future colleague expand their skills, as well as learning from their areas of strength.  

Preferred

Experience using, Aeon, SpringShare, or ArchivesSpace
Experience working in an academic environment.
Experience balancing the needs of archival security, confidentiality, intellectual property, and access rights.
Experience and familiarity with using an archival content management system and technologies applicable for the archival environment.

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary Range

$69,100.00 - $114,065.00  / year

Salary Notes

Actual salary will depend on qualifications and experience.

Closing Date

Position Open until filled.

How to Apply

APPLICATION PROCESS: Apply online via http://careers.mit.edu/ Applications must include a cover letter and resume. Priority will be given to applications received by April 14th, 2023 position open until filled. MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and minority candidates. Professionals who enthusiastically embrace the empathy, courage, self-reflection, and respect of a multi-cultural, diverse and inclusive workplace, and who strive to incorporate those values in their work and interactions are encouraged to apply. Please reach out to lib-hr@mit.edu with any questions regarding this role.

Posted

2023-04-03 |  Quick link to this job