Special Collections Associate at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Special Collections Associate

Req ID: 67359BR

School or Unit: Harvard Law School

Description: Job Summary

The Historical & Special Collections (HSC) unit houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of research materials for the study of legal history. In keeping with the mission of the Harvard Law School Library (HLSL) to support the teaching and research programs of the Harvard Law School, HSC collects, catalogs, preserves, and provides access to printed materials, manuscripts, and visual materials that document the history of the law in general and that of the Harvard Law School in particular.

The Special Collections Associate will support the acquisition, access to, and maintenance of HSC materials, with a focus on creating descriptive metadata, processing and rehousing items and preparing collections for digital imaging. The Associate will also assist with cataloging new and backlogged materials and updating records in library management systems, as well as staffing the HSC reading room, assisting with researcher requests and preparing materials for use, and other departmental support duties as assigned.

This position works closely with the Collection Services Archivist, Access Services Coordinator and Curatorial Associate, Rare Books Cataloger/Reference Librarian, and other HSC staff. The work on these collections will involve HSC's commitment to the development of flexible, efficient, and user-centered practices and standards.

Position Description

As a Special Collections Associate you will:

• Process archival collections to various levels of arrangement and description, including manuscript rehousing, creating descriptive metadata and entering data into ArchivesSpace, Alma, Aeon, and other tools
• Perform initial cataloging for new and backlogged manuscript and rare books acquisitions and assist with updating catalog records, as needed
• Assist with accessioning and appraisal of manuscript collections in physical, digital, and hybrid formats
• Prepare collections for digital imaging
• Order and maintain inventory of departmental supplies
• Staff the HSC reading room desk up to 4-6 hours per week
• Assist with other departmental duties, as needed, including reviewing archival manuscript collections prior to researcher visits, assisting with reference requests, retrieving and shelving HSC materials, and liaising for physical plant matters and service calls

Basic Qualifications

Three or more years of related experience. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• Experience appraising, arranging, and describing archival materials in various formats, as well as handling and working with special collections materials in a variety of formats
• Understanding of MARC cataloging standards and best practices
• Knowledge of other current national archival and descriptive standards and best practices, including DACS, EAD, LCSH, LCNAF, RDA, etc.
• Understanding of content appraisal, digitization workflows, preservation needs, and copyright, privacy, and confidentiality issues relevant to archival collections
• Exceptional written, verbal, critical thinking, and listening skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work productively, both independently and collaboratively, in a highly collegial and team-based environment
• Proficiency with computer technology (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, XML)
• Experience with or knowledge of ArchivesSpace and Alma, or similar archival and library management systems

Working Conditions

This job is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment. There may be limited exposure to dust and mold

Additional Information

This is a term appointment currently expected to extend through 6/30/25, with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.



All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-MH1

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: 403074 Library Assistant VI

Job Function: Library

Work Format: On-Site

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 053

Department: Law Library


Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status: Part-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Schedule: 24hrs/week, M-F

Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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