Assistant Archivist, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library, Lexington, Massachusetts
Posted April 4, 2022
Description:
Established in 1975 by the Scottish Rite Freemasons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library tells the story of Freemasonry and fraternalism in the context of American history. Unique in the nation, the Museum aims to be the “historical society” of American Freemasonry by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the history of fraternalism. As a department within the Museum, the Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives is one of the premiere repositories in the United States for the study of Freemasonry and fraternalism. The collection of the Library & Archives comprises over 65,000 books, 1,900 serial titles and 2,000 cubic feet of archival materials related to Freemasonry, fraternalism, and American history.
Under the direction of the Museum’s Archivist, the Assistant Archivist uses established archival standards and local best practices to enhance access to the collection. The position will be responsible for:
- Accessioning, processing, arrangement, and description of both paper-based and digital records
- Conducting basic archival preservation activities
- Creating MARC records for export into the library’s online public access catalog and into WorldCat
- Digitizing or learning how to digitize archival material and recording technical, item,and structural metadata as necessary
- Exporting or learning how to export records in Dublin Core to the library’s Omekawebsite
- Creating finding aids in DACS
- Assisting in research services
Additionally, the Assistant Archivist may also assist in the mentoring and instruction of student interns/volunteers and write articles for the museum’s blog and social media outlets. Finally, and most importantly, the selected candidate must possess a desire to learn about Freemasonry and fraternalism in the context of American history. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.
The Library and Archives hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Basic Qualifications:
- Actively enrolled in a Master of Library and Information Science degree program or asimilar degree program or possess relevant archival experience. Recent LIS graduates are also encouraged to apply.
- Strong verbal and writing skills
- Ability to read script (cursive) handwriting
- Ability to take direction and accept constructive feedback
- Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Strong sense of responsibility and confidentiality
- Ability to lift archival boxes up to 40 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications:
Working knowledge of DACS, MARC, Dublin Core, LCSH, AACR2, and RDA is
preferred but not necessary
Hours and Compensation: This is a part-time position. $22/hour for 20 hours a week (no benefits)
Minimum educational/experience qualifications: Actively enrolled in a Master of Library and Information Science degree program or a similar degree program or possess relevant archival experience. Recent LIS graduates are also encouraged to apply.
How to apply:
Please email a resume and a letter describing your interest in this position to:
Jeffrey Croteau
Director of Library & Archives
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
33 Marrett Road
Lexington, MA 02421-5703
Email: [email protected]
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.