Assistant Archivist

Christian Science; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 40,611 - 52,789; Full time

Job summary

Christian Science in Boston is hiring a full-time Assistant Archivist to support the preservation, cataloging, and research in collections at The Mary Baker Eddy Library. Candidates should have a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science or relevant experience in archival processing. This role involves writing content for the library's website and assisting with collections management. The position offers a hybrid working schedule, with physical responsibilities including lifting materials. Pay ranges from $29.48 to $38.32 per hour.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science or two to three years direct experience in archival processing required.
• Knowledge of archival practices of appraisal, arranging, and description required.
• Practical experience with collections management systems and records management systems a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supports preservation, cataloging, registration, and research in collections.
• Develops and implements processing plans independently.
• Writes content for the MBEL website, including collection summaries and articles.

Skills

Knowledge of archival practices

Clear written and oral communication skills

Aptitude for learning digital asset management systems

Education

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science

Two to three years direct experience in archival processing

Tools

Digital asset management systems

Collection management systems

Job description

The Assistant Archivist is a full-time position that supports preservation, cataloging, registration, and research in collections of The Mary Baker Eddy Library (MBEL).

MBEL is a trusted and authoritative resource on Eddy and the history of the Christian Science movement, providing public access to original materials and educational experiences about Eddy, the ideas she advanced, her writings, and the institutions she founded and their healing mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Archival Management Assistance (100%)

• Follows archival standards and department policies and procedures to ensure the long‑term care and preservation of the field and special collections
• Practices proper handling of all collections materials
• Catalogs collections items, creating records in collection management systems or editing existing records
• Assists with responding to research queries about materials in the special collections
• Develops and implements processing plans independently
• Arranges and describes archival collections
• Prepares finding aids and indexes to collections
• Completes first reviews of previously unreviewed archival materials to determine whether they may be opened for research
• Participates in large‑scale collection processing, scanning, and deaccessioning projects
• Digitizes documents, manuscripts, and rare books using archival standards and advanced scanning technology for internal and external requests and projects
• Participates in MBEL‑wide projects, such as exhibit development and publishing projects
• Assists in handling of art and objects for storage and exhibit preparation
• Assists in research, review, and assessment of art and artifact collections
• Assists in reviewing donation offers and recommends accepting or declining them based on research and MBEL’s established collecting policies
• Prepares reports and documentation for legal review
• Writes content for MBEL website, including collection summaries and articles
• Serves as a super user for MBEL’s collections management system, supporting other users and assisting the Archivist in providing training
• Verifies transcriptions of oral histories
• Attends conferences and workshops as a representative of MBEL
• Participates in routine management and housekeeping of the collections spaces

Performs other duties as assigned

STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS

Reporting Relationships

Supervisor: Manager of Records Management and Special Collections

Regular Contacts

The Assistant Archivist will primarily support the work of Special Collections colleagues under supervision and guidance from the Manager of Records Management and Special Collections and in consultation with the Archivist. This position will also work closely with all members of MBEL’s Research and Collections division and other MBEL staff and may work with other departments in the church organization.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education/Experience

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science or two to three years direct experience in archival processing required. One to two years experience in general archival work preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

Knowledge of archival practices of appraisal, arranging, and description required, as well as the ability to quickly learn about and recognize significant people, places, and events related to Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and its affiliates, and the history of the Christian Science movement. Clear written and oral communication skills also required. Knowledge of or experience with strategies for historical research preferred.

Aptitude for learning digital asset management systems, collection management systems, archive collection management systems, and/or records management systems, including knowledge of metadata standards and controlled vocabularies for archives, museums, and news organizations. Practical experience with collections management systems and records management systems a plus.

This position regularly works in an office environment with the opportunity for a hybrid schedule.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to safely lift and move heavy materials (of up to 30-40 pounds), shelve and reshelve materials within repository areas, and maneuver heavily loaded carts.

Christian Science Information

Mother Church membership is required. The ideal candidate values Mary Baker Eddy’s life and work, and recognizes the Library’s role in furthering the mission of her church.

Pay range

$29.48 - $38.32 hourly

The pay ranges disclosed in our job postings are the compensation ranges the Church reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for a given position at the time of posting.

The offered salary will be determined by factors such as the applicant’s relevant education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities; and benchmarking, work location, and internal equity.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.