Elma Lewis Digital Project Assistant

Northeastern University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Northeastern University Library is seeking part-time assistants for a grant-funded project focused on digitizing, cataloging, and publishing materials from Elma Lewis collections. You will work within the Digital Production Services unit and collaborate with Archives staff to support reparative description and metadata work.

Hours are 15–18 per week, with hybrid and fully remote work options available, offering practical experience in archival cataloging and metadata workflows in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Some experience with metadata creation.
• Demonstrated interest in inclusive cataloging and reparative description.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Enrollment in an MLS/MLIS or equivalent experience.
• Experience with metadata schemas and archival cataloging.

Responsibilities

• Catalog textual materials in spreadsheets according to departmental standards and project instructions.
• Perform post-production processing of digitized texts.
• Assist with automated captioning workflows for audiovisual materials.
• Develop contextual documentation about people, places, and objects represented in the collections.

Skills

Metadata creation

Attention to detail

Collaborative work

Inclusive cataloging

Education

MLS/MLIS enrollment or equivalent experience

Tools

MODS

Dublin Core

EAD

Job description

About the Opportunity

About Northeastern University Library

The Northeastern University Library is hiring part-time assistants for a grant-funded project supported by Boston’s Community Preservation Department. The project, Black Art and Joy in Boston (and Beyond): Elma Lewis and the National Center of Afro-American Artists, focuses on digitizing, cataloging, and publishing materials from four archival collections documenting the life and legacy of Elma Lewis (1921–2004). These collections include her personal papers, as well as records from the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts, the National Center of Afro-American Artists, and its museum, highlighting her work to promote Afrocentric visual and performing arts.

Job Summary

Part-time assistants will contribute to the descriptive work for the Elma Lewis collections, with assignments determined by project priorities. The assistant will work within the highly collaborative Digital Production Services department and also partner with staff from Archives and Special Collections.

Hours: 15–18 hours a week.

Location: Hybrid and fully remote work available.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Catalog textual materials in spreadsheets according to departmental standards and project-specific instructions from the Project Librarian

Additional tasks may include:

• Perform post-production processing of digitized texts
• Assist with automated captioning workflows for audiovisual materials
• Develop contextual documentation about the people, places, and objects represented in the collections

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• Some experience with metadata creation
• Demonstrated interest in inclusive cataloging and reparative description
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment

Preferred

• Enrollment in an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), or equivalent experience
• Professional experience with metadata schemas and item-level archival cataloging
• Experience using Metadata Object Description Schema (MODS), Dublin Core, or Encoded Archival Description (EAD)
• Familiarity with authority files and controlled vocabularies such as Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF), and Art & Architecture Thesaurus (AAT)
• Knowledge of controlled vocabularies and thesauri
• Exposure to inclusive and reparative description principles
• Proven ability to work independently
• Strong communication skills

Required Documents

• Resume

Position Type

Temporary

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

This job is for a current or anticipated job vacancy.

Pay Rate:

$21/hour