Part-Time Project Archivist: Manuscripts & Archives

NYHistory; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

The New York Historical seeks a Project Archivist to process manuscript and archival materials, including Reader's Digest records, using professional standards.

Responsibilities include arranging collections, describing with ArchivesSpace, assigning headings, and collaborating with conservators, curators, catalogers, and digital specialists. This is a part-time grant-funded role, up to 24 hours per week, starting January 2027 for about six months.

Qualifications

• MLS with a concentration in Archives from an A.L.A.-accredited program
• Ability to handle artifacts with care, especially rare and fragile library, museum, and archival material
• Attention to detail and an ability to follow a task through to completion
• Possess a strong work ethic, be able to work well independently or with a team, take directions and perform accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Process collections physically to facilitate user access and satisfy routine conservation needs;
• Arrange collections intellectually, consistent with professional archival principles and practices;
• Using ArchivesSpace, describe collections to an appropriate level for user discovery in DACS-compliant online finding aids;
• Assign name and subject headings in finding aids and catalog entries using authorities/controlled vocabularies, including NACO, LCSH, and AAT;
• Consult as warranted with other library professionals, especially conservators, curators, catalogers, reference librarians, and digital specialists, in the performance of job responsibilities;
• Move collections in and out of storage as needed during processing, and record locations of newly stored materials;
• Provide occasional support to the curators and public service staff in answering reference inquiries or identifying material relevant to planned exhibitions;
• Perform occasional outreach activities about the collections, such as by blogging or through other social media, making presentations to groups, etc.;
• Assist with other requested activities related to the Library’s and Archival Processing Unit’s objectives.

Skills

Artifact handling

Attention to detail

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

MLS with Archives concentration

MA in Archives

MA in History with Archival Certificate

Job description

The New York Historical seeks a Project Archivist to process manuscript and archival materials, including Reader's Digest records, using professional standards.

Responsibilities include arranging collections, describing with ArchivesSpace, assigning headings, and collaborating with conservators, curators, catalogers, and digital specialists. This is a part-time grant-funded role, up to 24 hours per week, starting January 2027 for about six months.