Job Description

Boston Public Library Institutional Records Survey

This three-year term position surveys, inventories, and provides access to Boston Public Library's institutional records related to the built environment of the Central Library in Copley Square, which spans the National Historic Landmark McKim Building (1895) and the adjacent Boylston Street Building (1972). Collections include historical and contemporary architectural plans and drawings, construction records, master plans, design specifications, correspondence, photographs, and related facilities and systems documentation. These collections span tens of thousands of items in a wide variety of formats and media types and date from the late nineteenth century to the present day.

Works closely with appropriate staff across the library to understand records use needs, ensure access to building records utilized for BPL operations, and provides access to contemporary and historical records that support upcoming renovation planning and implementation at the Central Library. Ensures that building records are arranged, described, and stored in accordance with established standards and best practices at an appropriate level of detail and effort. Assists with the development of the library's workflows, access policies, and processing procedures for institutional records.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with Operations, Facilities, and Major Projects staff to understand built environment records needs across content and format and facilitate access to Central Library plans, building records, and related documentation.
• Surveys, inventories, and co-locates records related to Central Library buildings; arranges and describes records; and applies archival appraisal to records based on projected use, records retention schedules, and other factors.
• Develops and implements a plan for the storage and stewardship of building plans and related documentation in a wide range of formats that facilitates access and preserves materials for long-term use.
• Applies knowledge of current and emerging archival descriptive standards and systems (including DACS, EAD, and authority control standards) and records management practices to the development of a records maintenance and access plan for BPL institutional records related to the built environment. Collaborates with Research & Special Collections staff, particularly with the Archives Department, to ensure that records stewardship work aligns with local practices for archives and records management.
• Answers reference questions and supports research and access for BPL staff and project stakeholders to BPL institutional records related to the Central Library's built environment.
• Assists with the training of BPL staff at all levels in accessing and maintaining institutional records related to the built environment and building management, maintenance, and renovation. Works closely with appropriate staff to set accessioning, deaccessioning, and processing priorities for BPL architecture plans and related materials and tracks and reports progress.
• Presents, delivers a briefing, and shares information to with BPL staff and project partners to promote knowledge and use of the Library's institutional records.
• Documents activities, makes oral presentations, and prepares written progress reports regarding the status of the project.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Education Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university. Master's degree in library and information science required with formal training or professional experience in archival theory and practice. Relevant subject knowledge and/or specialized training required. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for a part or all of the educational requirements.
• Experience Four (4) years of professional experience in archival processing and description in a museum, library, or other similar institution required. Subject knowledge of architecture and building arts is highly desirable.
• Proven skill in arranging and describing archival collections both large and small to varying levels of detail, and assessing and determining appropriate levels of processing based on research value, condition, and other factors, with a preference for experience with corporate or institutional archives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory and practice; comprehensive knowledge of descriptive standards for archival and manuscript materials, especially DACS and EAD, and familiarity with other relevant standards.
• Familiarity with records management practices and models, with a preference for demonstrated experience in records management and architectural records arrangement and description.
• Demonstrated experience with basic preservation and collection management for archives.
• Ability to execute library policy.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and independent decision-making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, editorial, and formal writing abilities.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Significant experience working with institutional records, archives, organizational records, or special collections materials.
• Ability to collaborate with library staff, external partners, and resources.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb stairs. Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds with appropriate equipment or assistance from another person.
• CORI Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-3

Hours per week: 35

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