These jobs are posted as a service to archivists in New England.

Senior Librarian/Library Archivist at the Cambridge Public Library

CITY OF CAMBRIDGE RESIDENTS ESPECIALLY ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Posting Date: February 11, 2010

Closing Date: March 4, 2010

Department: Libraries

Job Title: Senior Librarian/Cambridge Room Library Archivist

Job Code: L408-710

Civil Service Position: Non Civil Service position

Union Affiliation: CPLSA, Local 4928

Hours Per Week: 37.5 per week, including nights and Saturdays as needed

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops and preserves collection of Cambridge historical materials through solicitation of new acquisitions, as well as identifying materials and techniques for preservation, digitization, or binding. Coordinates collection activities with other City agencies and local organizations with overlapping interests.
  • Ensures that all historical materials are preserved, stored and handled according to archival standards
  • Identifies and implements ways to use new technologies to preserve historical materials, preserve contemporary collections in varied formats, and to make them available for current and future users
  • Serves as system-wide subject specialist in the areas of Cambridge history and genealogy to the public in person, on the telephone, by mail, or by electronic means; assists users in finding materials in these areas.
  • Provides users with general information about library services, as well as Cambridge history and genealogy resources, and directs them to other personnel as needed
  • Works collaboratively with the Cambridge archives committee and any other relevant groups to promote awareness of the collection and to develop mutually beneficial policies, promotional materials, finding aids and other resources
  • Reaches out to the community to encourage donations to the collection
  • Develops finding aids for current and new acquisitions
  • Processes existing and donated materials in accordance with professional archival standards , maintains order and neatness in the collection
  • Operates the Cambridge Room during advertised hours and by appointment
  • Develops policies and procedures for the Cambridge Room, including a collection development policy, a records management policy for materials in the Cambridge Room collection, and procedures to ensure the safety and security of Cambridge Room materials
  • Develops ongoing exhibits and displays (real and virtual) to highlight the collections of the Cambridge Room and to promote their use
  • Develops and presents promotional materials, tours, presentations and workshops about the Cambridge Room's collections to community groups, students, professional colleagues and other interested individuals and groups, maintains a virtual presence for the Cambridge Room through the library's web page
  • Keeps statistics of the daily use and activities of the Cambridge Room and its collections
  • Attends staff, professional and community meetings and participates in library and community events
  • Recruits and supervises graduate student interns
  • Develops, monitors and administers program budget
  • Identifies and solicits grants for preservation and digitization projects and other new initiatives of the Cambridge Room
  • Keeps abreast of archival trends and developments.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Master's Degree from an ALA accredited school of library science with course work or concentration in archival procedures, management, and preservation required. A minimum of two years of post-MLS experience in archival services required, preferably in a public library Supervision of other staff and experience with digitization and electronic archives desirable

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

  • Thorough knowledge of archival principles, techniques, services and resources
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of archival cataloging and inventory control
  • Knowledge of and interest in history and genealogy relevant to Cambridge
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to speak knowledgeably and effectively before groups
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions
  • Ability to work independently and solve problems, as well as adaptability and dependability to work well in a team situation
  • Ability to supervise
  • Flexibility in emergency staffing situations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time to use computer workstations, including keyboard and visual display terminal
  • Strength to push or pull a loaded book cart which can weigh in excess of 100 pounds on level floor and up ramp, to lift or maneuver onto cart loads of up to 50 pounds, and to carry cartons of books
  • Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work
  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, which permit effective communication
  • Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, to permit employee to read books and patron requests
  • Sufficient manual dexterity, , which permits the employee to type and record library files
  • Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, , which permits the employee to re-shelve library materials and work at public service desks
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to person essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Works in assigned areas, including office areas, training rooms, library locations, as necessary. Materials in the archives may contain airborne particles, including mold and mildew. Normal office exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions

RATE:

$26.11 to $29.96 in five steps.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Internal applicants submit a job bidding form and 2 copies of both your resume and letter of interest; external applicants submit 2 copies of both your resume and letter of interest by 5pm on the closing date via email to: employment@cambridgema.gov or to Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139. Fax 617-349-4312

THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. WOMEN, MINORITIES, VETERANS, AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.