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Job Posting

Digital Projects Assistant

Date Posted:
March 1, 2024
Location:
Boston, Massachusetts
Hiring Institution:
Congregational Library & Archives

New England’s Hidden Histories Digital Projects Assistant

Position Description

The Digital Projects Assistant position is an 8-week, onsite, paid summer internship at the Congregational Library & Archives (CLA) in Boston, Massachusetts. The Digital Projects Assistant will work with the Digital Archivist to make accessible online newly digitized archival materials as part of the CLA’s New England’s Hidden Histories project (NEHH). The Digital Projects Assistant will be responsible for the upload of content to the digital asset management system, the creation of item-level metadata for digital objects and the creation of collection pages that include brief biographical/historical notes.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week) internship for a two-month period. The work location is the Congregational Library & Archives, 14 Beacon Street, Boston. The compensation is $25 per hour. This position provides no other benefits. The internship is scheduled to begin June 3, 2024, but there is some flexibility on the start date.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Maintains digital files, ensures correct and consistent file naming and prepares digital files for accessibility.
  • Uploads digital files to Quartex, a cloud-based digital asset management system.
  • Creates unique item-level metadata for digital objects using a customized metadata schema based on the Dublin Core and Metadata Object Description Schemas.
  • Publishes online collection pages to the digital archive and to the CLA’s primary website.
  • Creates MARC records for digital collections within Liberty 5, the CLA’s online catalog.
  • Contributes to the success of Congregational Library & Archives by performing all other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program (or equivalent) or certification from the Academy of Certified Archivists. MLIS preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Ability to effectively communicate and work within a cooperative work environment.
  • Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
  • Skill in the use of Microsoft-based operating systems, including the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
  • Knowledge of library theory, concepts, methods and techniques.
  • Knowledge of archival ethics and laws relating to archival management.
  • Familiarity with archival and library metadata schemas such as DACS, MARC, Dublin Core, and MODS.
  • Experience reading and/or transcribing 17th and 18th century cursive script preferred.
  • Skill in searching and maintaining online and other electronic retrieval systems.
  • Knowledge of basic skills in web application software or markup language such as XML, HTML, or other contemporary tools.
  • Professional curiosity about library and archival theory, concepts and methods; American, Congregational and religious history; and other topics related to the collection.

Working Conditions

  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. Must be able to work in an office setting where the temperature is set to a constant 68⁰F.
  • Ability to climb one to two flights of stairs.
  • Work requires frequent exposure to dust and potential exposure to mold.
  • Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 50 pounds and some standing or walking.

To apply

Application deadline is April 1, 2024. Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references to: Dr. Tricia Peone, New England’s Hidden Histories Project Director, Congregational Library & Archives by email tpeone@14beacon.org

About the Congregational Library & Archives

The Congregational Library & Archives (CLA) is an independent research library located in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1853, CLA is a repository for some 225,000 books, pamphlets, periodicals, and manuscripts documenting the development and growth of the Congregational tradition in the United States as well as Canada and Great Britain. CLA’s mission is to foster deeper understanding of the spiritual, intellectual, cultural, and civic dimensions of the Congregational story and its ongoing relevance in the 21st century by collecting and sharing materials and by actively engaging with, among others, scholars and the general public.

CLA encourages and welcomes diversity throughout the organization. CLA does not discriminate and protects against harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. CLA employs people based on ability, experience, education, and character.

CLA’s policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, retention, promotion, compensation and benefits, working conditions, performance evaluation, professional development, disciplinary action, and termination.