Associate Manuscript Librarian

The Phillips Library at the Peabody Essex Museum is among the oldest libraries in America. Rich primary and secondary sources including vast quantities of manuscripts, books, photographs, maps, broadsides and ephemera make it a fruitful location for research and discovery. The library is based at PEMs James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes Collection Center, a state-of-the-art facility with secure and climate-controlled storage, in Rowley, Massachusetts.

The Associate Manuscript Librarian is responsible for arranging, describing, and preserving primary resource material in the Phillips Library. This includes creating finding aids and MARC records; overseeing the physical and digital preservation of non-published materials; employee, intern, and volunteer management, and advising on records management when appropriate.

The incumbent is the administrator for the archival collection management system, ArchivesSpace. They are expected to maintain familiarity with the collection, recommending acquisitions to help improve it, and participate collaboratively in library- and museum-wide projects and initiatives.

A minimum of three years of experience processing and cataloging historical manuscripts and archival collections is preferred. Familiarity with MARC coding and national descriptive standards such as DACS is a plus, along with the ability to work closely and cooperatively with an experienced and diverse staff as well as the general public.

Strong analytical and problem solving skills; flexible, creative approach to providing bibliographic control over a large and diverse primary resource collection along with sensitivity to proper care and handling of special collections materials; rare books and special collections experience is preferred. Familiarity with Google and Microsoft or similar platforms is required. The hourly range for this role is $25.65 to $27.25 commensurate with experience.

Applications received by September 22, 2024 will be given priority consideration.

PEM is committed to enhancing diversity in its staff, visitors, exhibitions and programs while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and to identify your strengths in these areas.