The American Philosophical Society, in Philadelphia, PA, is seeking a Project Archivist. The deadline to apply is 7/10/23.
Description
The Manuscripts Processing Department at the American Philosophical Society’s Library & Museum is responsible for the processing of manuscript collections and APS archives to make them available for researchers. The APS is seeking an entry-level, onsite, two-year Project Archivist to aid in the arranging and describing of unprocessed scientific manuscript collections.
Responsibilities:
The Project Archivist reports to the Head of Manuscripts Processing and duties will include:
- Surveying, arranging, and describing unprocessed scientific collections.
- Re-arranging and describing collections previously processed with minimal or outdated processing methods.
- Creating finding aids and entering data in ArchiveSpace.
- Other duties as assigned by the supervisory staff.
This is a full-time, two-year onsite position with benefits. The Society offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, dental, life insurance, long term disability, 403b with the employer match, and paid days off.
Salary: Full-time, exempt, $50,000
About the APS:
The American Philosophical Society (APS), the oldest learned society in the United States, was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purposes of “promoting useful knowledge.” In the 21st century, it serves to advance knowledge and promote scholarship in the humanities and social, mathematical, life, and physical sciences. Members of the Society are elected from among the most eminent scholars and civic and cultural leaders in North America and abroad. More than 100 living APS Members are Nobel laureates.
The APS’s Library & Museum collections make it among the premier institutions for documenting and exhibiting the history of the American Revolution and founding, the history of science from Newton to NASA, Native American languages and culture, and the development of American anthropology. The Library houses over 14 million manuscripts, 275,000 volumes and bound periodicals, 250,000 images, fine art, and other objects. Museum exhibitions interpret these extensive collections for the regional, national, and international visitors who come to Philadelphia’s historic district. In so doing, the exhibitions aim to nurture the spirit of inquiry, promote critical thinking, and engender enthusiasm for object-based learning by using primary source documents and authentic objects. The Library & Museum also hosts a robust fellowship program, offering over 25 short-term and 10 long-term fellowships each year to scholars using its collections.
For Further Information on Library & Museum Collections visit:
http://amphilsoc.org/library and http://amphilsoc.pastperfectonline.com/
Qualifications
- MLS (ALA) or a subject MA with training in public history and archives.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current archival standards, vocabularies, and management systems, and an understanding of emerging technologies and preservation strategies for digital collections
- Familiarity with ArchivesSpace.
- Comfortable with technology in a special collections library setting.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to review and move boxes weighing up to 40 pounds.
- The ideal candidate will also have a demonstrated interest in the History of Science.
Application Instructions
Please submit a resume or CV with a cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for the position to Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/126789. References will be requested for finalists. We encourage all those interested in learning more about the position to email Associate Director of Collections, David Gary (dgary@amphilsoc.org).
For best consideration, apply by July 10, 2023.
The APS is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, gender, religion or national origin. The APS values diversity in its many forms and encourages diverse applicants to apply. Successful applicants will be asked to show proof that they can legally work in the U.S.
