Institutional Records Archivist (Central Library – Built Environment) at Boston Public Library (Boston, MA)
The Boston Public Library (BPL) is seeking an archivist for a three-year grant-funded position to survey, inventory, and manage institutional records related to BPL's Central Library in Copley Square. This position focuses exclusively on BPL's historic records and plans related to the McKim and Boylston buildings that make up the Central Library. The archivist will build a system for controlling and managing these records in order to support the planning and design phase for an upcoming renovation of the historic McKim Building. We are seeking an archivist with a proactive and flexible approach to collection management who can work independently and also enjoys collaboration.
The Institutional Records Archivist for Central Library – Built Environment will be a full-fledged team member of the Archives Department in BPL's Special Collections and will participate in programmatic work to build local practices and workflows for managing archival collections and institutional records. The BPL Archives Department is a small but collaborative team that is committed to continuous learning. We are exploring different approaches to extensible processing and iterative workflows, and the incumbent should have experience finding different technical solutions for information management. We value incremental improvement over perfection and are looking for someone who is not afraid to make mistakes and will explore creative and innovative solutions through experimentation.
Terms:
Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-3
Salary range: $73,526.65- $95,670.33 (will increase to $74,997.18- $97,583.74 in late October 2025 as stipulated by union contract)
Hours per week: 35
Term position: This is a three-year term position that will not be renewed.
How to apply
To apply to this position, please visit the City of Boston employment website. Please include a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant experience along with a current resume or CV. Please combine your cover letter and resume in a single PDF file and attach them together in the resume upload section.
[The position overview, scope of responsibility, job requirements and competencies can be found in the City of Boston Career Center posting: https://bit.ly/bpl-inst-archivist]
Position Overview:
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.
Reports to:
Manager of Archives
Responsibilities:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Documents activities, makes oral presentations, and prepares written progress reports regarding the status of the project.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Entrance Qualifications:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Familiarity with records management practices and models, with a preference for demonstrated experience in records management and architectural records arrangement and description.
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Demonstrated experience with basic preservation and collection management for archives.
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Ability to execute library policy.
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Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
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Demonstrates initiative and independent decision-making skills.
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Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, editorial, and formal writing abilities.
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Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
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Significant experience working with institutional records, archives, organizational records, or special collections materials.
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Ability to collaborate with library staff, external partners, and resources.
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Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb stairs. Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds with appropriate equipment or assistance from another person.
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CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.
Please note BOSTON RESIDENCY IS REQUIRED for the position. New hires must prove residency within the City of Boston on the first day of employment. City of Boston residency is limited to Boston city limits and does not include Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and adjacent cities and towns.
Location: Boston Public Library – Central Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. Position will also require work at BPL's off-site storage facility at the City of Boston Archival Center in West Roxbury.
Work environment: Most duties are performed in various stacks environments with artificial light and a variety of temperature and humidity controls. The noise level varies based on storage location. Working environment may include exposure to dust, mold, and/or other organic material or other irritants inherent to historic collections.
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The City of Boston is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, qualified applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category.
The City of Boston has played a role in causing and perpetuating the inequities in our society. To break down these barriers, we are embedding equity and inclusion into everything we do.
We define equity as ensuring every community has the resources it needs to thrive in Boston. This requires the active process of meeting individuals where they are. Inclusion is engaging every resident to build a more welcoming and supportive city. We are building a city for everyone, where diversity makes us a more empowered collective.
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About the BPL
Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children's room. As a City of Boston historic cultural institution, Boston Public Library today features a central library and twenty-five neighborhood branches, serving nearly 4 million visitors per year and millions more online. Boston Public Library is a department of the City of Boston, under the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu.
At BPL we believe in an inclusive community propelled by curiosity, connection, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our mission is to open a world of discovery and learning to enrich lives and elevate every community. Our commitment to be "Free to All" is carved into the façade of the Central Library in Copley Square and the spirit of "Free to All" must be at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to welcome everyone equally regardless of gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, faith, or economic status. The Boston Public Library Board of Trustees ratified the new strategic plan for the Boston Public Library on December 13, 2024.
About the BPL Archives Department and BPL Special Collections
The Boston Public Library Archives Department facilitates open and equitable public access to archival collections held by the library. In partnership with Special Collections department staff, the department arranges, describes, and preserves our archival holdings using iterative and sustainable practices. Through reference support, user-centered discovery, and adherence to national standards for archival description, the department works to meet the needs of BPL users and adapt as research practices change over time. The Archives Department aims to describe BPL's archival collections in ways that are inclusive and respectful to those who create and use them and the people and communities these collections represent.
Situated in the BPL's Central Library in Copley Square, the Special Collections Department facilitates discovery and supports public engagement with rare, distinctive, and culturally significant materials held by Boston Public Library. The Special Collections Department is part of the Research & Special Collections Division.
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Eve Neiger, Lead Archivist
Boston Public Library | 700 Boylston Street | Boston, MA 02116 |
eneiger@bpl.org | 617.859.2369 | she/her/hers
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