The Penobscot Marine Museum seeks a contract archivist for 575 hours in 2020. The position will fulfill our goal to make our archives searchable online by creating finding aids and web catalog descriptions for our online collections catalog. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals looking for short-term work. The Project Archivist will have the skills and expertise to complete the project, consulting with the Curator on Penobscot Marine Museum’s cataloguing conventions and institutional history of the archive. The Contract Archivist will work with a veteran team of Archives volunteers to complete task and will report to the Curator.
Duties:
- Update or create collections-level finding aids for 46 (and counting) archive collections
- Browse each collection and choose one document to scan as a cover photo for finding aid
- Update or create World Cat catalog records of our archival holdings
- Develop web descriptions for 9,400 (and counting) catalog records in PastPerfect
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- 700+ manuscripts, 3,800+ nautical charts, 180+ boat plans, 25+ audio visual media, and 25+ research papers
- Assist in other archives projects as time allows
Contract Length and Dates:
- 575 hours
- Potential start date of March 2020 to potential end date of December 2020
- Work 15-40 hours a week between 9am and 5pm on weekdays
Qualifications:
- Graduate of master’s level program in archival studies, library science with a concentration in archives and special collections, museum studies, history, public history, or equivalent experience in the archival field.
- At least 2 years internship or work experience in the archives field
- Interest in maritime history and/or Maine 19th century history
- Experience working with volunteers
- Excellent computer skills
- Ability to read cursive and decipher bad handwriting
- Familiarity with PastPerfect a plus, training available
- Must be able to climb stairs carrying 20 lb. box and assist in moving folder of oversize nautical charts
- Proficiency in proper archival handling and rehousing standards
- Self-sufficient, yet willing to ask for assistance from and troubleshoot roadblocks with collections staff.
Compensation
- 575 project hours at $17/hour, paid bi-weekly.
Review of applicants will begin February 15th, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation to Cipperly Good, cgood@pmm-maine.org.
