Duties And Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the Head of Collection Services, performs original cataloging for the Library’s photograph collections in the manuscript division. The Photograph Cataloger generally performs small batch or item-level cataloging in OLIVIA (Harvard’s centrally supported cataloging system for visual material), oversees the in-house digitization of photographs in the cataloging backlog, and ensures that both the cataloging and digital surrogates are loaded successfully into VIA (Harvard’s Visual Information Access database). The Photograph Cataloger may arrange and describe larger photograph collections, producing finding aids and cataloging records, and contributing these records to OASIS and HOLLIS, making information about the collections available both locally and internationally. The Photograph Cataloger is responsible for adhering to national and international descriptive standards as well as internal Harvard University Library standards. He or she may advise on and take part in preservation reformatting of the audiovisual collection, on the appropriate housing and storage of photographic material, on the appraisal of newly acquired collections, and on the appropriateness of reformatting or digitizing individual photograph collections.

Required Education, Experience and Skills

MLS with a concentration in management of photograph or archival collections; demonstrated skills in photograph cataloging, two years’ experience preferred; knowledge of LCSH, MARC format, and word processing skills; strong written, verbal, and listening skills; ability to work independently; familiarity with OLIVIA, XML and EAD and a degree in or knowledge of contemporary U.S. women’s history preferred.

Additional Web Position Listing

The Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America collects manuscripts, books, and other materials essential for understanding women’s lives and activities in the United States.

Required Screening

Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requisition Number  31941