**This is a one-year, part-time term appointment with the possibility of extension.**

The MIT Libraries Institute Archives and Special Collections is seeking a production- and quality-oriented individual to participate in the initial processing of the archives of MIT Professor Emeritus and world renowned linguist and activist Noam Chomsky. The addition of Chomsky’s personal archives, and a large portion of his personal library, augments an existing collection of the professor’s papers already in the care of the Institute Archives. This position provides the opportunity to utilize and develop archival processing skills in a vibrant university Archives setting on a collection that will have enormous impact on future research and scholarship.

The collection spans a long and distinguished career, beginning when Chomsky joined MIT in 1955 in the Research Laboratory of Electronics, through his years as a professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, then as Institute Professor. It also reflects Chomsky’s political activism and outspoken support for freedom of speech and social justice. The collection includes correspondence, background research materials, drafts of publications, email and other digital content on various media, and more.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direction of the Project Archivist the Collections Assistant will work as part of a small team and assist with various duties associated with processing of the initial accessions of the Chomsky archives. S/he will participate in the work of creating inventories and transfer/box lists. S/he will prepare physical material for transfer and storage including packing, re-housing and labeling and contribute to data entry in various databases and systems. The Collections Assistant will also assist with digitization of documents and other materials as directed. Work of the Assistant will involve the review of some confidential information which will require sensitivity and safeguards for maintaining privacy. S/he will interact and coordinate with project staff, including the project archivist and subject specialist, as well as staff in the Institute Archives. S/he will perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required – Post high school degree; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum one-year experience processing collections in an archival repository or library. Aptitude for careful, accurate and detail- oriented work. Strong analytical skills, with ability to follow direction, apply independent judgment and to work independently. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including commitment to working effectively within a diverse staff population and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and to contribute to team progress. Flexibility and ability to adapt to change and work successfully in fast-paced, dynamic environment. Demonstrated ability to maintain and safeguard confidentiality of documents and information collected and reviewed. Ability to regularly lift 40 lb. boxes. Preferred – Experience working in an academic environment. Knowledge of DACS, MARC, EAD, XML. Experience scanning documents or working on digitization projects. Knowledge of HTML and website editing.

HOURS:
20 hours per week. Monday – Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

POSITION AVAILABLE:
July 2012

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Apply online at: http://web.mit.edu/hr; include cover letter and reference information with online application.
MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health plans, a dental plan, and tuition assistance.
MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and ethnic minority candidates.

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