PROOFREADER, THE JOHN QUINCY ADAMS DIGITAL DIARY

Part-time position (approximately 5–10 hours per week, flexible depending on availability); $15–18 per hour, commensurate with experience

Purpose

The proofreader is responsible for verifying transcription changes for the John Quincy Adams Digital Diary (DJQA) project against the diary’s handwritten manuscript pages (images of which are available online), specifically for diary entries for the 1802–1817 and 1830–1848 periods. The DJQA project aims to make authoritative and searchable transcriptions of the daily record kept for 68 years by American statesman John Quincy Adams freely available online. This position may be performed remotely.

Responsibilities

· Learn and use project’s verification instructions

· Verify the accuracy of proofreading changes in transcription files using the Microsoft Word track changes feature

· Participate in project team meetings

· The proofreader may also undertake other tasks as needed to support the timely completion of the DJQA project.

Requirements

· Experience reading and/or transcribing archival materials

· Familiarity with 18th- and 19th-century handwritten manuscripts

· Knowledge of American history; familiarity with specific time periods a plus

· Proficiency with digital technology a plus

· Must pass transcription and proofreading test

Skills

· Excellent word processing (Microsoft Word) and organizational skills

· Ability to learn and follow specific guidelines

· Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Note

Candidates also interested in and possessing the requisite skills and experience for the open “DJQA Encoder” position may submit a single application for consideration by noting their interest in a joint position.

TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter and resume under the subject line “DJQA Proofreader” to saram@masshist.org. Applications will be accepted through 4 September 2019.

Encoder, THE JOHN QUINCY ADAMS DIGITAL DIARY

Part-time position (approximately 5–10 hours per week, flexible depending on availability); $15–18 per hour, commensurate with experience

Purpose

The encoder will tag personal names and/or topical headings to assist with the online delivery of the John Quincy Adams Digital Diary, which aims to make authoritative and searchable transcriptions of the daily record kept for 68 years by American statesman John Quincy Adams freely available. This is a digital humanities project that requires a combined technical and liberal arts background.

Responsibilities

· Learns and uses project’s encoding guidelines and authority name file

· In-line encoding of unique identifiers for personal names in XML file

· Participates in project team meetings

Requirements

· Understanding of authority control

· Experience with markup languages (XML or HTML), especially the TEI tagset

· Capacity for detailed, accurate work

· BA required in history or related field; coursework in library science and/or the digital humanities a plus

Skills

· Ability to learn and follow specific guidelines

· Excellent computer skills

· Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Note

Candidates also interested in and possessing the requisite skills and experience for the open “DJQA Proofreader” position may submit a single application for consideration by noting their interest in a joint position.

TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter and resume under the subject line “DJQA Encoder” to saram@masshist.org

Visitor Services Associate

Come join our Visitor Services team! The Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) seeks a part-time (18 to 22 hours per week) Visitor Services Associate (VSA) to greet visitors and provide a rich overview of multiple facets of the Society’s resources. Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society is an invaluable resource for American history, life, and culture. Its extraordinary collections tell the story of America through millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures. Its collections are accessible to anyone with an interest in American history. Beyond research, the MHS offers many ways for the public to enjoy its collections including engaging programs, thought-provoking exhibitions, publications, seminars, and teacher workshops.

This position staffs the Visitor Services desk on Tuesday evenings (with the possibility to work additional hours during the day on Tuesday), Fridays, and Saturdays for a total of 18-22 hours/week. There may be opportunity to work additional hours during evening programs.

Duties:
The VSA staffs the admissions desk, welcomes all guests to the MHS, and enriches the experience of our visitors by providing professional service in a friendly and welcoming manner. The position helps to maintain the security of the building by keeping accurate records through our visitor management software, controlling traffic in and out of the lobby, and enforcing security policies. The position provides information regarding exhibitions, programs, membership, and other services provided by the Society, as well as assists in the promotion, registration, and implementation of programs and events. The VSA records details such as total number of visitors, how they heard about the MHS, area of origin, etc. The Visitor Services team works closely with the executive team to ensure information regarding meetings and parking is up-to-date and shared in a timely manner. The VSA answers the telephone and directs calls to the appropriate staff members, monitors deliveries, provides assistance to visitors with specific needs, and handles visitor complaints, including receiving and recording visitor feedback. In the event of an emergency, the VSA will follow evacuation procedures and assist visitors. The VSA will assist with other projects as needed. This person plays an essential part in promoting the Society’s public image and in maintaining the security of the building and collections.

Requirements:
The successful candidate will be someone who enjoys working with the public, meeting new people, and partnering with volunteers as demonstrated by experience working with a diverse public in a customer service or similar position; possess good written and verbal communication skills, and strong planning and organization skills; be able to consistently enforce policies and procedures; and be proficient with Microsoft Office applications. Broad general knowledge and interest in American history, the community, and visitor services is strongly preferred; familiarity with visitor management software and Square (or similar point of sale system) is preferred.

Application procedure:
To apply, please e-mail cover letter, brief resume, and names of three references to Carol Knauff at cknauff@masshist.org. No phone calls please. The MHS is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employee.