What are the responsibilities and job description for the Archives Assistant position at Benedictine Sisters of Chicago?
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/Objective
The archives assistant will work with the archivist to prepare the archival materials of the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago in anticipation of their transfer to a new repository. The ideal candidate will be able to efficiently process a variety of archival materials to get them ready for the move. This will range from creating inventories and finding aids, to basic preservation work, to packing and labeling. The ideal candidate will be familiar with Describing Archives: a Content Standard (DACS), More Product Less Process (MPLP) principles, and ArchivesSpace software. They will have a sense of how to balance getting materials “research-ready” and safely housed in suitable containers.
About the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago
Our monastic community was founded in Chicago in 1861, with roots going 1500 years to Bavaria (St. Walburg Monastery) and Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, author of the Holy Rule. Our mission is reverence. Through common prayer, stewardship, hospitality, and mutual respect, we seek to find and honor God present in each person and in all created things. Now that our members are few and mainly of advanced age, we are moving to a new home.
About the Archives
Our official records and personal papers are collected, maintained, and preserved by the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago Archives to provide our community and the wider public with research and educational resources. The Archives preserves the historical record of our monastic life of community, prayer, and service. We believe that using the Archives will strengthen people’s faith and understanding of God’s presence in the world.
Due to the move of the monastery, our archives will become part of an archival collaborative out of state.
Principal responsibilities and duties
- Applies archives policies and procedures as established by the monastery
- Accessions and appraises materials transferred to the archives from administrative departments and individual sisters
- Preserves, arranges, and describes materials according to archival standards
- Creates finding aids according to archival standards
- Provides reference services to internal and external researchers, as needed
Required:
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working in archives or special collections
- Strong knowledge of the principles of archival arrangement and description for personal papers and organizational records
- Experience in applying preservation standards used for a variety of formats including paper, photographs, fabric, and audio-visual
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
- Detail-oriented and able to be flexible
Preferred:
- Proficiency with ArchivesSpace and Google Workspace
- Demonstrated knowledge about privacy and confidentiality matters in archives
- Experience in applying preservation standards used for digital materials
- Experience working in the archives for a Catholic organization or community
- An appreciation for and understanding of religious life and a willingness to learn about the Benedictine mission, charism, and community history
Work Environment
Benedictine Sisters of Chicago is a monastery with complete office facilities. This is a friendly,
caring, and quiet work environment. The archives assistant will work in an office on the
second floor. Sometimes the archives assistant will need to go to other places in the monastery where records may be stored and communicate with staff there. The archives assistant may participate in setting up the archives in an interim repository.
Physical Demands
The archives assistant may need to climb a ladder for perched document boxes. Ability to lift 40 pounds. This position requires basic walking, climbing, and carrying skills.
Travel
This is an on-site position. You'll need to travel to and from the monastery, but no out-of-area traveling is required.
Education and Experience
Master’s degree in library and information science, history, or a related field with a concentration in archives from an accredited institution. One to two years of experience in archives, which can include documented internship time.
Work Authorization
Authorization to work in the United States is required. Will accept OPT/CPT candidates
Two or three days a week, September 2025 through June 2026
Please submit your resume with a cover letter by August 1, 2025, to archives@osbchicago.org