The Aga Khan Documentation Center, MIT Libraries (AKDC@MIT), is seeking an employee to assist with processing content for Archnet, an open access, scholarly resource focused on architecture, urbanism, environmental and landscape design, visual culture, and conservation issues, with a particular focus on the Muslim world. Archnet provides ready access to unique visual and textual material to facilitate teaching, scholarship, and professional work of high quality.
Duties: The successful applicant will assist in various projects under the supervision of Archnet Content Manager Michael Toler, including:
- Work with the Archnet Content Manager and Visual Resources Librarian Matt Saba to prepare uploads of media and metadata. This will include transferring data from spreadsheets or other forms in which it is submitted into Archnet and processing digital files to Archnet specifications. It will also include research to cross-check basic information.
- Assist in discrete tasks related to the preparation and cleanup of Archnet data. These tasks include but are not limited to research to cross-check basic data, proofreading and correction of spelling, punctuation, syntax, and formatting; removal of HTML code markings that appears in published records; and reformatting the display data in fields that are inconsistent with our style guides.
- Assist in the sorting, organizing, and transferring of digital files held either in remote storage or on local drives.
- Cataloging digital files for uploading to Archnet.
- Duties may be adjusted or refined in response to the successful candidate’s skills and knowledge and demonstrated progress on assigned projects.
The Archnet Content Assistant is a hybrid position, with a work distribution of approximately 80% remote and 20% on-site.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to work fully or partially remotely
- Proficiency with MS Office applications, particularly Excel
- Diligence and attention to detail
- Experience with proofreading and editing
- At least two years of tertiary education
- Strong writing skills.
Preference will be given to candidates with one or more of the following desired qualifications:
- Experience with image editing
- Academic background in architecture, art history, Middle Eastern studies, or related fields.
- Reading and writing skills in a foreign language
- Technical skills or experience in one or more of the following: social media, Adobe products, programming, layout & design, cataloging and metadata, or related fields.
Hours: 10-12 hours a week to start with the possibility of increases to as much as 35 hours per week, depending on the project.
Starting Wage: $15-20/Hour, depending on skills and experience
Start date and term: This is a 3-month position, with the possibility of renewal. The start date is flexible, with a preferred start of Monday, September 5.
Application Process: Apply online at: https://akdc-mit.typeform.com/to/LS9jRyhZ (Unpublished). Priority will be given to applications received by Monday, August 1, 2022; position open until filled.
MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and minority candidates. Professionals who enthusiastically embrace the empathy, courage, self-reflection, and respect of a multi-cultural, diverse and inclusive workplace, and who strive to incorporate those values in their work and interactions are encouraged to apply.
About the Aga Khan Documentation Center at MIT (AKDC@MIT): AKDC is a research center focused on the built environment of Muslim societies, broadly defined. AKDC@MIT supports teaching of and scholarship on the history and theory of architecture, urbanism, environmental and landscape design, visual culture, and conservation. With particular focus on the research and teaching activities of the faculty, students, and post-doctoral fellows of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture (AKPIA) at MIT and Harvard.
About the MIT Libraries: The MIT Libraries support teaching, learning, and research across the Institute, with millions of resources, deep expertise, and five campus locations where our community consumes and creates knowledge. Our organization is on an exciting journey of transformation, pursuing a digital-first model for research libraries and prioritizing an open scholarship agenda. We aim to exercise bold leadership in defining a model for research libraries in the future, with innovative spaces like the newly renovated Hayden Library and a focus on supporting data-intensive and computational research and learning. We strive to do great things, powering the MIT community to solve complex problems in the service of humankind, and each member of our 146-person staff has a role to play in pursuing that vision. We’re constantly adapting to the rhythms of a changing world, and we welcome candidates who can help us do that in thoughtful and strategic ways that center our mission and values. MIT Libraries is an environment that welcomes anybody, any mind — including all genders — and particularly encourages applications from underrepresented minorities, women, disabled applicants, and veterans. Professionals who enthusiastically embrace the empathy, courage, self-reflection, and respect of a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive workplace and who strive to incorporate those values in their work and interactions are encouraged to apply.
