Description

Position Summary
 

The Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) invites applications for the full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Cataloger of South Asian Manuscripts.  This is a two-year, grant-funded position.  This position is remote.  

Founded in 1965, HMML holds the world's largest archive of manuscript photographs in both microfilm and digital format. HMML identifies manuscript collections around the world that need photographic preservation and online access. Its archives now contain more than 500,000 complete manuscripts, ranging in size from large codices of hundreds of folios to brief documents consisting of just a few leaves.

Visit hmml.org to learn more about the places, people and communities that have been part of HMML's global story, and the manuscripts in HMML's digital and microfilm collections.

Located on the campus of Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, HMML is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation that contracts with the Order of Saint Benedict (OSB) for employees and employee services. HMML is a cultural heritage institution that welcomes applicants from all religious and cultural backgrounds.

The Cataloger will participate in HMML's effort to catalog recently digitized Islamic manuscripts from India and Pakistan and to support the creation of authority files by HMML’s metadata librarian. The Cataloger will do both original cataloging of digital surrogates as well as the correction of existing catalog records.

This position is supervised by the Curator of Eastern Christian and Islamic Manuscripts and reports to the Director of Cataloging.

The Order of Saint Benedict offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information).
 
The posted wage represents OSB's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Responsibilities
 

• Catalog primarily Islamic manuscripts in Urdu, Persian, and other South Asian languages according to HMML metadata standards.
• Support the creation of authority files and controlled vocabulary during cataloging.
• Provide expertise when necessary, on South Asian languages, naming practices, and manuscript tradition, including contribution to communications and programming outreach.
• Work closely with HMML staff on relevant aspects of project workflow.
• Submit monthly reports on cataloging.
• Answer patron questions concerning the South Asian digital manuscript collections.
• Performs other duties as required by the director or supervisor.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned doctorate in a relevant field, such as History, South Asian Studies, Islamic Studies, Urdu Studies, or Religious Studies, or MLIS equivalent.
• Excellent knowledge of Urdu and Persian language and paleography and of Islamic literature in the South Asian context.
• Native or near native English language proficiency and good communications skills.
• Experience in working with manuscripts or cataloging manuscripts.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly spreadsheet methodologies), Google Sheets, Google Drive, and other commonly used menu-based software.
• Experience with using digital tools for research in the humanities and ability to understand and work with HMML's digital platforms and tools.
• Attention to detail; accuracy and thoroughness in work habits; ability to manage multiple, complex tasks; ability to work in a collaborative team environment; and willingness to utilize communications tools to facilitate working remotely with speedy response times.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of DCRM(MSS) and AMREMM cataloging standards.
• Knowledge of other South Asian or Islamic languages, such as Arabic, Punjabi, Sindhi, Gujarati, Pashto, or Hindu.
• Experience working with databases and database management.
• Understanding of tools for data manipulation, improvement, and analysis.
• Knowledge of archival or library operations and an appreciation for HMML’s mission of cultural preservation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong computer skills.

Physical Abilities:

Sitting for prolonged periods of time. Extensive use of computers and keyboard. Occasional lifting may be required.

ADDITIONAL REQUISITES: 
In addition to the qualifications noted on the job description, all employees are expected to abide by the following expectations:

1. Ability to interact with the community of the Order of Saint Benedict and the Saint John’s community as an integral part of the staff.
2. Project a positive image of service which represents the unit to which assigned.
3. Ability to acquire an understanding of the character and mission of Order of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.
4. A willingness to maintain a high level of competence.  Discreet judgment and confidentiality are expected of all employees.
5. Help create and foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment.
6. The personal safety and health of each employee is of primary importance in our operation.   Each employee has the responsibility to prevent accidents and injuries. The Order of Saint Benedict and its employees have the responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and departmental regulations related to safety and health.