JOHN Johnson
Clinton,MA
Summary
Encouraging manager and problem-solver with excellent customer relations aptitude. Team player proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to successfully complete projects across various aspects of archives work. Focused on applying knowledge and training to expand accessibility of archival holdings and enhance user experience.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Digital Archival Resources
Boston University- Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center
07.2010 - 12.2024
- Developed procedures and policy for digital scanning of archival materials.
- Collaborated with systems and archival managers to erect storage and identification guidelines for digital assets.
- Built personal proficiency in equipment use and maintenance as well as digitization workflows and archival methodology.
- Managed expanding library of digital objects which included scanned documents and photographs and digitally transferred audio & video files.
- Contributed to grant-funded Howard Thurman papers project managing digitization of materials and participated in process of building audio metadata in accordance to LCSH authorities.
- Liaised with vendors regarding digitization and conservation services and arranged and tracked transfer and return of materials for multiple projects.
- Fulfilled reproduction requests for digital imaging of collection materials received from researchers and collection donors.
- Planned and conducted numerous seminars and classes for undergraduate students from Boston University and other institutions to explain and promote archival research.
- Provided regular reports on the archive's library of digital assets and status of digitization projects and reference support.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees, student workers, and interns.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Used knowledge of collections and familiarity of community research needs to identify and implement digitization projects to increase accessibility of archive's holdings.
- Evaluated employee and intern performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
Archivist
Boston University
07.2004 - 07.2010
- Cataloged multiple manuscript collections. Prepared detailed finding aids in accordance to DACS guidelines.
- Provided excellent research assistance to patrons conducting on-site research and sending queries via email or phone.
- Trained and managed student workers in basic archival arrangement and cataloguing procedures and supervised them on collection cataloging projects.
- Researched and recorded origins, provenance, and historical significance of archival materials in course of cataloging projects.
- Composed biographical notes and scope and content descriptions for collections and donors.
- Served as either assistant or lead capacity on frequent acquisition projects; Duties included meeting with donors, assessment of materials, and packing and transportation of materials to the archive.
- Regularly assessed collections with regarding condition and existing level of cataloging; Worked with supervisor to record potential projects to improve overall state of collections.
- Trained on archival programs Archivist's Toolkit and Archives Manager [custom developed application] to create folder and item level metadata using LCSH authorities.
- Performed regular inspections of physical storage areas. Planned for and addressed building-related threats to physical wellbeing of archival collections.
- Frequently assisted with exhibition development; Personally curated two major gallery exhibitions of archival materials including Bette Davis Centennial exhibition.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance on multiple large projects and events.
Senior Archival Assistant
Boston University
08.1999 - 07.2004
- Developed proficiency in procedures of archival cataloguing [DACS] and processing archival collections.
- Demonstrated strong public service skills while providing reference assistance to visiting patrons and remote queries received via phone and email.
- Frequently assisted Exhibitions Coordinator and developed familiarity with exhibitions curation and studying archive's holdings.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Demonstrated adaptability and proficiency in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Contributed to frequent team projects and brainstorming discussions.
- Honed excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Film Production, With Concentration in History
Boston University
BOSTON, MA05.1999
Master of Science - Metropolitan College - American Studies
Boston University
BOSTON, MA05.2006
Master of Science - Archives Management
Simmons University
Boston, MA05-2018
Skills
- Decision-making & problem solving
- Public service and donor relations
- Time management and multitasking
- Policy and procedure development
- Microsoft office expertise
- Staff & intern training and management
- Photo imaging
- Archival research and information retrieval
- Knowledge management
- Teamwork and relationship building
Accomplishments
- Supervised teams of student interns and staff members to mount two major exhibitions.
- Co-supervisor and facilitator for move of all archival collections to offsite storage on accelerated timeline.
- Class Development - with faculty input, tailored archival experiences to students focusing on a range of topics and materials focused on building research skills and informational literacy.
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Software
Microsoft Word & Excel
Adobe Photoshop
Timeline
Manager of Digital Archival Resources
Boston University- Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center
07.2010 - 12.2024
Archivist
Boston University
07.2004 - 07.2010
Senior Archival Assistant
Boston University
08.1999 - 07.2004
Bachelor of Science - Film Production, With Concentration in History
Boston University
Master of Science - Metropolitan College - American Studies
Boston University
Master of Science - Archives Management
Simmons University
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