Biblioteca Berenson – I Tatti (Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies)
Florence, Italy
The Biblioteca Berenson at I Tatti seeks a Photograph Archivist for a part-time, fixed-term maternity substitute position. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional to gain hands-on experience working with a major historical photo archive within an international research institution.
Under the supervision of the Curator of the Fototeca, and in collaboration with the Head Archivist, the Photograph Archivist will be responsible for arranging and describing the library’s analog and digital images as needed, and will contribute to the digitization and preservation of visual resources, both legacy and new, to facilitate their discovery and access.
Key Responsibilities
- Holds primary responsibility for processing print and digital images and collections, including accessioning, surveying, arranging, rehousing, description, preservation, and end-processing activities such as labeling and barcoding containers and updating bibliographic and item records as needed.
- Coordinates and assists in carrying out digitization of visual collections materials as a routine part of processing, and depositing of digital objects to Harvard’s Digital Repository Service.
- Creates, updates, and publishes catalog records or EAD XML finding aids for items or groups of images and collections, according to local, Harvard Library and international standards using pertinent systems (currently JSTOR Forum, Alma, ArchivesSpace).
- Collaborates with the head archivist in the processing of mixed visual and document-based archival collections.
- Creates and maintains written documentation on image cataloging procedures, collection processing plans, reports on processed collections, etc.
- Provides reference or research assistance to I Tatti community and other library users, both in person and online, and participates with colleagues in supervising the Special Collections reading room.
- Performs other duties as needed or assigned, or as made possible by the incumbent’s subject or technical strengths.
Appointment Terms
- Part-time, fixed-term Italian contract (maternity coverage)
- Expected duration: as soon as possible – early September 2026
- Salary commensurate with experience
- Applicants should be eligible to work in the EU
Required Qualifications
- University degree, preferably in art history or a related field
- At least 2 years of relevant experience with photographic or special collections (internships and project work welcome)
- Fluency in English and Italian
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in library/archival studies or art history
- Familiarity with archival or cataloging standards and digital collection tools
- Strong organizational skills and interest in photographic and visual archives
Application
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact details for three referees to Louise Arizzoli, Curator of the I Tatti Fototeca and Art Collection: larizzoli@itatti.harvard.edu