Cataloger, West African Manuscripts

Salary: $26.50 Hourly
Location : Collegeville, MN
Job Type: Non-Exempt, Support Staff, Full Time
Remote Employment: Remote Only
Job Number: 202500034
Department: Hill Museum & Manuscript Library
Opening Date: 05/06/2026
Closing Date: 5/31/2026 11:59 PM Central


Position Summary


The Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) invites applications for the full-time, benefit eligible position of Cataloger of West African Manuscripts. This is a one-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 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.


The Cataloger will participate in HMML's effort to catalog recently digitized Islamic manuscripts from Mali 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, joining the already-existing West African cataloging team and helping to carry out and add to their methods.

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 manuscripts in Arabic and potentially other West African languages according to HMML metadata standards.
• Support the creation of authority files and controlled vocabulary during cataloging.
• Provide expertise when necessary on West African 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 West African digital manuscript collections.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Performs other duties as required by the director or supervisor.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Earned doctorate in History, African Studies, Islamic Studies, Arabic Studies, or MLIS equivalent.
• Excellent knowledge of Arabic language and paleography and of Islamic literature in the West African 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 West African languages, such as Bambara, Bozo, Songhay, Fulfulde, or Tamashek.
• 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.

Travel: No travel required; optional potential for participation in conferences and/or programming that may necessitate travel.
To Apply


Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply". Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the OSB hiring process, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

It is the policy of OSB to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.

Order of Saint Benedict is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
HMML is a cultural heritage institution that welcomes applicants from all religious and cultural backgrounds.
The Order of Saint Benedict (conducting Saint John's Abbey, Saint John's Preparatory School, Liturgical Press, HMML, and Collegeville Institute) provides a comprehensive fringe benefit program. This brochure provides a summary of the benefits offered to employees.


HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees are eligible for coverage in the health insurance plan on the first of the month following their date of hire. If you elect medical coverage for yourself, you may also choose to cover your eligible dependents. Both the employee and the Order share in the cost for this benefit. The plan also uses a Preferred Provider Organization Network; you receive discounts when utilizing health care providers in the network. Care received outside of the network is covered, but at a higher cost to the employee and the institution.

DENTAL INSURANCE
Employees are eligible for coverage in the dental insurance plan on the first of the month following their date of hire. If you elect dental coverage for yourself, you may also choose to cover your eligible dependents. Both the employee and the Order share in the cost for this benefit. The plan also uses a Preferred Provider Organization Network; you receive discounts when utilizing providers in the network. Care received outside of the network is covered, but at a higher cost to the employee and the institution.

VISION PLAN
This voluntary plan offers affordable vision coverage for routine eye exams, eyeglass lenses and frames, and contact lenses. Discounts on hearing exams and hearing aids are also included.

LIFE INSURANCE
The Order provides a Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) policy to employees. This insurance becomes effective on the first of the month following date of hire. The amount of term insurance provided is based on your annual salary as follows:

Salary Life Insurance
$0- $20,000 $50,000
$20,001 - $37,500 $75,000
$37,501 - $50,000 $90,000
$50,001 - $66,666 $100,000
$66,667+ 1.5x salary up to a
maximum benefit of $400,000


You may also purchase additional life insurance in increments of one, two, three, or four times your annual salary. There is also a dependent life insurance package available.

Employer provided life insurance in excess of $50,000 is subject to imputed tax (a tax on the value of the premium).


VACATION
Paid vacation is accrued based upon FTE and the number of years employed. Vacation is cumulative from year to year to a maximum of 240 hours. Employees working 100% time receive the following:

Vacation days per year Years employed
16 days 0-10 years
20 days 11+ years


HOLIDAY PAY
Employees receive paid holidays. The Order recognizes ten official holidays during the calendar year: New Years' Eve Day, New Years' Eve, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Leased employees may receive additional holidays.


SICK LEAVE
Full-time employees earn up to 9 days of sick leave per year, pro-rated based on FTE. Sick leave is cumulative from year to year up to a maximum of 720 hours (90 days). Employees may also use accumulated personal sick leave to care for ill family members.

LONG-TERM DISABILITY
After one year of benefit eligible employment, the Order provides coverage in the event of an illness or injury which prevents you from working. This plan provides a benefit which equals 60% of your basic monthly earnings to a maximum monthly benefit of $15,000. This benefit will be payable for the benefit duration, provided the employee is unable to perform the usual and customary duties of his/her occupation. For specific details, please refer to plan booklet.


FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS / HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
These plans allow employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for IRS approved expenses.


TUITION ASSISTANCE - PREP SCHOOL
The tuition assistance plan is an educational grant provided by the Order to a qualified child of a full time employee towards meeting the tuition costs at Saint John's Preparatory School. The dependent must meet the eligibility criteria in order to receive this benefit. Leased employees are not eligible for this benefit.

TUITION REMISSION - EMPLOYEE
Tuition remission is an educational benefit provided by the Order to full-time employees. A full-time employee and spouse (if applicable) are eligible for tuition free education benefits the first full semester after six months of employment. The payment of special fees is the responsibility of the employee. Full-time employees may enroll for one undergraduate course per term, which includes summer; up to a maximum of 2 courses per year. Leased employees are not eligible for this benefit.

PARENTAL LEAVE
A three week (15 days) paid leave will be granted to eligible employees due to the birth or adoption of a child, pro-rated based on FTE. New employees are eligible for this benefit after twelve months of employment.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Employee Assistance Program (Vital Work Life) is currently a free counseling resource available to all employees and immediate family members. EAP counselors can help you identify problems and concerns regarding family, marriage, emotions, alcohol or drugs, financial difficulties, legal issues and job stress. All contacts between you, your family, and the EAP are provided as a benefit from the Order and are kept strictly confidential.


RETIREMENT PROGRAM
The Order provides two 403(b) retirement plans: A Defined Contribution Plan and a Supplemental Tax Deferred Annuity Plan. These plans are administered by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA). Enrollment in the retirement plan will be effective the first day of the month following date of hire, unless the employee elects to opt-out.

Employee OSB
Year Contribution Contribution
1 3% 1%
2 3% 3%
3 3% 5%
4 3% 7%
5 3% 9%

Supplemental Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
Full-time and part-time benefit eligible employees may voluntarily elect to contribute to the Supplemental Tax Deferred Annuity Plan. A Roth option is also available.

AFLAC SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE
This voluntary plan offers an additional level of financial protection for you and your family in the event of a serious accident or illness.
* Benefits subject to change annually Revised July 2025