Job Postings

Current Openings

• Hudson Microimaging - Digital Preservation Assistant
  
• Tiffany & Co. - Metadata Architect
• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture - Supervisory Media Archivist
• Museum of the City of New York - Student Intern, Institutional Archives, Exhibition Files
• New York Public Library - Director for Collections and Services and Curator of the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Book Division at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Archives - Project Technician
• Josephine Herrick Project - Volunteer Archivist
• The Winthrop Group, Inc. - Chief Archivist-Librarian
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Technical Architect
• Safdie Architects - Architectural Archivist
• Global Management Consulting Company - Corporate Archivist
• The New York Public Library - Specialist II (Specialist I on a training basis)
• International Center for the Disabled - Internship/Volunteer Opportunity
• Museum of the City of New York - Project Archivist
• Museum of the City of New York and Queens Museum of Art - Archival Diversity Fellow
• New York Public Library - Curator, Moving Image and Recorded Sound
• American Jewish Historical Society - Assistant Archivist

Full Position Descriptions

Hudson Microimaging - Digital Preservation Assistant

(Posted May 17, 2013)

Join our small dynamic company specializing in digitization and archiving of historic materials for major museums and libraries.

This is a Full-Time Position Monday through Friday from 8 AM until 4:30 PM.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Operate high-end digital cameras, flatbed scanners and film scanners.
• Image QC
• Metadata indexing

The ideal candidate must:
• Have the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Manage multiple priorities with attention to detail
• Learn software programs quickly

Required skills include:
• Windows XP and/or 7
• MS Office including Word, Excel and Outlook
• Proficiency in typing

Additional skills that would be helpful include:
• Knowledge of image color correction
• Photography
• Adobe Photoshop or Digital Photo editing
• Knowledge of archival standards for handling fragile documents

Hourly pay $9 - $11 depending on experience.

Please send resume w/cover letter to
Michael Macauley, Director of Digital Studio
info@hudsonarchival.com

Tiffany & Co. - Metadata Architect

(Posted May 16, 2013)

Tiffany & Co. is currently seeking a Metadata Architect in New York City. Under the direction of the Group Director of Business Systems Development, the Metadata Architect ensures consistent and accurate application of metadata to images, documents and other content that lives within the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system, thereby facilitating access to and discovery of Tiffany & Co. digital assets by internal groups.

The Metadata Architect also solicits and facilitates the creation of metadata through interaction with data owners, data stewards and subject matter experts. The Metadata Architect will contribute to the governance and evolution of metadata and associated controlled vocabularies through analysis, consultation with asset owners and use of best practices.

Salary based on experience.

Deadline to apply: July 1, 2013.

See full job description at http://www.tiffanycareers.com/jobs/metadata-architect-new-york-new-york-job-19175/

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture - Supervisory Media Archivist

(Posted May 10, 2013)

ARCHIVIST (MEDIA)
IS-1420-13

INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is the national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. Its primary purposes are to acquire, maintain and preserve objects that document social, cultural, political, military, technological and scientific developments in the United States; to conduct scholarly research designed to make significant contributions to the body of knowledge in the fields of African American history, to publish findings for both scholarly and general audiences; and to interpret historical developments through public exhibits and programs.

The archival unit of the NMAAHC includes paper, audio, photographic, and video materials. The Archivist for Film, Video and Sound constitutes an essential member of the team needed to catalogue and oversee the care and restoration of the Museum’s photography, film, sound and digital media by and about African Americans.


MAJOR DUTIES

Proposes and implements the NMAAHC organization plan for archival and photographic collections as well as film, video, sound, and various digital media. Organizes the archival facility in terms of the existing records, documents of an institutional nature (e.g., records relating to policy and administration, research, business activity, exhibitions, education, and outreach), and materials relative to artifact collections at the highest standards of preservation. Establishes criteria for accepting new material into the collection and maintains an orderly system for introducing these additional records and documents to the archives, developing registration procedures (including assignment of collection numbers and management of record updates) and ensuring accuracy and completeness of control files. Bases decisions on the acceptability of new materials on an appraisal of their potential research value and of the resources required to establish and maintain control over the mat erial. Plans for the archival treatment of new materials, including their physical care, arrangement, and description for research purposes, and publicizes their presence to potential users. Maintains liaison with curators and other Museum staff to assure orderly transfer of materials to the facility. Collaborates with Archivists in other Smithsonian units to share information, align collective plans and to participate in joint projects and training activities. (25%)

Develops and implements formal policies and procedures for collection access that are appropriate to the collection. Consults with Museum staff and other interested parties, e.g., African American organizations, in regard to access and restrictions thereto. Develops procedures for assuring the security and safekeeping of the collection, including the copying of materials. Develops and implements outreach programs for the use of the archival collection, especially outreach programs to African American communities and individuals. Works with the NMAAHC exhibition program and resource centers to promote use of the archival collection. (25%)

Organizes, enters and maintains information concerning the collections in the Smithsonian (SIRIS) database and other appropriate national and international databases used for similar collections. Assures the accuracy and completeness of the database covering the collection. Keeps informed of and investigates the possible application of new digital techniques for maintaining and/or accessing the collection. Works with NMAAHC database personnel to ensure proper cross-referencing and finding aids are created. (25%)

The incumbent provides day-to-day management of the Archives unit. The incumbent coordinates and integrates work schedules and processes with work of subordinates or others. Tracks progress and quality of performance; arranges subordinates to conduct any required inspections. Decides on the acceptability, rejection, or correction of work products or services. Manages the archives budget. Prepares reports covering various aspects of the archives facility for both Museum management and the Smithsonian. Defines documentation and preservation projects, writes grant proposals, assists in raising necessary funds and manages projects once funded. (25%)

Performs other related duties as assigned.


FACTORS

1.Knowledge Required
Comprehensive knowledge of collection records and archival materials related to African Americans. Full knowledge of the fundamental principles and theoretical concepts of professional archival work. Knowledge of research techniques used in historical research, as well as methods of archival holdings, especially those involving digitized text and image information. Knowledge and experience with fundraising pertinent to archival projects. Skill in verbal and written expression and in dealing with a variety of people. Supervisory skills and abilities in archival based programs, budgets, and other related functions. Ability to develop archival policies and operating procedures for a start-up operation. Basic knowledge of computer programs for word processors, data files, email access, and web browsers.

2.Supervisory Controls
Assignments are given in terms of broad policy goals and objectives. Work is reviewed for effectiveness and overall efficiency of Archives operation.

3.Guidelines
Guidelines are determined by past practices and overall policy of NMAAHC and the Smithsonian Institution. The position regularly requires the incumbent to make complex judgments and to exercise professional discretion within a wide range of choices.

4.Complexity
The complexities of this position stem from the fact that NMAAHC is developing a major archival collection and program. The incumbent will be responsible for the development and organization of the NMAAHC media archives program.

5.Scope and Effect
Performance of the duties of this position serves to ensure the proper organization and greatest research use of the archival collection.

6.Personal Contacts
Contacts include NMAAHC staff; staff of the Smithsonian Archives, the National Archives, the SI Library, and library and archives operations in other SI units; staff of other federal archives and libraries; members of the archival profession.

7.Purpose of Contacts

Purposes include the gathering of information, pursuing collection acquisition activities, resolving problems, coordinating exhibitions, and other programs, and responding to requests for information. Provides advice and counsel to staff and professional colleagues within and outside SI.

8. Physical Demands
Requires some lifting of boxes and volumes, up to 30 pounds.

9.Work Environment
Office/museum environment. No substantial environmental hazards are present in the day-to-day work situation. Occasional travel is required.

Open until filled.

For more information, please contact Jacquelyn Serwer and copy Laura Coyle.

Jacquelyn D. Serwer
Chief Curator
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Capital Gallery Suite 7001
MRC 509 PO Box 37012
Washington DC 20013-7012
202.633.4758
serwerj@si.edu

Laura Coyle
Collection Manager
Office of Curatorial Affairs
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
600 Maryland Avenue, SW Suite 810
Mail: MRC 509 PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012

Tel: 202.633.0249
Cell: 202.604.8973
Fax: 202.633.4816
Email: coylel@si.edu

Museum of the City of New York - Student Intern, Institutional Archives, Exhibition Files

(Posted May 1, 2013)

The Museum of the City of New York seeks a summer intern to work alongside a Project Archivist to collect, process, and re-house material documenting the exhibition history at the Museum. The intern will assist in uniting, arranging, and re-housing the Museum’s exhibitions files. The intern will gain first-hand experience in the assessment and arrangement of an active series within the Museum’s institutional archives. The intern will be part of the Collections Department and report to the Project Archivist. The work will be undertaken in the Museum’s Fifth Avenue landmark building.

Appropriate candidates will be currently enrolled in Masters Program in Information and Library Science, with at least some coursework in archival studies or records management. Preferred qualifications include experience handling fragile objects, experience following a processing plan, and superior organizational skills. The internship requires a minimum commitment of one full day a week (7 hours), scheduled on either a Thursday or Friday, with a start date of mid May. This internship is unpaid. Preference will be given to students completing the internship for course credit. Interns must be able to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds. Students with a focus in Archival Studies are encouraged to apply.

Founded in 1923 as private, non-profit corporation, the Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City. It celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. It serves the public through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to: lturley@mcny.org

New York Public Library - Director for Collections and Services and Curator of the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Book Division at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

(Posted April 21, 2013)

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Archives - Project Technician

(posted April 21, 2013)

INSTITUTION: The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) Archives
POSITION TITLE: Project Technician
DEPARTMENT: Archives
REPORTS TO: Aaron Rosenblum, Processing Archivist
DATE: April, 2013

As part of a collaborative venture between JDC and the Memorial de la Shoah in Paris to preserve and provide access to the JDC Oral History Collection, the JDC Archives seeks a project technician to join the New York archives staff for a 6-to-12 month, half-time position.

I. RESPONSIBILITIES

- ingest of files from digitization vendor,
- quality assurance of the audio material received from the vendor,
- edit audio recordings and audio recording excerpts,
- prepare materials for resource sharing,
- aid the project archivist in cataloging items in archival database,
- aid the project archivist in preparing item-level metadata.

II. JOB SPECIFICATIONS

SKILLS NEEDED:
- digital audio editing experience required (WaveLab, Logic, ProTools, Cubase)
- library or archival cataloging experience preferred
- database data entry experience preferred
- experience with MS Office required

EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:
- MLS/MLIS with archival concentration preferred
- advanced training in audio engineering preferred
- database management training preferred
- interest in and knowledge of Jewish history preferred

All inquiries and referrals are to be directed to Robin Salsberg, robin.salsberg@jdcny.org.

(posted April 19, 2013)

The Josephine Herrick Project (formerly Rehabilitation Through Photography) is a 72-year-old nonprofit in NYC with never-before-seen archival photographs, audiotapes, film negatives, newspaper clippings, publications and VHS tapes. Recently renamed to honor the founder, JHP is rebranding and needs access to historical documents. The mission is to put cameras in the hands of those without a voice in society, and over seven decades, through programs, exhibitions and publications, has reached 100,000 Americans. Now JHP is ready to tell its unique story, beginning with wounded veterans in St. Albans VA Hospital in Queens in the 1940s. Margaret Bourke-White, Ansel Adams, Edward Steichen and Irving Penn were all early supporters who stayed with the organization for decades. Please contact Maureen McNeil if you would like to advise or help in this project. maureen@jhproject.org

64 Fulton Street, Suite 905
New York, New York 10038

The Winthrop Group, Inc. - Chief Archivist-Librarian

(posted April 17, 2013)

The Chief Archivist-Librarian of Glenstone, an art museum and landscape environment located in the Washington, DC area, will be responsible for implementation and evaluation of archival practices; development of improved policies, procedures, and workflows; development and management of short- and long-term plans for the Archives and Library; managing a small professional staff to accomplish outcomes for the Archives and Library that will support Glenstone's mission; providing a range of archives information and library services to Glenstone associates and project collaborators; working in the future with Glenstone colleagues to adopt and implement an organization-wide digital assets management system; and assessing outcomes and adjusting plans and priorities accordingly. The Chief Archivist-Librarian will report to the Deputy Director of Administrative Affairs and will work closely with Glenstone's Executive Director and Founder.

To see full job description and apply: http://www.winthropgroup.com/content/career-opportunities

The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Technical Architect

(posted April 9, 2013)

General Description:
The Technical Architect will serve as the technical administrator for MediaBin, the Museum's digital asset management system, and will be responsible for system architecture (including upgrades or migration to a new digital asset management system), task automation, application customization, troubleshooting, reporting, and other professional services.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
· Provide technical expertise for digital asset / enterprise content management systems based on a strong understanding of the client server environment, database design, digitalworkflows and web services.
· Design, specify, implement and monitor data migration/synchronization tasks between various Museum data repositories.
· Develop streamlined technical processes for ingestion, deployment and conversion of multimedia content for both internal and external uses.
· Review, analyze, and evaluate system and user needs.
· Assist in the development and deployment of solutions based on user requirements.
· Create reports for the Museum’s content management systems (e.g., production workflows, digital rights management, asset dissemination).
· Evaluate, maintain and install systems upgrades and fixes.
· Coordinate changes with technical staff and end users, as required.
· Other related duties

Requirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills:
· 3+ years experience in systems implementations, system design, functional and technical requirements gathering for digital asset management and digital workflow solutions
· Proficiency in SQL and related data services (Microsoft SQL Server, or equivalent)
· Experience in web application development (.NET, Java or equivalent)
· Demonstrated skill with IIS or equivalent web service infrastructure.
· Exposure to systems development methodology best practices
· Experience working with the variety of stakeholders (e.g., content creators, external requestors, system end-users)
· Strong analytical skills and effective problem solving
· Knowledge of digitization processes for content, including digital image capture and scanning, image, audio and video formats and codecs, file conversion and archiving, data mining and harvesting, and metadata taxonomies.

Knowledge and Education:
· Bachelor’s degree or relevant technical certification (preferred in a related field)

Apply:
To apply, please email your resume, cover letter and salary requirement to image.reference@metmuseum.org, and include in the subject line the position title to which you are applying. If you have previously expressed interest in this position, please feel free to resend your application. Note that this is a technical position that requires demonstrated experience with application programming and database design. A technical skills test will be administered as part of the interview process.

Safdie Architects - Architectural Archivist

(posted April 9, 2013)

Safdie Architects currently has an opening for an architectural archivist to assume oversight and responsibility for the Safdie Archive at McGill University, with a primary focus on preparing project materials for shipment to and inclusion in the archive.

The Safdie Archive is one of the most extensive individual collections of architectural documentation. Containing drawings, models and other design materials, as well as an online inventory or hypermedia archive, the collection has been housed at McGill University in Montreal since 1990. The selected candidate will take organizational leadership of existing project-related materials at the Safdie Architects’ office and act as primary liaison with staff at McGill to preserve and expand the archive.

Responsibilities
• Working with Moshe Safdie and the architectural staff, determine significance of source material.
• Organize, catalogue and transfer materials to McGill and other archival locations, including assignment of copyright and assessed values.
• Manage the processing and preservation of original sketches and models.
• Maintain other electronic material organization, including video, film, publications and articles.
• Oversee materials for exhibit and lending, as appropriate.
• Work with the communications and marketing staff on special projects.

Qualifications
Preference given to candidates with:
• Advanced degree(s) in library science, architecture, art history, or equivalent degree or equivalent professional experience
• Strong knowledge of archival standards and collections management
• Understanding of the design and built environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication, attention to detail, organizational and project management skills

Compensation
• Equal opportunity employer
• Full-time position, with competitive salary and benefits
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the US

Resumes to: boston@msafdie.com. No phone calls please.

Please note this position is in Boston: Safdie Architects, 100 Properzi Way, Somerville, MA 02141

Global Management Consulting Company - Corporate Archivist

(posted April 9, 2013)

Job Description

• Manages and sustains the Archives functions and services
• Maintains records that document the Firm’s organization, legal, fiscal, strategic management, and services and products in sustainable formats
• Ensures timely preparation of inventories, guides, and other retrieval aids in accord with accepted archival standards
• Develops Archives policies and procedures
• Provides reference services appropriate to the Firm’s needs, and implements confidentiality requirements and access restrictions
• Collaborates with others in the Firm to provide statute-compliant retention of Firm records
• Regularly updates records retention schedules and supplies information on their application
• Works with records and information creators to accomplish identification, appropriate retention and preservation (or retention and disposition) as well as administration of non- current archival records in any form
• Ensures that all formats of archival and non-current records are physically and electronically secure and appropriately preserved
• Ensures implementation of preservation and reformatting, including digitization and migration to stable formats and storage media.

Essential Duties

• Evaluation of Firm records practices and development of improved policies, procedures, and workflows
• Establishment of Archives program, identification of priorities for work, and vendor staffing requirements associated with accomplishment of approved outcomes
• Formulation and implementation of work plans that continue development of the Archives, including identification, capture and preservation management of all formats of corporate assets appropriate for archival retention
• Budgeting for and, development, management and implementation of short- and long-term plans for the Archives and related Records Management work
• Researching and collaboration with IT/IS staff to develop digital functionality needed to provide archives and records management services
• Assessment of outcomes and adjustment of Archives and related Records Management plans and budgets on a year-to-year basis to respond to corporate priorities
• Preparation of reports to, and consultation as needed with, management to ensure achievement of results appropriate to Firm’s needs
• Service as information resource to others in the Firm concerning ongoing archives and records management implementation.

For all related functions

• Hires, trains and assigns work
• Supervises staff and/or vendors
• Maintains communication with management and staff
• Prepares reports on statistics and performance metrics
• Writes assessments and plans for improvement.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in archives or in information/library science with archives management focus, or other graduate degree with a Certificate in Archival Studies and/or Certificate in Records Management
• Experience supervising qualified professionals
• Demonstrated capability for management of concurrent multiple projects
• Minimum of 8 years archives experience and some in records management
• Minimum of 2 years digital asset management experience or comparable; familiarity with asset ingest, export, metadata creation, and user rights management
• Academy of Certified Archivists Certification and/or Certification by Association of Records Managers of America a plus
• Experience in file and document organization and management and information policy useful.

Compensation
• Salaried, full-time position
• Compensation commensurate with experience
• Competitive benefits package

Application

To apply, send the following to Deborah Shea at dshea@winthropgroup.com
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of no fewer than three references.

The New York Public Library - Specialist II (Specialist I on a training basis)

(posted April 3, 2013)

Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Head of Archival Processing, the Specialist I/II:
-Arranges and describes archival collections of personal papers and organizational records.
-Performs rehousing and other basic preservation measures
-Prepares finding aids in accordance with local and national standards.
-Participates in the planning and execution of division-wide projects, especially those related to collection management.
-Represents the Division through active participation in professional organizations.
-May supervise interns, volunteers, and non-professional staff assisting in processing activities.
-May participate in field assessment of collections under consideration for acquisition.
-Performs related duties as required.

Key Competencies:
-Communication and Interpersonal skills
-Initiative
-Accuracy/Attention to Detail
-Judgment
-Analytical skills
-Organizational skills

Qualifications:
-ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library, archival or information studies -or Master’s degree in liberal arts or humanities and successful completion -of archival training. Degree or background in U.S. History preferred.
-Successfully demonstrated experience in an archives or manuscripts repository arranging and describing collections of personal papers and organizational records.
-Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying DACS.
-Familiarity with the application of MPLP processing techniques.
-Working knowledge of historical research methodology and experience with standard bibliographic tools.
-Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
-Successfully demonstrated initiative, accuracy, attention to detail, -judgment, analytic and organizational skills.
-Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a production-oriented, team environment.
-Successfully demonstrated experience applying LC subject headings preferred.
-Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language preferred.
-Experience in MARC cataloging and EAD markup preferred.
-Experience supervising and training non-professional staff preferred.
-Experience providing reference services to users of archives preferred.

Work Environment:
-Office setting
-Physical Duties:
-Light lifting (materials in boxes on and off shelves)

To see full job description and apply: https://jobs-nypl.icims.com/jobs/7333/job

International Center for the Disabled - Internship/Volunteer Opportunity

(posted March 16, 2013)

Internship/Volunteer Opportunity at leading NYC non-profit organization

ICD, International Center for the Disabled, seeks a part-time assistant to help organize, catalogue, and prepare historical documents, photographs, publications and other materials for donation to an archive that will make them available for research and to the general public. Timeframe: Immediate - June 30, 2013

ICD-International Center for the Disabled was founded in 1917 as the first outpatient rehabilitation center in the United States. ICD played a leading role in: establishing physical medicine as a profession across the country; providing professional training for Veterans Administration physicians and nurses, especially in the new field of brain injury rehabilitation; training VA and Army personnel to set up and operate rehabilitation programs; manufacturing prosthetics in our early onsite artificial limb workshop; and providing vocational rehabilitation for disabled veterans and others. Our pioneering work became known nationally and internationally as we raised awareness of and advocated for the needs of people with disabilities, leading to ICD’s instrumental role in the conception and passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Over the course of nearly 100 years, ICD has continued to provide premier rehabilitation services that empower people w ith disabilities to achieve maximum independence.

• Assist in organizing information dating from 1917 to the present and cataloguing by category (for example: Publications, Legal documents, Financial records, Photographs, etc.)
• Some research required
• Other duties to be assigned.

• Must have strong organizational skills, ability to manage details, and experience doing Internet research
• Course work or experience in library science, archiving, research, history, rehabilitation preferred

• Interest in and knowledge of medical and vocational rehabilitation a definite plus
• Able to work 15-20 hours/week; flexible schedule

Please send cover letter and resume to: Human Resources at hr@icdnyc.org

Museum of the City of New York - Project Archivist

(posted March 13, 2013)

Project Archivist
Institutional Archives – Exhibition Files     

The Museum of the City of New York seeks a temporary, part-time Project Archivist to collect, process, and re-house material documenting the exhibition history at the Museum.  Working with curatorial and collections staff, the Project Archivist will unite, arrange, and create a descriptive guide to the Museum’s exhibitions files, and supervise student interns to re-house materials as needed.  The Project Archivist will be part of the Collections Department and report to the Director of Collections. The work will be undertaken in the Museum’s Fifth Avenue landmark building.

Qualifications: Appropriate candidates will have a Masters Degree in Information and Library Science, with at least one year of professional experience or significant, relevant internships working with archives and / or records management.  Preferred qualifications include experience handling fragile objects, experience creating a processing plan, and superior organizational skills.

The position term will be for 275 hours completed over 14-week period. The stipend for this project is $6,875. Because this is a grant funded position, salary is non-negotiable. A flexible work schedule is possible.

Founded in 1923 as private, non-profit corporation, the Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City. It celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. It serves the public through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to: collections@mcny.org

The Museum of the City of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Museum of the City of New York and Queens Museum of Art - Archival Diversity Fellow

(posted March 13, 2013)

Archival Diversity Fellow
Museum of the City of New York and Queens Museum of Art
1939/1940 and 1964/1965 New York World’s Fair Collections

The Museum of the City of New York and the Queens Museum of Art jointly seek a part-time temporary Archival Diversity Fellow for a temporary 18-month CLIR (Council on Library and Information Resources) funded Cataloging Hidden Special Collections and Archives grant to work with the Project Archivist to process the World’s Fair Collections held at both institutions.  Candidates will be selected from populations under-represented in the archival field, primarily those from minority backgrounds or of recent immigrant origin. MCNY and QMA together hold around 12,000 items (approximately 367 boxes and 450 oversize/irregular objects) documenting the New York World’s Fairs of 1939/40 and 1964/65, including books, pamphlets, printed ephemera, rare architectural blueprints, original artworks, film and audio recordings, photographic prints and negatives, architectural models, textiles, and realia. 

The Fellow will work for the duration of the 18 month project, and report to the Project Archivist, who will be leading the processing at both museums.  Four months will be spent working onsite at MCNY’s landmark Fifth Avenue building, and fourteen months working both onsite at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, located in the only original building remaining from the 1939/40 World’s Fair, and at the QMA offsite storage facility in Long Island City, Queens.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
•    Inventorying and processing World’s Fair holdings.
•    Assisting the Project Archivist with writing a single finding aid intellectually uniting both museums’ collections.
•    Assisting the Project Archivist with creating object level catalog records for a total of 1650 highlights from both collections in ARGUS and PastPerfect collections management systems.
•    Working with additional student interns.
•    Re-housing the collections.

Qualifications: Recent graduate of an accredited Library and Information Science masters program with course work in archival studies, or a current graduate student nearing completion of the degree. The candidate should have relevant archival internships or professional experience, preferably in a museum or special collections repository, with knowledge of archival principles and practices and experience handling museum objects. The successful candidate must be a self starter with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.  The position requires someone with good communication skills, experience cataloging in collections management systems, exposure to DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard) and CCO (Cataloging Cultural Objects) metadata schemas, proficiency with Windows and Microsoft office software, and general comfort and aptitude for quickly learning new technology.  The project requires that the candidate have the ability to lift and carry 40 pound boxes unassisted, and climb ladders and step stools in order to remove and replace boxes on shelves.  An established knowledge of New York City history in general and an interest in the New York World’s Fairs in particular is a plus.

Founded in 1923 as a private, non-profit corporation, the Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City. It celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. It serves the public through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections. The Queens Museum of Art (QMA) is in the midst of construction on an expansion that will double the size of the institution and usher in a new phase in its history. Since its founding in 1972, QMA has had an intimate connection to its community and the history of its site.  The principal fine arts-collecting institution in the borough, QMA fulfills its mission by designing and providing art exhibitions and educational experiences that promote the appreciation and enjoyment of art, support the creative efforts of artists, and enhance the quality of life through interpreting, collecting, and exhibiting art, architecture, and design.  QMA presents artistic and educational programs and exhibitions that directly relate to the contemporary urban life of its constituents while maintaining the highest standards of professional, intellectual, and ethical responsibility.

Compensation: $10,000 per year, for a total of 1000 hours over the course of the year (total $15,000 for a total 1500 hours over the course of 18 months). As this is a grant funded position, compensation is not negotiable.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to The Museum of the City of New York, Attention: Lindsay Turley, Manuscripts and Reference Archivist, 1220 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029 or email lturley@mcny.org

The Museum of the City of New York and the Queens Museum of Art are both Equal Opportunity Employers.

New York Public Library - Curator, Moving Image and Recorded Sound

(posted March 5, 2013)

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Collection Services, the Curator, Moving Image and Recorded Sound will:
·Provide senior leadership in the development, management, preservation, and interpretation of the audio/visual collection at the Schomburg Center.
·Conduct periodic reviews and assessments of the collection, developing strategies for digital preservation and digital public access.
·Promote scholarly, educational, and general use of the collection in collaboration with other divisions, including Public Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, and in coordination with the Digital Humanities Curator, Public Relations, Communications, and general media inquiries.
·Actively engage researchers by helping them in their work, soliciting ideas for improved services, and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
·Regularly prepare and update finding aids, e-catalogs, multi-media clips, and other research tools.
·Identify and prepare grant proposals, applications and reports.
·Identify and secure funding from grants and donors, prepare proposals, applications, and reports, working closely with NYPL Development staff
·Identify and build relationships with various communities, including academic, performing arts, and technological communities, among others.
·Cultivate collectors and donors of new material, and represent the division and the Library at various functions
·Promote use of the collection by presenting at conferences and publishing, especially through blogs and other open, online forums.
·Curate exhibitions and programming related to the collection.
·Administer and coordinate intellectual property rights and copyright for loans and usage of materials in documentaries, exhibitions and programs.
·Administer the budget.
·Hire and supervise staff.
·Other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies:
Strategic Thinking
Impact and Influence
Visionary Leadership
Change Management
Business Ethics
Diversity Commitment

Qualifications:
·Master’s level or higher degree with substantial experience in audio/visual preservation and archiving.
·Subject area expertise or educational background in any of the following: African American History/Studies/Literature, Africana Studies, ethnomusicology, music or film history, or cultural studies.
·Background in archives, research libraries, media collections, engineering/production, and/or preservation-oriented reformatting experience.
·Knowledge of digitization and metadata standards, technologies, and workflow in a/v material.
·Successfully demonstrated experience managing and realizing projects.
·Knowledge of rights issues pertaining to a/v material.
·Administrative, budgetary, and supervisory experience.
·Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills, including the ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and users. Experience speaking publicly.
·Grant writing and/or proven ability to develop and foster relationships with collectors, donors and other institutions.
·Ability to work well under pressure, with judgment, accuracy, and attention to detail.

To see full job description and apply: https://jobs-nypl.icims.com/jobs/7263/job

American Jewish Historical Society - Assistant Archivist

(posted February 21, 2013)

AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOB DESCRIPTION

Date: February 2013
Department: Library & Archives
Title: UJA-Federation of New York Collection – Assistant Archivist
Schedule: F/T through end of project, June 30, 2015
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Supervisor’s Title: Senior Project Archivist
Salary: TBD depending on experience, with benefits

SUMMARY: Performs arrangement, rehousing and basic preservation of the United Jewish Appeal – Federation of New York Records. This is a temporary (two-year+) position funded by a grant from UJA-Federation of New York, at the American Jewish Historical Society.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (approx. 80%):
- All work performed according to MPLP* standards; processing rate for this project is an average of 6 boxes per week. (required)
- Arrange records according to series and subseries lists developed by the Project Archivist in consultation with members of the project team. Establish order of and within folders as directed. (required)
- Write complete, well-edited historical notes, scope notes and other documentation for series as they are processed. (required)
- Create folder-level contents lists for inclusion in the finding aid. (as needed)
- Prepare records for archival storage by performing preservation procedures as appropriate, such as refoldering and reboxing of the materials into acid-free folders and boxes, and selective fastener removal; mark boxes for later preservation photocopying as needed. (required)
- Identify and separate oversize items, photographs, audio, film and video materials within the collections to ensure preservation and proper archival storage. (required)
- Perform other duties as required.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (approx. 20%):
- Work with other members of the project team to coordinate the arrival of unprocessed boxes from off-site storage and the transfer of processed boxes to off-site storage.
- Contribute to refinement of project workflow. (required)
- Contribute to project blog (www.thiscangobacktothearchives.wordpress.com) on a regular basis. (desired)
- Assist with selecting visual materials from the collection for scanning, for AJHS publications, exhibits and special events. (required)
- Create electronic finding aid using Encoded Archival Description (EAD). (desired)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Training: MLS from an accredited school preferred or working towards a degree. Experience in processing archival collections required.

Work Experience: Two years experience in archival processing and/or records management.

Skills and Abilities:
- Familiarity with archival theory and techniques, in using *MPLP - More Product/Less Process (Minimal Processing) in working with a very large collection.
- Proficiency in MS Word and Excel required.
- Proven ability to understand hierarchical relationships between series and subseries within a collection, and to survey 50 to 75 boxes to discover the original order if one exists.
- Reliability and accuracy in maintaining records.
- Excellent communication skills and good rapport with colleagues.
- Ability to complete tasks in a reasonable amount of time and able to multitask.
- Capable of learning new skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands: Ability to lift 40 pounds.

Special Environmental Factors: Periodic exposure to dusty and moldy materials.


Please send resume and cover letter to:

jobs@ajhs.org / Subject: UJA-Federation position