Assistant Librarian

Houston Symphony; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Houston Symphony as an Assistant Librarian, where you will assist the Principal Librarian with essential duties such as music procurement, concert preparation, and library maintenance. This full-time role involves coordinating with conductors, managing music inventory, and ensuring compliance with copyright laws while fostering a positive environment within the department.

Qualifications

• At least one year of library experience at a performing arts organization.
• Availability to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Ability to deal with large amounts of detail in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with music procurement and preparation for concerts.
• Coordinate with music director and conductors for repertoire.
• Maintain the orchestra library's collection and repair music.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Flexibility and adaptability

Education

Four-year degree in music

Tools

MS Office

Photoshop

Music notation software

OPAS (or other database software)

Job description

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Job Title: Assistant Librarian

Department: Artistic

Reports to: Principal Librarian

Status: Regular, full-time, exempt from overtime

Summary

The Assistant Librarian assists the Principal Librarian with music procurement and preparation, concert and rehearsal duties, orchestra library maintenance, and other administrative tasks.

Job Title: Assistant Librarian

Department: Artistic

Reports to: Principal Librarian

Status: Regular, full-time, exempt from overtime

Summary

The Assistant Librarian assists the Principal Librarian with music procurement and preparation, concert and rehearsal duties, orchestra library maintenance, and other administrative tasks.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinate with music director and guest conductors for procuring desired editions of repertoire.
• Arrange for the purchase and/or rental of materials to meet program needs.
• Maintain a timeline for ordering music, with attention to preparation time required and distribution of music within the guidelines of the master agreement.
• Check all incoming and outgoing music for condition and completeness.
• Ensure prompt return of rented or borrowed materials and adherence to copyright laws.
• Work with conductor and/or artist to prepare materials according to specific requirements.
• Coordinate bowings with string principals and other markings from principal players as needed.
• Review incoming materials to determine if they meet acceptable standards: legible parts, adequate rehearsal figures and page turns, coordinated bowings, etc.
• Prepare music for rehearsals and performances, including: bowing string parts; correcting errata and proofreading when required; adding an adequate rehearsal system; adding necessary cuts, edits, and inserts; and repairing deteriorating materials.
• Create program pages and update as required. Provide program information, instrumentation requirements, and other information to staff and musicians.
• Assemble and disassemble orchestra folders.
• Coordinate music transport and special music placement with stage manager.
• Distribute and collect music at concerts and rehearsals.
• Set conductor’s scores and/or baton at concerts.
• Assist conductor and musicians with changes and/or problems encountered during rehearsals.
• Maintain the orchestra library’s collection; repair and maintain music and folders.
• Order and keep track of specific library office supplies.
• Catalogue and file music purchased for the library; maintain accurate OPAS records.
• Track all items borrowed from the library and ensure their timely return.
• Maintain accurate instrumentation records in OPAS.
• Add repertoire information to planned dates in OPAS for operational planning and historical purposes.
• Research availability and cost of music for artistic planning as assigned.
• Prepare materials for orchestra auditions as assigned, including coordinating with music publishers on works under copyright.
• Secure licenses for livestreaming and other enhanced use of rental and/or copyrighted material as assigned.
• Foster a friendly and positive environment within the department throughout the process of developing artistic plans and in communicating artistic ideas and vision to other departments.
• Perform additional duties as required by the Houston Symphony Society.
• Four-year degree in music or equivalent.
• At least one year of library experience at a performing arts organization.
• Availability to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate and work well with diverse personalities.
• Ability to deal effectively with large amounts of detail and handle multiple tasks at once in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, Photoshop, and knowledge of music notation soft-ware.
• Experience working with and/or knowledge of OPAS (or other database software) preferred.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a sense of humor.
• Excellent attention to detail and organization skills.
• Strong sense of responsibility and ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to take direction with a positive attitude.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
  
  

Please include a resume and cover letter when applying.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Performing Arts

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