Associate Bibliographer

Digital Library Federation; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Getty Research Institute (GRI) Library seeks an Associate Bibliographer (Collection Development Librarian III) to lead ongoing development of its renowned general library collections. Strong background in art history and bibliographic selection is essential for this role, which collaborates with librarians, curators, donors, and vendors worldwide.

Reporting to the Manager of Library Collection Development & Acquisitions, the Associate Bibliographer helps shape acquisitions strategies and

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Art History and/or MLIS preferred.
• Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience.
• Requires special subject knowledge, foreign languages, and/or technical expertise.
• May require supervisory experience and/or project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Act as subject expert to determine ongoing bibliographic scope for art-related topics.
• Review incoming material from approval plans for relevance and gaps.
• Refine approval profiles and collaborate on new approval plans or acquisitions.
• Assist in tracking expenditures and budget optimization for acquisitions.
• Develop vendor and donor relationships globally.
• Select titles outside current approval plans within budget.
• Monitor vendor notifications and order selections per criteria and budget.
• Identify lacunae and future collecting goals for antiquarian and new material.
• Revise collection development policy as priorities evolve.
• Provide content for Getty communications and social media.

Skills

Foreign language reading

Research methods

Library systems

Bibliographic metadata

Project management

Art book knowledge

Communication skills

Deadline management

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Master’s/PhD in Art History or MLIS

Job description

Job Summary

The Getty Research Institute (GRI) Collections & Discovery division seeks a knowledgeable, collaborative, and forward-thinking candidate to fill the role of Associate Bibliographer (Collection Development Librarian III) for the GRI's Library. Responsible for most of the ongoing development of the GRI’s renowned and distinctive general library collections, the ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in art history, a knowledge of current trends in the field, and a passion for the intricacies involved in the bibliographic work of selection and assessment. The GRI Library is among the world’s most comprehensive art research libraries, consisting of over 1.7 million volumes of published materials, including books, serials, auction sales catalogs, and myriad electronic resources, all available for use by researchers from around the world. It includes titles in over 50 languages published in 127 countries, focusing primarily on the arts, architecture, and visual culture. Reporting to the Manager of Library Collection Development & Acquisitions, the Associate Bibliographer works with the Collection Development unit staff, a cross-departmental Bibliography team, and in close collaboration with GRI librarians, curators, and other stakeholders across Getty. Externally, the position nurtures and evaluates existing relationships while developing new ones with professional peers, donors, and vendors locally and around the world, contributing directly to the GRI’s mission of cultivating advanced knowledge of art and its varied histories.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Serves as an overall subject expert in determining the ongoing bibliographic scope and coverage for a wide range of art-related topics, consulting with stakeholders as appropriate
• Reviews incoming material from approval plans to ensure relevance
• Regularly reviews existing approval plans for gaps in coverage and proposes refinements to profiles, working with others as needed
• Collaborates on establishing new approval plans or other methods of acquisitions based on geographic coverage
• Assists in tracking expenditures and maximizing the library acquisitions budget
• Collaborates on establishing and cultivating new vendor and donor relationships globally
• Selects individual titles that are outside of the scope and budget of current approval plans
• Reviews notifications from vendors and submits ordering selections according to evolving criteria and budgetary guidelines
• Notes gaps (lacunae) and considers future collecting goals both for antiquarian and newly published material
• Revises the Library Collection Development policy in accordance with evolving GRI priorities and budget
• Supplies content for the GRI communication channels and other Getty social media outlets
• Actively participates in relevant professional organizations and considers new models for potential coordinated collection development
• May conduct research, present, exhibit, and publish in areas of responsibility and expertise
• Promotes Getty’s principles of having a welcoming and inclusive environment

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Art History and/or MLIS preferred
• Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience
• Requires special subject knowledge, foreign languages, and/or technical expertise
• May require related supervisory experience and/or project management experience

Please note:

This position isnoteligible for employer-based immigration sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Reading/bibliographic knowledge of at least 2 foreign languages
• Current knowledge of relevant discipline and research methods
• Knowledge of library management systems
• Solid understanding of bibliographic metadata structure and principles
• Project management skills
• Advanced specialized knowledge of the art book and/or electronic resource trade preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines, apply policies and procedures consistently, conduct research, and present recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively