Library Assistant III

The J. Paul Getty Trust; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% match

Educational Assistance

Paid Vacation and Holidays

On-Site Fitness Center

Job summary

The J. Paul Getty Trust in Los Angeles is seeking a Library Assistant III for a full-time position focused on cataloging a significant art collection. The role requires processing materials, managing information, and cataloging items under limited supervision.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in art history, at least three years of relevant experience, and strong skills in cataloging and communication. Comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and retirement plans are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years related experience.
• Some supervisory and training experience preferred.
• Ability to climb industrial ladders required.

Responsibilities

• Processes the library of art historian Robert Farris Thompson.
• Works under limited supervision and partners with other catalogers.
• Performs copy cataloging using various rule sets.

Skills

Copy cataloging

OCLC Connexion

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in art history or related discipline

Tools

ExLibris Alma

Job description

Library Assistant III

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

The Getty Research Institute seeks a full‑time Library Assistant III for a 2‑year limited‑term position. This position is focused on processing the library of art historian Robert Farris Thompson. The library consists of between 5,000 and 7,000 volumes, covering a wide range of topics supporting Thompson's interests and research. The Library Assistant will work under limited supervision and in partnership with other catalogers and archivists to sort and catalog the collection according to library standards and best practices. The primary responsibility is monograph cataloging, creating, maintaining, and updating bibliographic, holdings, item, and authority records. Copy cataloging work will range from simple to complex and will require bibliographic searching or use of reference sources to complete or verify data. Duties include building archival enclosures, rehousing ephemera, preparing labels, data entry, preparing and receiving shipments from storage, and paging materials from storage.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Applies knowledge of cataloging rules (AACR2R and/or RDA) and MARC records to search for and identify matching records in OCLC.
• Applies local guidelines to determine how to treat each item, and subsequently route the item or perform complex copy cataloging.
• Applies knowledge of Library of Congress Name Authority File, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and Library of Congress Classification System to perform authority control and shelf‑list checks on all items cataloged.
• Performs physical processing of materials (e.g., labeling, marking, stamping, and housing).
• May help in unpacking, organizing, and distributing materials.
• Assists in development and maintenance of job‑related data and procedures.
• Uses various library software applications to execute moderately complex transactions.
• Participates in section meetings and other meetings as appropriate.
• Engages in continuing professional development by attending and participating in professional conferences and training opportunities related to position responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in art history or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 3 years related experience.
• Some supervisory and training experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience copy cataloging preferred.
• Experience using OCLC Connexion and/or ExLibris Alma preferred.
• Experience performing authority control preferred.
• Experience with LCCS and/or LCSH preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, study, and problem solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience with industry standard software suites as appropriate to assigned duties.
• Experience handling fragile or brittle materials preferred.
• Physical activity for extended periods at various times throughout the day, including lifting library materials weighing up to 40 pounds and pushing heavy book carts.
• Ability to climb industrial ladders required in order to page and shelve from the collections stored on 12‑foot high bookshelves.
• Good manual dexterity required.
• Ability to work in partnership with others.

Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers for full‑time employees:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%–95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan with up to 5% Getty Match.
• Getty contribution of 6% on behalf of employee to 401(a) retirement account.
• Educational Assistance and professional development.
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days.
• 12 Paid Holidays.
• Many positions have bi‑weekly off‑Fridays.
• On‑Site Fitness Center at Getty Center.
• Community service opportunities.

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.