Research Resources: Library and Archives Assistant

Whitney Museum of American Art; New York (NY); On-site; USD 41,400 - 50,600; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

403(B) elections

Generous PTO

Commuter benefits

Museum admissions

Pet insurance

Unionized position with UAW Local 2110

Job summary

The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York is seeking a part-time Library and Archives Assistant to support cataloging, processing, and access of our collections. This role focuses on MARC cataloging, archival description, and reference support for staff and researchers.

Requirements include an MLIS or related degree, experience with MARC/RDA/LCSH, and proficiency in ArchivesSpace and Microsoft 365. The position offers benefits and part-time scheduling with 28 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• MLIS or related degree required.
• Experience with library cataloging using MARC, RDA, LCSH, LC classification.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
• Experience with an ILS and archival systems.
• Proficiency in ArchivesSpace and Microsoft 365 (Excel).
• Strong knowledge of DACS and EAD.
• Familiar with archival processing and records retention policies.
• Ability to lift cartons up to 30 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collection development and cataloging.
• Create original and copy cataloging in MARC.
• Assist with onsite and remote reference and circulation requests.
• Process materials for secure storage with preservation housing.
• Survey, arrange, and describe Whitney archival collections.
• Prepare DACS records for ArchivesSpace export.
• Prepare materials for digital preservation via ArchiveSpace, Archivematica, ResourceSpace.

Skills

MARC cataloging

RDA

LCSH

LC classification

Independent work

ILS experience

ArchivesSpace

Microsoft 365

Microsoft Excel

DACS & EAD

archival theory

lifting up to 30lbs

Education

MLIS or related degree

Tools

ArchivesSpace

Microsoft 365

Excel

Job description

The Library and Archives Assistant will support the Library and Archives team in all aspects of collections development, cataloging, processing, circulation, reference, access, organization, and storage. This is a part-time role, 28 hours weekly.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff with library and archives collection development
• Create original and copy cataloging in MARC for library materials, with particular attention to our ongoing work in reparative and equitable metadata
• Assist with onsite and remote reference and circulation requests from staff and external researchers, including paging and shelving
• Process library and archives materials for secure storge, including items requiring custom preservation housings and encapsulations
• Survey, arrange, and describe Whitney archival collections according to best practices.
• Prepare DACS records for export to the archives’ online public access portal, ArchivesSpace
• Prepare select materials for our digital preservation pipeline via ArchiveSpace, Archivematica, and ResourceSpace

Education Background/Degree requirements

• MLIS or related degree, with experience in art sources and services

Specific knowledge, abilities and/or skills

• Experience with library cataloging (MARC, RDA, LCSH, LC classification)
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail
• Experience with an ILS
• Proficiency in ArchivesSpace, or similar collection management systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Microsoft Excel
• Strong working knowledge of DACS and EAD
• Demonstrated familiarity with archival theory and practice, including applying processing strategies and records retention policies
• Ability to lift cartons up to 30lbs is helpful

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly rate of $32.00
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
• Generous PTO benefits
• Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
• Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
• Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike
• This position may be covered by UAW Local 2110

We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

About The Whitney

The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today. Its signature exhibition, the Biennial, is the country's leading survey of the most recent developments in American art.

EEO Statement

The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.