Special Collections Archivist I

Job Summary

The Getty Research Institute is seeking a limited-term Special Collections Archivist I to enhance description and discovery of the study photograph collections of the historic Photo Archive, a compilation of over two million documentary photographs of Western art and architecture from antiquity through the early twentieth century. The focus of this position will be to implement the Photo Archive's transition from an on-site browsable collection to off-site paged access. This is a thirty-month limited-term position.

Using a broad knowledge of Western art history, an understanding of the historiography of the discipline and the history of photographic markets, the Archivist I will create tools to facilitate discovery of the study photograph collections in the new access framework. Over 90 stub records, representing the division of the collections by chronology, culture and medium, will be upgraded into DACS-compliant finding aids. The Archivist I will also perform basic collection maintenance, such as sleeving rare photographic formats, interfiling photographs, and replacing missing box labels; update MARC records; and assist with packing the collection and coordinating the off-site move.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Arranges, processes, and re-houses collection materials
• Creates new metadata of advanced complexity based on standards, best practices, research, and review
• Applies advanced knowledge to edit, aggregate, enhance, transform, and disseminate existing metadata
• Makes judgments regarding storage and preservation of collection materials in consultation with others
• Maintains current knowledge in standards, best practices, and specialized subjects, formats, and systems
• Supports other departmental activities, as assigned

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in appropriate discipline, Art History or Library & Information Science fields preferred
• 0-2 years related experience, preferably in an academic, arts, or cultural institution
• May require advanced subject, language, and/or technical expertise

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated subject knowledge of the broad range of Western art history from antiquity to the early twentieth century, with the ability to visually classify works of art by national/regional schools and chronological periods preferred
• Knowledge of standards such as DACS, EAD, MARC and RDA preferred
• Basic knowledge of twentieth century art historians and photograph vendors preferred
• Basic knowledge of late nineteenth/early twentieth century photographic printing techniques and other image reproduction processes preferred
• Familiarity with collection management practices
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work in team-based and collaborative environments
• Ability to meet deadlines, apply policies and procedures consistently, conduct research and present recommendations
• Ability to lift and move 40 pounds
• Ability to climb ladders
• Must have means of transportation to work sites at both the Getty Center in Brentwood and Getty’s off-site storage facility, approximately 30 miles to the north of the Getty Center