Assistant Curator – Photography – at the New York Public Library

Job Title: Assistant Curator – Photography Collection -The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs

Job Status: Full-time

Salary: $75,000 – $82,000

Description

Established in 1987 with a gift from the Wallach family, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints, and Photographs is the primary access point for researchers using the Research Libraries’ materials on painting, sculpture, photography, prints, architecture and the decorative arts. 

The Print Collection encompasses over 200,000 prints along with a specialized reference collection of over 15,000 volumes on the history of prints and printmakers. The Photographs Collection comprises approximately 500,000 photographs, including examples of almost every photographic process from the earliest daguerreotypes to contemporary digital images. 

The Wallach Division also serves as the access point to the Spencer Collection of fine bindings and illustrated books. Together, these collections include more than one million works of art in various mediums and formats, complemented by nearly 700,000 monographs and periodicals, much of which can be accessed by researchers in its study rooms, which are among the most active and accessible in New York City. The quality, depth and scope of its holdings have earned the Wallach Division an international reputation among a broad variety of scholars and lovers of art.

The Assistant Curator serves the Robert B. Menschel Curator of Photography as the steward and interpreter of the Photographs Collection, to thoughtfully acquire, promote, exhibit, publish and program the use of its holdings.
Key Responsibilities
We are looking for someone we can count on to:
Own:
  • Provide reference and participate in the public service operations of the Photographs Study Room 
  • Assist in developing the Photography Collection, in collaboration with Collections and Services and Collection Management
  • Contribute to the processing, cataloging, and digitization of the collection in collaboration with staff
  • Collaborate with broader NYPL community on initiatives aimed at improving reference and research services
  • Assist the Curator in exhibition preparation and research
Teach:
  • Provide overviews and introductions to the Collection and leads classes and seminars on the history of photography
  • Work collaboratively with the Center for Educators to promote the collection’s use for curriculum development in New York City Public Schools
  • Support the Division’s interpretation, teaching and scholarship initiatives through reference, exhibitions and programming
Learn:
  • Identify and conduct scholarly research on items in the collection leading to publications, public programs, and exhibitions
  • Monitor dealer catalogs and auctions, and suggest acquisitions
  • Respond to queries from photographers about portfolio reviews, donations, and acquisitions and recommends and/or help to evaluate potential purchases and gifts
Improve:
  • Raise awareness of the collection and cultivate new communities of users
  • Participate in conferences, colloquia, and fairs to promote the collection and the Library
  • Promote the use of the Collection for educational programs at all levels and in diverse subject areas
  • Support diversity and inclusion efforts through Library-wide initiatives
Some expectations for this role are that within:
1 month, this person will:
  • Learn the scope of the role
  • Review policies and procedures related to stewardship and interpretation of the Photography Collection
3 months, this person will:
  • Identify an liaised with the key partners within the Institution
6 months and beyond, this person will:
  • Host classes in the Photography Collection
  • Conduct thoughtful research and writing on collection objects
Responsibilities: 
  • Raise awareness of the collection and cultivate new communities if users
  • Shape and strengthen the the Division’s profile through professional engagement and development, publishing, relevant memberships, and conference participation
  • Work collaboratively and build supporting relationships with colleagues across the NYPL to increase discovery, access, and collection use
  • Represent the collection in public settings and work with Communications to promote the collection via internal and external media
  • Participate in NYPL-wide initiatives through participation on committees, task forces, research library meetings, and other relevant groups
  • Collaborate within the Wallach Division with the teams in the Art & Architecture Collection, Print Collection, Spencer Collection, and Picture Collection
  • Collaborate with Digital Research to enhance digitization and overall discovery of the collection
  • Collaborate with Collection Management and Conservation to ensure the care of the collection
  • Performs other related duties

 

Requirements

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

Required Education and Certifications 
  • Master’s Degree in History of Photography or Art History or related field
  • Minimum three years of progressively responsible experience in photography collections, exhibitions, and instruction in a library, museum, or archive setting
  • Successfully demonstrated fluency of at least one foreign language
Required Experience
  • Minimum three years of experience working collaboratively with library, archive, or museum interdepartmental teams to realize complex projects
  • Successfully demonstrated commitment to scholarship and publishing in the field of photography
  • Interpreting photographs for the public in exhibitions, publications, and/or programming
  • Experience arranging or describing photograph collections 
  • Experience in instruction, public speaking
  • Demonstrated commitment to engaged participation in the larger field
Required Skills 
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
  • Knowledge of TMS or other image/data content management systems
  • Exceptional writing skills and experience interpreting photographic collections for the public in exhibitions, programs, and publications
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with all levels of staff and users
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a positive outlook on a broad range of tasks
  • Demonstrated ability to think creatively, then initiate and carry through innovative ideas
  • Discretion in confidential matters
  • Ability to meet deadlines and manage priorities

More…

Please Note: Effective August 2, 2021, absent a qualifying exception for medical or religious reasons, newly hired employees of the New York Public Library must present proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination and may not begin employment at the Library until 14 days after their receipt of their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Newly hired employees who need additional time to receive their vaccination prior to their start date may request an adjournment of their start date with their hiring manager.  The Library will consider such requests on a case by case basis, depending upon the Library’s operational needs, among other factors.  The Library will further consider exemptions for prospective employees who cannot become vaccinated due to a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief or practice.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment and who seek a medical or religious exemption to the Library’s vaccination policy will be provided with additional instructions at the time of the conditional offer.

NYPL Core Values:  

All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems 
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
  • Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
  • Office setting
  • Public library setting
  • Other – describe
Physical Duties
  • Limited physical effort is required
  • Moderate to heavy lifting required 
  • Pushing, pulling book trucks
  • Shelving at various levels
  • May require travel within NYC
  • Office setting, Public Library setting
Schedule 
  • Monday – Friday 10-6, and some evenings for programs and receptions, as needed

 

Apply:

https://nypl.pinpointhq.com/jobs/52598

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.