Systems and Metadata Librarian at the Brooklyn Museum

Job Title: Systems and Metadata Librarian

Job Status: Full-time

Salary: $55,000

Description

The primary role of this position is to manage the Brooklyn Museum’s new integrated library system, Ex Libris Alma/Primo, which is shared among the three institutional members of the New York Art Resources Consortium (NYARC): the Brooklyn Museum, Frick Collection, and Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The librarian is also responsible for cataloging the materials comprising the Brooklyn Museum Libraries’ varied holdings, which include the world-renowned Wilbour Library of Egyptology as well as artists’ books and fashion sketches, using best practices to maximize accessibility.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the administrative functions of the Libraries’ integrated library system (ILS) and online catalogue, Ex Libris Alma/Primo, which is shared with our NYARC partner institutions—the Frick Collection and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
  • Responsible for all original and copy cataloging of a variety of materials, including serials, artists’ books, and ephemera, with subject matter ranging from ancient history to contemporary art
  • Attend virtual meetings with staff at partner NYARC institutions to discuss and resolve technical issues and improve workflows for our shared ILS
  • In collaboration with our NYARC partners, create and uphold policies and procedures for the maintenance and access of collections data in our shared ILS
  • Evaluate trends in systems and metadata management and make recommendations for improvement in policies and procedures 
  • Work across various Museum departments to ensure that Libraries and Archives collections data is operable and accessible both internally and externally
  • Train all Libraries and Archives staff on functions of the ILS and hold instruction sessions and create search guides tailored to all users
  • Participate in Human Resources onboarding by providing an introduction to the Libraries and Archives collections as well as related training for new staff
  • Identify, collect, analyze, and communicate statistics for the Libraries as requested
  • Collaborate on long-range planning for metadata creation and discovery tools with the Director of Libraries and Archives and other relevant departments
  • Supervise departmental interns, fellows, and volunteers
  • Assist with disaster planning and collections emergency response
  • Assist Museum staff and public researchers with inquiries
  • Assist with monitoring researcher visits in the Libraries and Archives reading room
  • Assist with internal and external outreach efforts, including presentations and programming outside of normal office hours
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications:

  • ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library and information science with a concentration in systems management and user experience and/or metadata creation and management
  • Minimum of two years’ experience working with an integrated library system, preferably with administrative responsibilities
  • Minimum of two years’ experience performing original and copy cataloging using descriptive standards, including MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, and the Getty vocabularies
  • Minimum of one year’s experience working in an art museum, preferably one with an encyclopedic collection
  • Demonstrable knowledge of current trends related to digital collections and electronic resource discovery
  • Strong knowledge of issues and trends related to digital preservation 
  • Excellent attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, and research and comprehension skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills working with all staff, volunteers, interns, and the public

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience with Ex Libris Alma/Primo
  • Experience cataloging complex resources such as serials and artists’ books
  • Knowledge of ArchivesSpace and related standards (EAD, DACS)
  • Reading knowledge of foreign languages
  • Undergraduate degree in art history or a related field of study

Physical Requirements: 

  • Ability to visually inspect work and surrounding physical areas
  • Ability to carry out physical maneuvers that will include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and reaching

Start date: Immediately

Department: Libraries and Archives

Reports to: Director of Libraries and Archives

Position type: Full-time

Salary: $55,000

Union status: Union—DC37 Local 1502

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Apply online

If you have questions about our online application system, please get in touch with us at job.application.questions@brooklynmuseum.org.

At the Brooklyn Museum, we value all types of experience. For us, a successful candidate has many of the qualities listed in our job postings, and the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job. So if much, but not all, of a job posting describes you, then we welcome your application.