Overview
Special Collections Processing (SCP) is responsible for promoting discovery of NYPL special collections materials through the creation and publication of catalog records and collection guides and preparing material for storage and use. Special collections include analog and digital archives, rare books, manuscripts, photographs, designs, maps, and non-commercial sound and moving image recordings. The unit also supports the acquisitions of special collections by making site visits to assist the curator in evaluating collections, and estimating time and costs associated with receiving and processing the material.

The role of the Audio and Moving Image Description unit of Special Collection Processing is to create initial item-level inventory description of audio and moving image (AMI) materials, process and arrange AMI based on format, content, and historical background, and create public description of AMI materials in catalog records and collection guides.

The Specialist position is responsible for inventory description and original and complex copy cataloging of materials in all audio and moving image formats, including born digital, for special collections held by the Jerome Robbins Dance Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

• Create inventory records for physical and born-digital audio and moving image materials.
• Conduct research and use audio and moving image format knowledge to make decisions regarding duplicates and multi-volume recordings.
• Perform original and complex copy cataloging of audio and moving image materials in the English language, creating MARC21 records to full level cataloging standards.
• Adhere to RDA guidelines and the Library of Congress standards and other national cataloging guidelines for audiovisual cataloging, such as AMIM, ARSC, DACS, and ISBD.
• Search for and apply name, subject, and uniform title authority headings and form and genre terms in bibliographic records.
• Provide input on internal procedural documentation and best practices.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library, archival, or information studies, or Master's degree in audio and/or moving image preservation, or Master’s degree in liberal arts or humanities and professional experience working for libraries or archives.
• Educational background or strongly demonstrated subject area interest in dance or performing arts history.

Required Experience

• 1 year of experience with either bibliographic cataloging or archival description in previous positions or internships.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of metadata content and value standards, especially RDA and Library of Congress Subject and Name headings.
• Identification of audio and moving image formats, generation, and preliminary condition/preservation issues.
• Proficiency with productivity software, especially spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• Conduct research using NYPL research collections and other outside sources.
• Ability to work independently, work within a defined time frame, problem solve, and prioritize cataloging tasks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in working tactfully with other library staff in a team setting.

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A

More...

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 environment; open space with assigned computer workstations; materials are physically handled and transferred from shelves to book carts. 

Physical Duties

• Ability to move book trucks and handle materials that may weigh up to 35 lbs.
• May require travel within NYC

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status Non-Exempt
Schedule

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed. The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).