What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant, Digital Curation - Schomburg Center position at The New York Public Library?
Overview
Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and study of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. The Schomburg Center, featuring diverse programming and collections spanning over 10 million items, has for over nine decades illuminated the richness of black history, arts, and experience worldwide. As a key part of one of the largest public library systems in the world, the Schomburg Center is committed to maximizing free and public access to its collections, exhibitions, educational activities, and much of its programming.
Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and study of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. The Schomburg Center, featuring diverse programming and collections spanning over 10 million items, has for over nine decades illuminated the richness of black history, arts, and experience worldwide. As a key part of one of the largest public library systems in the world, the Schomburg Center is committed to maximizing free and public access to its collections, exhibitions, educational activities, and much of its programming.
Reporting to the Digital Curator, the Research Assistant is responsible for supporting the digital curation efforts as outlined by the Frankenthaler Foundation Digital Curation Initiative Grant: identifying, researching, and preparing summaries for the completion of digital projects. Working independently and in collaboration with the Digital Curator, the Research Assistant will request appointments in the research divisions to conduct research; in addition to checking out print materials from our General Research & Reference division as needed.
The candidate will also have the opportunity to work in a creative capacity, supporting the Digital Curator in creating engaging digital content to share on the library’s digital platforms (digital exhibitions, wikidata activations, blog posts, social media, etc.). The candidate must possess strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to interpret historical materials that center Black and African diasporic cultures. This grant-funded position is temporary for 12 months from the start date.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Digital Curator, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following tasks:
Under the supervision of the Digital Curator, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Independently conduct research in the center’s five research divisions to support digital projects
- Regularly request and manage research appointments in Aeon and other library systems
- Provide written summaries / outlines based on research findings to Digital Curator
- Complete administrative tasks related to digital projects
- Assist with graphic design and support web maintenance as needed
- As instructed by Digital Curator, format and prepare content for blogs, digital exhibitions, and other digital platforms (social media, 3rd party platforms, etc.)
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
- Undergraduate degree in History/Humanities or related field
- Specific study area of focus in Black or African Diasporic studies preferred
Required Experience
- 1-3 years experience researching special collections and archival materials in a library or academic environment
- Experience publishing blog posts on digital platforms (wordpress, medium, tumblr, etc.)
- Experience with any of the following software or digital platforms:
- Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, etc.)
- iMovie, Audacity, or other video / audio editing tools Instagram and creative content apps
Required Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others to complete goals
- High proficiency in fact-based, in-depth research practices
- Ability to interpret historical materials
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the 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
- Core work will take place in the Schomburg Center
- Office setting
- Public service library
- Research Library
Physical Duties
- Minimal physical duties are required
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
No
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
10-15 hours a week onsite, Monday - Friday
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
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).
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.