With the initiation of a new site for the Whitney’s longstanding Independent Study Program, ISP and Research Resources have identified a need for dedicated research tools to support curatorial studies, critical studies, and art practice participants and their work. We seek a Library and Archives Assistant to work with ISP research collections, across primary and secondary resource holdings.
We aim to establish an onsite branch library for ISP use. The ISP Library and Archives Assistant will work with department staff to develop practicable and sustainable procedures for all aspects of that branch’s operation, including its collection development, cataloging, circulation, and storage. This is a part-time, temporary position and the incumbent is expected to work 21 hours per week.
Expected projects/work assignments:
- In collaboration with staff, formulate and execute collection development and circulation policies for a new branch library.
- Assist staff with library collection development.
- Create original and copy cataloging in MARC for library materials.
- Assist with reference inquiries from staff and external researchers.
- Inventory newly-accessioned archival records.
Skills and qualifications required (including technology skills):
- MLIS or related degree, with experience in art sources and services.
- Experience with library cataloging (MARC, RDA, LCSH, LC classification).
- Ability to work independently with attention to detail.
- Experience with an ILS.
- Experience with spreadsheet software, including Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
- Ability to lift cartons up to 30lbs is helpful.
Compensation & Benefits:
Fixed compensation rate of $30 per hour
Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
The advertised pay rate is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special licensing or qualifications, and other factors.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.
To Apply:
About the Whitney:
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.
EEO Statement:
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.
COVID guidelines
The health and safety of our Museum community is the highest priority. As such, the Whitney Museum is requiring all newly hired staff members to be fully vaccinated and boosted with an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. Requests for reasonable accommodations for medical, religious, or other reasons will be considered in accordance with applicable law.
