A/V specialist job open at NYPL - Lincoln Center

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts seeks a dynamic individual to enhance the use of its world class recorded sound archives and to serve as a resource and facilitator for researchers.

Under the supervision of the Curator, the Audio/Visual Specialist will assist the Curator in managing a major collection devoted to recorded sound (in all formats) and the daily administration of the collections which may include:

• Providing research and reference consultations with individual library users, particularly those using primary resources
• Providing specialized reference service for inquiries related to non-commercial holdings
• Serving on the public reference and special collections desks
• Demonstrated knowledge of the acquisition and processing of archival audio/visual materials including descriptive techniques, preservation best practices, and the provisions necessary for public service, including audio digitization requests and rights management
• Managing all “on demand” audio digitization, including onsite patron requests, remote duplication requests, curatorial requests, and requests for NYPL exhibitions
• Managing all rights related to digitization and distribution requests, working closely with NYPL’s counsel’s office when necessary
• Managing a database for the tracking of acquisitions, location, and basic description of archival collections
• Enhances intellectual control over legacy collections
• Manages the daily work of collection management (the physical collection), its housing, location and organization, and its accessibility to users
• Evaluating first-generation preservation copies of un-playable audio formats
• Working closely with other curatorial units throughout NYPL on developing and maintaining workflows (including the movement of collections) for inventorying, processing, cataloging and preservation of recorded sound collections
• Supervising interns and other occasional staff
• Ability to perform physical requirements including retrieving and moving material weighing up to 40 pounds
• Performing related duties as required

• Masters’ degree in Library and Information Science, audio/visual archives, or a related field and experience working in a large and dynamic audio/visual archive
• Professional employment experience in a research setting such as a library or university
• A working knowledge of classical and vernacular musical repertories and the history of recorded sound technologies
• Demonstrated understanding of archives and archival description/metadata
• Excellent interpersonal, collaborative, oral, and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to work effectively with the general public, educators and students, advanced scholars, independent researchers, and a wide variety of staff
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

Ability to perform physical requirements including retrieving and moving material weighing up to 40 pounds