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The New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Moving Image and Recorded Sound (MIRS) Division seeks a detail oriented and solution-minded archivist to work on a temporary 3-year grant-funded project to organize, describe and enhance access to the film collections of MIRS.
Specialist II - Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division, Schomburg Center (Temporary)
Schomburg CenterPosted 1 weeks ago
Full Time
Job Description
Specialist II - Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division, Schomburg Center (Temporary)
Application Deadline: 25 May 2026
Department: Research Libraries
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Schomburg Center
Reporting To: Tanisha Jones
Compensation: $70,393 / year
Description
Job Summary
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 interpretation of materials focused on African American, African, and African Diaspora experiences. The Center features diverse programming and a collection of over 11 million items that illuminate the richness of global Black history and culture. A research library of The New York Public Library and seeded by the collection of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, the Schomburg Center provides free access to materials documenting Black life locally, nationally, and internationally.
The New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Moving Image and Recorded Sound (MIRS) Division seeks a detail oriented and solution-minded archivist to work on a temporary 3-year grant-funded project to organize, describe and enhance access to the film collections of MIRS.
MIRS collects and preserves audio and moving image (AMI) material related to global black experiences. The Division is central to the NYPL’s and Schomburg Center’s mission to advance knowledge and inspire lifelong learning by the strength of its collections but also by the compelling nature of AMI materials, which literally give movement and voice to the major historical, artistic, and cultural moments of the 20th century.
Responsibilities:
- Review and confirm the inventories and organization of MIRS’s film collections, and enhance collection descriptions
- Assist Collection processing and management staff with project coordination, logistics, including packing, shipping, and receiving of original media
- Works as part of a team to provide public service, in-person at public service desks, telephone and email reference
- Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of operations and offer feedback related to short and long-term divisional planning
- Serve on relevant committees, task forces, and working groups
- Support the Schomburg Center’s collection development strategies, public services, policies and procedures and special projects, including exhibitions and publications
- Perform related duties as required
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education
- ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies or Master’s degree in liberal arts or humanities with a required specialization in audio and moving image media preservation
Required Experience
- Experience in an archival repository arranging and describing audio and moving image collections
- Experience handling legacy formats and current film formats (physical media)
- Experience identifying film formats, performing condition assessments, and other related tasks
- Experience appraising, arranging and describing archival records, including creating finding aids
- Familiarity with Aeon or other special collections workflow management software
Required Skills
- A strong background in archival theory and practice, especially regarding arrangement and description, as well as a familiarity with current approaches to audio and moving image materials
- Knowledge of the history and culture of people of African descent
- Knowledge of historic and current audio and moving image media formats, including format identification, condition assessments, and the visual/sonic characteristics and capabilities of legacy media
- Basic knowledge of media preservation workflows
- Demonstrated knowledge of current standards for archival description (APPM, DACS, LC subject headings, authority control, and MARC 21)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a part of a team
- Ability to work successfully with donors and the public
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
- Office setting
- Public library setting
Physical Duties
- Lifting up to 40 lbs. required
- May require travel within NYC
- Must be able to position oneself to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and use step ladder or climb tall ladders
Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
35 hours per week onsite, Monday - Friday, and occasional Saturdays, 10am to 6pm
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
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
35 hours per week onsite, Monday - Friday, and occasional Saturdays, 10am to 6pm
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).