Collections Assistant
Museum of the City of New York
Cataloging and Digitization of Theater Production Files
The Museum of the City of New York seeks a full-time Collections
Assistant for a 9-month IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services)
funded Museums for America grant to digitize, catalog, and re-house photographic
prints in the Museum’s Theatrical Production files. The Collections Assistant
will work alongside two part-time interns and the Museum’s Theater Archivist
to prepare over 30,000 objects in the Theater Production Files for digitization.
Photographic prints, negatives, and slides in the Theatrical Production
Files include theater stills, character portraits, and candid rehearsal
shots. These images not only show elements of costume, lighting, and set
design, but also provide documentation of characterization and the actor’s
process of assuming a role. The Museum’s collection provides an almost
comprehensive visual record of Broadway theatrical production.
The Collections Assistant will be part of the Collections
Department and report to the Theater Collections Archivist. The work will
be undertaken in the Museum’s Fifth Avenue landmark building. Responsibilities
include, but are not limited to:
- Re-housing photographic prints, negatives, and slides.
- Object numbering.
- Identifying duplicate images.
- Recording object dimensions and locations.
- Conducting condition assessments.
- Supervise interns working on the project.
Qualifications: Recent graduate of an accredited Library and Information Science or Museum Studies masters program or current graduate student nearing completion of either degree. Candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree and previous experience working in an archive or museum will also be considered. The candidate should have previous experience handling cultural objects, preferably in the context of a museum or special collections repository. The successful candidate must be a self starter with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. The position requires someone with good communication skills; familiarity with metadata schemas such as CCO (Cataloging Cultural Objects) or MODS (Metadata Objects Description Schema); proficiency with Windows and Microsoft office software; exposure to collections management systems such as ARGUS, PastPerfect, or TMS; and experience handling fragile objects. The project requires that the candidate have the ability to climb ladders and step stools in order to remove and replace boxes on shelves. An established knowledge or demonstrated interest in New York City and / or theater history is a plus.
Founded in 1923 as private, non-profit corporation, the Museum connects the past, present, and future of New York City. It celebrates and interprets the city, educating the public about its distinctive character, especially its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. It serves the public through exhibitions, school and public programs, publications, and collections.
Compensation: $15,000 for a total of 1,000 hours over the course of nine months. As this is a grant funded position, compensation is not negotiable.
To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to The Museum of the City of New York, Attention: Morgen Stevens-Garmon, Theater Collections Archivist, 1220 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029 or email mgarmon@mcny.org
The Museum of the City of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
