Archivist And Special Collections Librarian

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART

As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative arts potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeless Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museums 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. www.lucasmuseum.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art seeks an experienced and multi-faceted Archivist and Special Collections Librarian (Archivist) with an established practice of processing and facilitating access to special collections. The Archivist will spearhead the assessment, inventory, and processing of a variety of materials including reference books, periodicals, comics, artist papers, ephemera, and picture clippings. They will work with the Director of Library to shape the vision and operational systems for ensuring access to the museums library and special collections, which includes developing plans for the day-to-day operations of an architecturally impactful reading room that will serve as the primary hub for a wide range of constituencies to engage with both special collections and general reference books.

Reporting to the Director of Library and part of the Learning and Engagement division, it is crucial that the Archivist and Special Collections Librarian holds expertise in caring for special collections and have equal enthusiasm for promoting access in creative ways through programming, finding aids, and outreach. The Archivist will take a hands-on role in inventorying and cataloguing the librarys diverse collections so that they will be accessible to a wide range of users, including scholarly researchers, museum staff, students, and other members of the community. They will play a key role in a small but nimble team that will establish overall collection policy and procedures, assess and make recommendations for processing and preserving the museums reference collection as well as its special collection and archives materials in advance of the museums opening and for the long term. In the short-term, they will contribute to the selection and implementation of Integrated Library and Archival Management Systems, establish priorities and processes for cataloguing and entering metadata, and play a significant role in moving and developing the infrastructure to store a wide range of collection formats. They will supervise and train part-time, temporary, or project staff, and well as interns at various times. The Archivists role will evolve as the Museum opens and over time, and they must thrive in the context of ongoing change, be nimble in practice, and flexible in thought.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist Director of Library in overall management of the library, including planning and implementing special projects, staffing, scheduling, etc.
• Build relationships with librarians and archivists in the local community and contribute to advancing the field nationally
• With Director, oversee long term preservation program, making recommendations for conservation of library materials
• Contribute to overall planning for staff structure and supervise and train project and part-time staff
• Contribute to developing benchmarks for assessment and evaluation of the library user experience
• Develop and track budgets in accordance with departmental priorities
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for users to access special collections materials before and after the museums opening, including planning for off-site retrieval
• After opening, contribute to creating a welcoming, supportive experience for library users, assisting patrons with reference questions and collaborating with colleagues on programming to highlight library collections
• Develop and implement institutional guidelines for cataloguing library collections and archives, creating workflows that match capacity, making recommendations for resource allotment
• Collaborate to devise creative opportunities for a wide variety of museum constituents to learn about the library, including building partnerships and conducting outreach

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Creating & Innovating: Produces new ideas, approaches, or insights; Creates innovative products or designs; Produces a range of solutions to problems; Seeks opportunities for organizational improvement; Devises effective change initiatives
• Adapting & Responding to change: Adapts to changing circumstances; accepts new ideas and change initiatives; adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations; shows respect and sensitivity towards differences; deals with ambiguity, making positive use of the opportunities it presents
• Analyzing: Analyzes numerical data, verbal data and all other sources of information; breaks information into component parts, patterns and relationships; probes for further information or greater understanding of a problem; makes rational judgements from the available information and analysis; produces workable solutions to a range of problems; demonstrates an understanding of how one issue may be a part of a much larger system
• Attention to Detail - Accomplishes tasks thoroughly with concern for all areas involved, no matter how small; verifies the accuracy of information before moving forward on a project or task
• Planning & Organizing: Sets clearly defined objectives; Plans activities and projects well in advance and takes account of possible changing circumstances; Manages time effectively; Identifies and organizes resources needed to accomplish tasks; Monitors performance against deadlines and milestones

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Experience implementing new library and archival systems highly desired
• Experience with planning and executing the move and storage of archives and special collections preferred
• Minimum of seven (7) years professional experience cataloguing a wide range of special collections/archives
• Demonstrated track record of managing a high volume of projects simultaneously
• Experience with the digitization of archives and special collections
• Additional specialized training caring for rare books and archival materials preferred, or commensurate experience
• MLS from an ALA-accredited institution
• Minimum of three (3) years supervising library operations staff

Knowledge

• Broad knowledge of art, art making, film, and/or digital media required
• Proficiency in archival cataloging standards and linked data
• Understanding of best practices to maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for researchers
• Understanding of research use of rare books, manuscripts, and special collections
• Proficiency in various technologies for use in cataloging, digitization, and archiving, including experience with multiple library systems

Abilities

• Able to manage people effectively in high-stress situations and to collaborate well across departments
• Ability to work independently, be proactive, and collaborate as a team leader to accomplish department and museum goals
• Track record of maintaining accurate records, managing tasks, and planning and organizing work to meet developing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a broad spectrum of library users, including scholars, museum staff, students from elementary school to graduate school, curious adults, and families, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, with a range of physical and cognitive abilities
• Must be capable of undertaking multiple projects simultaneously and balancing long- and short-term priorities, with equal attention to big-picture goals and small logistical details
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Fluency in a language other than English a plus
• Proven ability to establish and maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with colleagues, vendors, and community members, and organizational partners

Physical Requirements

• Ability to carry out physical maneuvers that will include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, kneeling, climbing, stooping, crouching, and reaching
• Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to travel within the state of California for extended periods before the opening of the museum required
• Ability to work in dusty environments

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

MISSION AND VISION

We are a museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through visual storytelling the Lucas Museum expands the role of art and museums for society. The Museum inspires thought provoking ideas and conversations that are relevant within and beyond geographic boundaries. Our work radiates to catalyze more connected and empathetic spaces. The art of storytelling connects us to shape a more just society.

VALUES

Our internal and external practice is shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

PEOPLE FIRST
We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what people find meaningful, to works of art and the work of our organization.

INSPIRED
We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

COLLABORATIVE
We believe that nimble thinking and working together yields exponential results.

BRAVE
We approach our work and learning with courage, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

4 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

ART
Amplify the social impact of Narrative Art through an approach that bridges the academic and the popular.

COMMUNITY
Connect to a broad and diverse public by create an institution rooted in impactful, respectful, sustainable relationships.

INCLUSION
Practice diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in all operational and programmatic aspects of our work.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Create a healthy and durable institution equipped to fulfill its vision and public mandate.

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).

Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.