Curatorial Assistant, Library Assistant III, UMN

The College of Design (formerly College of Architecture and Landscape
Architecture and the department of Design, Housing, and Apparel) at the
University of Minnesota is pleased to announce a new position in the
Digital Collections and Archives Unit (formerly Visual Resources
Collection).
_________________________________________________________________________

Curatorial Assistant, Library Assistant III
Position available: immediately, new full time position

Location: Digital Collections + Archives (DCA), College of Design (CDes)
University of Minnesota, 65 Rapson Hall, 89 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN
55455

Responsibilities / Main Job Duties:

Cataloging and Collection Development 60%: Edits, modifies and creates
records in collection database for public and administrative catalog.
Collaborates with DCA staff members to improve cataloging structure,
methods, and procedural documentation. Systematically re-accessions old
slides and creates cataloging records. Knowledgeable of cataloging
authorities and uses them on a regular basis. Collaborates with faculty in
new subject areas that are added to the collection. Knowledge of art,
architectural, landscape architecture, urban design, interior design, and
graphic design history so informed decision can be made with regard to the
cataloging records. Makes informed decisions and researches work records
thoroughly. Cataloging is logical, consistent, and conforms to emerging
national standards used by CDes. Systematically re-accessions old slides
and enters cataloging information. Alerts and consults curator on areas
that require clarification. Suggests areas that need to be expanded and or
improved upon in cataloging or scanning.

Reference, Outreach, Needs Assessment / Training 15%: Conducts routine
reference database searches. Instructs patrons in the use of image database
and refers them to outside sources when applicable. Provides reference
services in person, over the phone, and virtual. Performs needs assessments
and designs training and outreach to meet patrons needs. Collaborates in
creating usability testing and studies to determine and maintain
effectiveness of DCA metadata (including website). Creates welcoming
environment for patrons, either in person or electronically. Answers
questions in a timely manner. Creates handouts for various levels of users
in collaboration with curator. Thorough understanding of collection to meet
patron’s needs. Maintains website and modifies content as directed or
needed.

Scanning and Copywork 20%: Copywork and slide scanning as needed. Able to
use Photoshop at an advanced level and train others in its use in the
creation of digital surrogates for the collection. Able to perform copywork
as needed when demand is high and workload is spread out among other staff
members.

Supervise Student Workers 5%: Checks over work of students and alerts them
of errors, correcting the issues through training. Schedules student
workers ensuring there is no overlap of time on scanning stations. Creates
work-plan for each week thus creating a consistent flow of images into
collection.

Minimum / Essential Qualifications:
(Education/Training/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/and/or Physical
Requirements) Five years relevant library experience in cataloging and
processing of photographic materials either in a special collection or
archive. College education can be substituted for experience on a year for
year basis up to three years. Experience in reference, public services,
outreach and training, in a special collection or archive. Must have
experience with database / image management software. Reading level
knowledge of at least one foreign language.

Selection Criteria/ Preferred Qualifications:
(Education/Training/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities) Demonstrated cataloging
ability in a visual resources environment. Working knowledge of VRA Core
and CCO (Cataloging Cultural Objects) metadata / cataloging standards.
Working knowledge of vocabularies related to visual materials, i.e. Getty.
Degree or extensive coursework in art history, architectural history,
landscape architecture history, urban design / planning history, interior
or graphic design history or a related field (see cataloging and collection
development). Degree or coursework in library or information science (see
cataloging and collection development). Demonstrated writing skills to
create training materials, marketing materials, and presentations.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing environments and work conditions.
Experience with Filemaker. Photography experience both on-site and with
copywork. Extensive experience with Photoshop and various image scanning
techniques. Supervisory and training experience with students.

For information on the new college:
http://www.cdes.umn.edu/

For information on the collection:
http://www.cala.umn.edu/VisualResourceCollection/

databases:
CALA’s www.cala.umn.edu/vrc
until sept. 8 dev.cla.umn.edu/dcl/
after sept. 8 www.dcl.umn.edu

To Apply:
For the official posting and directions on how to apply, go to:
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/
reference requisition number: 141435

In addition to the official application, Please also submit a cover letter,
resume, and three professional references directly to:
Jodie Walz
Curator,
Digital Collections and Archives
College of Design
University of Minnesota
65 Rapson Hall
89 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

For more information about the position, or if you have questions,
call Jodie Walz at 612-624-4080, or email jwalz@umn.edu

_______________________________________________
Jodie L. Walz
Curator
Digital Collections + Archives
College of Design
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
*****************************************
jwalz@umn.edu direct (612)624-4080

search the collection at www.cala.umn.edu/vrc
search across the campus on sept. 8 at http://dcl.umn.edu