Registrar & Digital Content Librarian

Description

The Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library seeks a knowledgeable, proactive and collaborative individual for the position of Registrar & Digital Content Librarian. Reporting to the Director of Avery Library, the Registrar & Digital Content Librarian will be responsible for programs supporting internal and external exhibitions and loans for Avery's special collections departments (Avery Classics rare books collection, Drawings & Archives, and Art Properties). The position is also responsible for records management, policies, procedures and data systems for movement of special collections materials and for the creation of metadata records for Avery's digital assets. In consultation with curatorial staff in each special collection department, duties include:

- Responsibility for development and use of a records management system for Avery special collections materials including records related to donations, exhibitions, and loans.
- Responding to requests for photographic reproduction of works in Avery special collections and managing all aspects of permissions to publish.
- Managing requests for exhibition/loan of materials from Avery's special collections, including all procedural aspects (such as: scheduling, packing/shipping/handling, customs brokerage, risk management, coordination of conservation, and courier services) to implement approved loans.
- Responsibility for creation of metadata for Avery special collection digital assets; managing Avery's digital assets to assure that image and data assets are created and preserved according to CUL/IS metadata, preservation and repository services standards; and coordinating digital storage and access with CUL/IS technical units.
- Participating in inter-institutional Avery data projects such as Built Works Registry and performing other duties as assigned.

The Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library is one of the most comprehensive architecture and fine arts library collections in the world. Avery collects a full range of primary and secondary sources for the advanced study of architecture, historic preservation, art history, decorative arts, city planning, real estate, and archaeology. The Library contains 600,000 volumes and receives approximately 1,900 current periodicals. Avery's special collections include the department of Drawings and Archives collection of two million architectural drawings and records, Avery Classics collection of more than 40,000 rare books, and the department of Art Properties comprising more than 15,000 works of art in all mediums, covering the span of history and global cultures. The Avery Library is home to the Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals, the only comprehensive American guide to the current literature of architecture and design.

One of the world's leading research universities, Columbia University provides outstanding opportunities to work and grow in a unique intellectual community. Set in the Morningside Heights academic village, Columbia also presents the unmatched dynamism, diversity and cultural richness of New York City. The University Libraries, grounded in collections of remarkable depth and breadth, are also building extensive electronic resources and services. The Libraries at Columbia are committed to collegiality, professionalism, innovation and leadership. We offer a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 
School/Institute/Unit: Libraries 
Minimum Degree Required: MLS or PhD or equivalent 

Minimum Qualifications:

All applicants MUST meet these minimum qualifications to be considered for the position. - Master's degree in library science or equivalent
- Advanced degree or experience in architecture, fine arts or relevant discipline
- Minimum of two years of work experience in a related field or discipline
- Experience working with special collections materials
- Familiarity with procedures for exhibitions and loans
- Experience working with digital assets (images and data)
- Expertise in metadata standards
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to facilitate complex transactions across organizations
- Ability to work collaboratively with a broad range of people 

Preferred Qualifications: - Advanced degree or experience in architecture or architectural history
- Experience working with inter-institutional projects/transactions
- Experience as registrar in museum or special collections setting
- Facility working in complex data management environments/database platforms