• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: Local 2110
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Building: Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library
• Salary Range: $58,800-$58,800

Position Summary

Columbia University Libraries seeks a collaborative, diligent, detail oriented, and energetic individual for the position of Digital Content Assistant in the Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library. Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library is one of the pre-eminent collections of rare and historical documents for architectural study in the world. It contains more than 2.5 million drawings and architectural records, 40,000 rare books, and more than 13,000 artworks representing world cultures antique and modern. 

Reporting to the Head of Exhibitions & Digital Asset Management, the Digital Content Assistant will coordinate imaging for Avery Library’s three special collections (Drawings & Archives, Art Properties, and Rare Books) and be trained in the standards and procedures for special collection materials, cultural heritage imaging practices, data creation, and digital asset management.

Responsibilities

• Schedules, organizes, and executes digital imaging sessions in a dedicated photography studio. This includes, but is not limited to: coordinating with patrons and holding departments; processing, billing, and tracking customer orders; assessing materials for pricing; transporting materials from holding departments to the studio; assisting contract photographers; and maintaining department statistics on the work.
• Completes all post-production work on newly created digital files and delivering new and existing files to patrons for use in publication and exhibition.
• Develops and updates records for digital assets on internal and public-facing platforms, including metadata entry, image upload, editing, and reporting.
• Organizes, preserves, and shares digital image files as needed.
• Provides information and service to researchers by email and phone.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma is required.
• Three years' related experience required.
• Commitment to working collaboratively, within the Imaging team and with other Avery departments.
• Attention to detail in all aspects of the work is crucial.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Suite, and web-based social media (blog, website) or equivalent required (Mac and PC).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of library cataloging standards and practices.
• Knowledge of archival organization and handling of special collection materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Public service experience. 
• Knowledge, interest, or study of architectural history is desired.
• Working knowledge of a Western European language such as French, German, or Italian is desired.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.