Center for Book Arts seeking Librarian

Grant Funded, Part Time (25hrs per week)
Hourly: $25 per hour
Reports to: Executive Director

As a leading book arts institution, CBA developed its collections to further extend its educational commitment to the exploration and pedagogy of aesthetic interpretations of the book as an art object and to encourage new dialogues about historic and contemporary book arts practices among. Today the collections hold 3000 works of book art and 2000 reference books that are used by artists, curators, academics, historians, arts administrators, librarians, collectors, educators, and students.

The Librarian oversees the ongoing documentation and management of CBA’s permanent collections, including the Reference Library, Fine Arts Collections, and Archives. This is a one-year temporary part-time grant-funded position. At the end of the grant period next September, we may be able to get an extension or find a permanent income stream to fund the position. This position is currently vacant and the successful applicant should be able to start within two weeks.

Responsibilities:

General Collections Management:
Help to create and institute internal circulation procedures for the Reference Library; Oversee the maintenance of the online catalog; Conduct other collections-related research and administration as needed; Assist with the arrangement of traveling exhibitions; Oversee loans of items from the Permanent Collection to other institutions; Work to improve awareness of CBA’s collections through instagram and outreach.

Cataloguing:
Document and catalogue works (primarily reference materials and fine art works including artist books, art objects, limited editions) in CBA’s collections; Supervise cataloguing interns, collections photography, and rehousing volunteers, including recruiting and training.

Research Requests and Public Service:
Respond to collections related inquiries from the public and from the Center’s artist community;
Work with the Programs Manager and Exhibitions Interns to organize the Permanent Collections Spotlight and zines.

Research Fellowship:
Manage the selection of and oversee two research fellows per year.

Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate has a passion for the book arts. In addition, they are highly organized, self-motivated, and have excellent written and verbal skills.
• Must have 3-5 years’ experience working within a library or museum collection.
• MLS or arts/museum collection management degree or certificate.
• Experience in cataloguing and/or special collections management strongly preferred.
• Experience in the physical handling or housing of rare books or works on paper and has the ability to carry, move, and pack heavier artworks if necessary.
• High comfort level with computers and other technology: proficient with Microsoft Excel, Photoshop and scanners.
• Experience with Collective Access or other database system required.
• Comfortable multitasking in an open office and lively studio/gallery environment.
• Proactive and self-motivated and an interest in bookbinding, letterpress printing, history of the book, and other book arts a plus.

Qualified applicants are invited to send their CV/resume and a cover letter to jobs@centerforbookarts.org.

Submit specified application materials to jobs@centerforbookarts.org.