The Institute for Studies on Latin American Art (ISLAA) is seeking an Archival Assistant. Under the supervision of the Archivist, this is an exciting opportunity to assist with increasing accessibility to unprocessed collections part of the ISLAA Library and Archives department. The Archival Assistant will also assist with other duties related to preserving and providing access to ISLAA’s archival collections such as performing basic preservation work, housing collections, reference requests and coordinating with visits to our Research Center.

Founded in 2011 and based in New York City, the Institute for Studies on Latin American Art (ISLAA) expands scholarship, public engagement, and the international visibility of art from Latin America through our program of exhibitions, publishing, research, and partnerships. These programs frequently engage our collection of modern and contemporary Latin American art, which is in dialogue with the ISLAA Library and Archives.  

ISLAA’s collection of twentieth- and twenty-first century Latin American art is reflective of our mission to expand scholarship, public engagement, and the international visibility of art from Latin America and by doing so, tell more expansive narratives of Latin American Art. 

ISLAA’s research and scholarship initiatives—much of which are based in our Library and Archives—are central to our organization. We offer funding and support to emerging and established scholars, including access to physical and digitized materials from our Library and Archives via our Writer in Residence program. The Library and Archives are very much at the heart of our programming: As a research institute, we believe that archival access is necessary to holding incisive and expansive conversations, whether in the classroom or the gallery.

Compensation: $60k (commensurate with experience and qualifications)  

Anticipated start: Summer 2024

Schedule: 40 hours a week, M-F, Hybrid 

Benefits: Benefits are included.  

Residency: Candidates must reside in the New York City area to perform work at our Library and Archives in New York City. 

Responsibilities:

• Process assigned archival collections according to best practices, including rehousing, arranging and describing materials in ArchivesSpace
• Prepare materials for digitization, including creating the folder directory for the digitized items; ensuring that scans are in line with best practice standards 
• Assist with the reorganization of the ISLAA Library and Archives Art and Artists’ Files and update box-level descriptions in ArchivesSpace 
• Assist with reference requests; scheduling in-person appointment or provide reference support for remote requests 
• Assist with pick-up and deliveries of archival materials from and to off-site storage 
• Participate in assessment and migration of accession records between collection management systems; update records and enhance accuracy to facilitate easy access for institutional record-keeping 
• Encouraged to suggest ideas for social media presence to highlight the archive  
• Work with the Archivist to create a workflow for uploading digitized collections to online digital collection platform. Familiarity with Omeka or other digital asset management systems are essential.  

Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Library Science, Archival Science, or a related field from an accredited institution is required. Additionally, applicants should have at least two years of relevant experience in archival or library science, which can include a combination of full-time and part-time roles.

• Demonstrated experience in processing archival collections of varying sizes, from small to large-scale projects. Ability to pay attention to details and be organized.

• Proficient in using ArchivesSpace or similar collection management systems. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, especially Omeka, is highly desirable.

• Experience with using a flatbed scanner and photo editing software.

• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

• A keen interest in Latin American art is essential.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to pay close attention to detail and organize effectively.

• Advanced Spanish or higher (reading and spoken). Portuguese is helpful but not required.

Contact

To apply please send a resume and cover letter to jobs.archives@islaa.org, attn: Christine Calvo. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Note on Hiring

ISLAA seeks team members who reflect the diverse communities we engage with. Positions are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply. Please note this position requires the ability to lift up to 40lbs.  

 

 

Submit specified application materials to jobs.archives@islaa.org.