The Harry Ransom Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. The Center’s extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of some of our finest writers and artists, deepening our understanding and appreciation of literature, theatre and the performing arts, film, photography, and art.  The Ransom Center maintains an active program of exhibitions and public programs that interpret and provide insight into the Center’s collections for broad audiences.

Responsibilities:

• Accessioning and cataloging of Art and Photography Collection materials in accordance with museum best practices. Consults with 1) curators in order to ensure accuracy of art and photography historical information, and manage cataloging priorities, 2) conservation and preservation staff to ensure accurate identification of photographic processes and artistic medium, and proper housing of materials, 3) collection management staff to ensure efficient inventory control workflows. Performs minor or routine preservation housing tasks.

• Supports quality control of Art and Photography object records, engaging in the Collection Management System enhancement and remediation activities using batch record manipulation tools.

• Contributes to the local name authority file, and alternative entity management registries, including Wikidata, following standard vocabulary established nationally and internationally for works of art and photographic materials.

• In consultation with the unit head, establishes and monitors unit workflows and priorities related to accessioning and cataloging of Art and Photography holdings. Serves as primary contact for public services staff on issues related to the Photography and Art item level descriptions.

• In consultation with the unit head, takes the lead in developing policies and procedures to ensure efficient, accurate, and effective accessioning and cataloging of Art and Photography Collection materials according to national and international standards. Maintains and systematically updates the cataloging manual for Art and Photography holdings.

• Supervises a part time Archivist and a full-time project Photography Cataloger. Might supervise, train and provide mentorship for student assistant(s) and intern(s) as needed.

• Takes part in professional development activities, including attending workshops, webinars, and conferences, to stay informed of evolving cataloging trends, and changes in best practices and standards.

• Participates in weekly and occasional weekend public service or reference work.

Required Qualifications:

• Masters in Library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent institution preferred; Masters in Art History, Photography History, Museum Studies, or related degree will also be considered.

• Basic experience with identifying historic photographic processes and artistic medium, particularly works on paper and print processes.

• Experience with the use of a Collection Management System for item level cataloging of Visual Resources.

• Experience with the use of current standards for cataloging of Visual Resources, including Cataloging of Cultural Objects (CCO) and Categories for the Descriptions of Works of Art (CDWA), as well as authority control practices.

• Experience working in a special collections technical services environment.

• Demonstrated understanding of museum accessioning practices.

• Demonstrated understanding of Archival processing and description standards and best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively, balance multiple responsibilities, and adjust accordingly to changing priorities, needs, and deadlines.

• Demonstrated willingness to learn new technologies and data/metadata formats.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Salary Range: $60,000

For more information and to apply, please visit this link.