Archivist and Records Manager-Libraries and Archives

The Archivist and Records Manager manages the Museum Archives and helps implement an institutional records management program based on best practices. The position is responsible for stewarding historical materials in all formats, and will supervise the work of interns, fellows, and volunteers dedicated to the Archives. The Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, and our Archives contain primary sources going all the way back to our founding in 1823 as the Brooklyn Apprentices' Library. Today, this collection comprises more than 3,200 linear feet of materials that include correspondence, photographs, scrapbooks, vertical files, ephemera, blueprints, negatives, slides, and video and sound recordings.

Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited Master's degree in library and information science with a concentration in archives
• Minimum of five years' experience working with archives including the acquisition, organization, cataloging, and processing of archival collections
• Minimum of two years' experience working in an art museum, preferably one with an encyclopedic collection
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent research and comprehension skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with all staff, the public, and potential donors
• Proven ability to remain discreet and handle confidential information without supervision
• Proficient technical skills including experience with MS Access and ArchivesSpace
• Demonstrable understanding of archival cataloging standards including EAD and DACS
• Knowledge of current archival issues and trends, particularly for descriptive standards, electronic records, and digital preservation
• Experience with space planning and/or collection relocations

Additional Qualifications:

• Archival certification preferred
• Experience with NAGPRA requests preferred
• Experience implementing a records management program desired
• Reading knowledge of foreign languages desired

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to visually inspect work and surrounding physical areas
• Ability to carry out physical maneuvers that will include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, kneeling, climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, and reaching
• Ability to lift boxes weighing up to forty pounds
• Ability to work in dusty and dirty environments

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all functions of the Museum Archives to ensure the preservation and improve the accessibility of a collection comprised of a variety of formats, including correspondence, photographs, scrapbooks, vertical files, ephemera, blueprints, negatives, slides, and video and sound recordings
• Responsible for the retrieving, reviewing, sorting, arranging, rehousing, cataloging, documenting, publishing, and returning of materials to shelves
• Create and uphold policies and procedures for the maintenance and access of records
• Assist all Museum staff and public researchers with inquiries requiring archival material while maintaining confidentiality
• Monitor all Archives research visits in reading room
• Evaluate trends in museum archives and records management, and make recommendations for improvements in policies and procedures
• Continue the implementation of ArchivesSpace and transition from MS Access
• Work across all Museum departments to begin implementing a records management program, including creating retention/disposition schedules for active/inactive records
• Advise all Museum staff on proper record-keeping practices and procedures, especially in regards to vital records and disaster planning
• Identify, collect, analyze, and communicate statistics for Archives as requested
• Develop long-range planning for the Archives in coordination with the Director of Libraries and Archives
• Recommend collections for digitization, including identifying potential funding sources
• Assist with writing grants in collaboration with the Director of Libraries and Archives and the Development team
• Supervise the work of interns, fellows, and volunteers dedicated to the Archives
• Assist with internal and external outreach efforts, including presentations and programming outside of normal office hours

Start date: Immediately

Department: Libraries and Archives

Reports to: Director of Libraries and Archives

Position type: Full-time

Union status: UAW Local 2110

Salary: $60,000

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

If you have questions about our online application system, please get in touch with us at

At the Brooklyn Museum, we value all types of experience. For us, a successful candidate has many of the qualities listed in our job postings, and the desire and capacity to learn the rest on the job. So if much, but not all, of a job posting describes you, then we welcome your application.