Marian Wright Edelman (l) and Henry Hampton (r) during the filming of Edelman’s 1988 interview for Eyes on the Prize II: America at the Racial Crossroads (1965-1985) Henry Hampton Collection, Washington University Libraries Film & Media Archive: https://library.wustl.edu/spec/filmandmedia/
jobs

Media Preservation Assistant (Temporary)

Position

Media Preservation Assistant (Temporary) (term-position)

Location

New York City, NY USA

Application Date

January 01, 1970

Job Link

https://nypl.pinpointhq.com/en/postings/1a5dc0d6-5f1e-49c8-82dd-9bb452e3d697

Job Contact

Department: Digital Research

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Library Services Center

Workplace type: Onsite

Compensation: $55,000 – $60,000 / year

Reporting To: Benjamin Turkus

Media Preservation Assistant (Temporary)

Overview
Located within the New York Public Library’s Digital Research Division, the Media Preservation program safeguards and facilitates access to the Library’s audio, video, and motion picture film collections through physical treatment and digitization.
The Media Preservation Assistant (MPA) will be responsible for performing manual condition assessment on the Library’s Research film collections, specifically those from the Jerome Robbins Dance Division. The work will consist primarily of physical inspection, identification, repair, cleaning, and rehousing of film elements, but may also include bibliographic metadata record enhancement as needed. The MPA may also assist the Media Preservation Services staff in project coordination, physical shipment packing, and logistics activities related to media digitization.

Travel to all NYPL Research Library sites may be required but primary activities will be performed at the Library Services Center in Long Island City.

Note: This posting is for two, 1-year, temporary, full-time positions. Both MPAs will receive professional development funding and support.
Some expectations for this role are that within:
1 month, this person will:
  • Gain familiarity with all aspects of the Media Preservation team’s film assessment and inspection workflows
  • Begin processing select Dance film collections
3 months, this person will:
  • Be fully up-to-speed and making a significant contribution to the Dance film inspection/assessment project
6 months and beyond, this person will:
  • Continue making a significant contribution to the Dance film inspection/assessment project
  • Pursue professional development opportunities
Responsibilities: 
  • Perform inventory, bibliographic updates, condition assessments, and light cleaning and repair of Super 8mm, 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm film elements, with a focus on film research collections.
  • Assist with project coordination and logistics, including packing, shipping, and receiving of original media.
  • Additional responsibilities may include:
    • Assist in preparation of statistics and monthly reports;
    • Document workflow and specifications;
    • Participate in general program activities as time permits; and
    • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in media- or technology-related discipline, with experience working in a digitization facility or on library/archive preservation projects.
Required Experience
  • Experience handling historic and current film formats (physical media).
  • Experience identifying film formats, performing condition assessments, and performing light repair and cleaning of historic and current formats.
  • Basic knowledge of media preservation workflows.
  • Experience with Apple and Windows operating systems and experience using word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
  • 1-2 years of work experience
Required Skills
  • A strong commitment to high quality and productivity and ability to sustain a high quality and accuracy of work over meticulous tasks.
  • Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a part of a team.
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
  • None

More…

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
  • Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
  • Work performed in preservation labs, staff offices, and collection storage areas.
  • Position involves some exposure to dust and mold.
  • Lab setting
  • Office setting
  • Collection storage setting
  • Research library setting
Physical Duties
  • If you are able to lift 30 pounds over your head, you may be expected to do so. However, the inability to do so will not affect your eligibility for the position and other NYPL staff will be able to help with any lifting.
  • Must be able to operate manual film rewinds for extended periods of time
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Non-Union

FLSA Status
Non-Exempt

Schedule

  • Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.
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