Please excuse the cross-postings. Job details, and how to apply, are listed below. Please contact the people listed at the end of the job description for further information. Thanks!

Paul Eisloeffel
Nebraska State Historical Society


Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, Nebraska
Position Opening: Curator of Visual and Audio Collections, Library/Archives
Full time; schedule generally Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; approximately one Saturday/month
Hourly wage: $17.361-$18.229 depending upon qualifications
Application closing date: February 27, 2009


Description of Essential Duties (Purpose or Objective of Job):
The Nebraska State Historical Society's Library/Archives Division holds and manages large and varied collections of local and regional still photographs, moving images, and sound recordings. The photographic images number into the hundreds of thousands, from both professional and amateur sources, and include formats from very early photographic processes to the near past, the bulk being from before 1950. The moving images include roughly 25,000 reels of film and 900 videotapes; many genres are represented, but the bulk of the collection is home movies, local television news footage and programming, and sponsored and promotional films. The approximate 5000 sound recordings, primarily on magnetic media, consist mainly of oral histories, broadcast recordings, and advertisements.

The Curator of Visual and Audio Collections provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the management of the NSHS's photographic, moving image, and sound recording collections. This Curator will collaborate with the Head of Audiovisual Technical Services, who provides reference, duplication, and physical management of the moving image and sound recording components of the collections; with Reference staff who provide reference services for photographs; with Digital Imaging staff who provide duplication services for photographs; and other NSHS curatorial staff members. The duties of the Curator of Visual and Audio Collections focus on the growth and management of those collections, utilizing accepted archival principles and divisional policies and procedures. Specific job functions include:

*Acquiring, accessioning, and describing visual and audio materials.

*Working with donors to encourage donation of materials to NSHS.

*Managing storage of photographic collections (Head of Audiovisual Technical Services handles this task for moving images and sound recordings).

*Providing expert advice to staff, colleagues, and the general public on issues related to historic photographic processes and the care of photographs (Head of Audiovisual Technical Services responds to such requests relating to moving images and sound recordings).

*Formulates and implements policies and procedures as they relate to photographic, moving image, and sound recording collections.

*Determining duplication methods for delivery of visual and audio material on the Internet and through other means.

*Acting as a resource and advocate for visual and audio collections.

*Assisting Reference Staff with photographic materials requests and Head of Audiovisual Technical Services with moving image and sound recording requests.

*Participating in public programs relating to visual and audio holdings.

*Overseeing the Digital Imaging Lab and supervising its staff.

*Developing policy for best practices and benchmarks for digitization of photographs and other flat materials.

*Working on NSHS and collaborative projects that involve the use of photographic and audiovisual holdings.

*Identifying grants and other funding, collaborations, and opportunities that further the NSHS's ability to identify, collect, manage, and disseminate photographic and audiovisual materials.

*Supervising others (co-workers, students, interns, volunteers, etc.) doing work in this area.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements:
Knowledge of visual and audio collections management policies, procedures, and methodologies; knowledge of preservation principles and methodologies as they apply to visual and audio collection formats; knowledge of historic photographic processes; ability to analyze, arrange, and describe complex and significant visual and audio collections; knowledge of current information technologies and trends; knowledge of database management systems; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, potential and actual donors, and the public; ability to effectively use automation technologies in the performance of the job; ability to operate State motor vehicles or provide independent transportation; ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.

Bachelor's degree and at least two years of collections management experience, preferably with visual and audio collections, and supervisory experience required; experience as Photograph Curator preferred. Master's degree or post bachelor's coursework/training in Archives Administration, Library Science, History, Museum Studies, or Records Management preferred. Must pass background checks.

Candidates must apply on line; see www.wrk4neb.org.  The job description and requirements are listed as "Curator Library/Archives (Visual and Audio Collections)" under "Administrative/Management/Public Relations" positions at http://www.das.state.ne.us/personnel/nejobs/pro.htm#admin_titles.

Please direct questions regarding job duties to Andrea Faling, Assistant Director for Library/Archives (402-471-4785 or [log in to unmask]) and questions regarding human resources issues to Joan Clair, NSHS Human Resources, (402) 471-4779 or [log in to unmask]

The State of Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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