Research Assistant, Digital Curation - Schomburg Center

Department: Research Libraries

Employment Type: Part Time

Location: Schomburg Center

Reporting To: Kimberly Henderson

Compensation: $25.00 / hour

Description

Overview
Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and study of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences. The Schomburg Center, featuring diverse programming and collections spanning over 10 million items, has for over nine decades illuminated the richness of black history, arts, and experience worldwide. As a key part of one of the largest public library systems in the world, the Schomburg Center is committed to maximizing free and public access to its collections, exhibitions, educational activities, and much of its programming. 
Reporting to the Digital Curator, the Research Assistant is responsible for supporting the digital curation efforts as outlined by the Frankenthaler Foundation Digital Curation Initiative Grant: identifying, researching, and preparing summaries for the completion of digital projects. Working independently and in collaboration with the Digital Curator, the Research Assistant will request appointments in the research divisions to conduct research; in addition to checking out print materials from our General Research & Reference division as needed. 
The candidate will also have the opportunity to work in a creative capacity, supporting the Digital Curator in creating engaging digital content to share on the library’s digital platforms (digital exhibitions, wikidata activations, blog posts, social media, etc.). The candidate must possess strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to interpret historical materials that center Black and African diasporic cultures. This grant-funded position is temporary for 12 months from the start date.

Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Digital Curator, the Research Assistant will be responsible for the following tasks: 

• Independently conduct research in the center’s five research divisions to support digital projects 
• Regularly request and manage research appointments in Aeon and other library systems
• Provide written summaries / outlines based on research findings to Digital Curator
• Complete administrative tasks related to digital projects 
• Assist with graphic design and support web maintenance as needed
• As instructed by Digital Curator, format and prepare content for blogs, digital exhibitions, and other digital platforms (social media, 3rd party platforms, etc.) 

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• Undergraduate degree in History/Humanities or related field 
• Specific study area of focus in Black or African Diasporic studies preferred

Required Experience

• 1-3 years experience researching special collections and archival materials in a library or academic environment
• Experience publishing blog posts on digital platforms (wordpress, medium, tumblr, etc.)
• Experience with any of the following software or digital platforms: 
  • Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, etc.) 
  • iMovie, Audacity, or other video / audio editing tools Instagram and creative content apps 

Required Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others to complete goals
• High proficiency in fact-based, in-depth research practices
• Ability to interpret historical materials

Managerial/Supervisory ResponsibilitiesN/A

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

• Core work will take place in the Schomburg Center
• Office setting
• Public service library
• Research Library

Physical Duties

• Minimal physical duties are required

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Non-Union