Job Information
The New York Public Library Collections Photographer - Specialist II (Temporary) in Long Island City, New York
Collections Photographer - Specialist II (Temporary)
Application Deadline: 22 September 2024
Department: Digital Research
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Library Services Center
Reporting To: Steven Crossot
Compensation: $68,177 / year
Description
Overview
Digital Imaging Services (DIS) of the New York Public Library is hiring a Collections Photographer to support the ongoing digitization of special collections and archives material from NYPL’s diverse holdings. A critical member of the Digital Imaging Services team, the Collections Photographer is responsible for producing high-quality digital images of NYPL’s holdings for research, access, exhibition, and preservation use. Collections Photographers, supported by Collections, Registrar, Conservation, Rights and Permissions, and other relevant stakeholders, work with a wide variety of collections mediums, everything from bound manuscripts to photographic prints and negatives, to paintings and sculptures, balancing best practices and completing deadlines to ensure images are produced safely and to standards-based specs.
Located within the New York Public Library’s Department of Collections Access & Discovery, DIS provides digital surrogates of collection materials for research and private use in its main lab in Long Island City, as well as on-site within other NYPL Research Centers located around Manhattan. This position is temporary and funded for 3 years.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Manager, Imaging Operations, the Collections Photographer:
Performs high volume digital capture of Library collections using specialized high-resolution camera systems, studio lighting, digitization equipment and tools to DIS specifications, including post-processing and standards-based quality control of images.
As an individual or as part of a team, evaluates objects and materials for digitization, determining the safest approach for digitization according to fragility and material-type, determining appropriate equipment, shot composition, and workflow to ensure the stability of the object is maintained while stated technical specifications are met. Confers with Conservation and/or Collections to determine best course of action when needed.
Maintains a safe on-set working environment.
Evaluates stated project deadlines along with material and request details to determine ticket prioritization within the DIS production queue. Self-assigns tickets according to equipment availability and the above criteria
Performs post-processing and quality control of digital images
Records all capture session progress and setup details in lab ticketing system, monitors active tickets to ensure deadlines and standards are met
Participates in all DIS lab activities, including production meetings, standups, ongoing training, and professional development
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
Master’s degree
Required Experience
A minimum of two years experience in a photography or digitization role, preferably at a cultural heritage institution.
Required Skills
Demonstrated experience handling both flat and three-dimensional library and/or fine art materials, ideally within a digitization context
Demonstrated expertise in digital photography methods and equipment, ideally within a digitization context
Demonstrated experience using photography related software within a Mac environment, including image editing applications such as Adobe Photoshop and RAW workflow software such as CaptureOne or Adobe Lightroom
General knowledge of various photographic lighting techniques
Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills
Must be flexible, comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, and able to thrive in a changing environment
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
N/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
Performs duties at the Main Lab location in the Library Service Center, Long Island City, Queens, at the Satellite Lab location in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Harlem, Manhattan, on-site at NYPL Research Centers located around Manhattan, including the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in Midtown and the Library for the Performing Arts on the Upper West Side, and additional locations as needed
Flashes and louder sounds can be the norm in all locations
Physical Duties
Must be able to perform in stationary positions, with repetitive motions, for long periods of time
Must be able to maneuver equipment or materials that may weigh up to 50 pounds 2
Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks
Frequently work with materials and books that may be dusty and moldy
Will require travel within NYC
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
Yes
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
7 hours per day, 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday schedule
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).