Head Librarian

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Mr. and Mrs. Allan C. Balch Art Research Library 

 

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art seeks a dynamic, energetic librarian with experience in a large art research library, preferably as head librarian, to direct and administer the Mr. and Mrs. Allan C. Balch Art Research Library.  The Research Library in addition to its main facility, services 9 branch libraries housed in curatorial departments, the Conservation Center, and the Rifkind Center for German Expressionist Studies.  The collection contains approximately 160,000 volumes, as well as housing and circulating the two most recent years of auction catalogs.  There are approximately 315 current periodical subscriptions.

 

The position description is as follows:

 

- Plans and administers all functions of the Research Library and supervises all library staff in the performance of library functions either personally or through subordinate supervisors.

 

- Submits recommendations on library policies, services, and strategic planning to the Deputy Director and implements policy decisions.

 

-Develops the library collection in consultation with curators, conservators and other department heads.

 

- Analyzes and coordinates departmental budget estimates and controls expenditures in administering the approved budget.

 

- Acts as the database administrator for the library's integrated management system and works in close consultation with the Museum's information systems department in dealing with problems, upgrades and other computer-system maintenance.

 

- Responsible for hiring, training, annual evaluation, and professional development of staff (currently 2.5FTE professional, 4FTE support staff).

 

 

Qualifications:

 

MLIS, or equivalent degree from an accredited library school, with at least five years experience in an art library; M.A. or B.A. in Art History preferred.  Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be resourceful in balancing library needs with limited budgets, and possess the interpersonal skills necessary to offer support and encouragement, as well as direction to the library staff.  Strong reference skills necessary to provide oversight for busy reference desk that services a large curatorial/research staff, as well as public visitors.  Must also have excellent knowledge of and facility with library management systems and art research-related databases.   The successful candidate should have reading knowledge of two or more European languages.  Candidates with strategic- and space planning experience will be given preference. 

 

Please send resume with cover letter to:

 

Adam Kaplan

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Human Resources Department

5905 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90036

 

Fax: (323) 857-4720

E-Mail:  [log in to unmask]