Curatorial Assistant, Visual Resources Centre - Jobs in Vancouver, BC

Job Description

Staff - UnionJob CategoryCUPE 2950Job ProfileCUPE 2950 Salaried - Tech Svc Library Asst 3 (Gr7)Job TitleCuratorial Assistant, Visual Resources CentreDepartmentVisual Resources | Department of Art History Visual Art and TheoryCompensation Range$4,009.00 - $4,214.00 CAD MonthlyPosting End DateJanuary 21, 2022Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.Job End DateJob SummaryThe Curatorial Assistant supports the public services and operations of the Visual Resources Centre (VRC) in the Department of Art History, Visual Art, and Theory (AHVA). Reporting to the Curator of Collections, VRC, the Curatorial Assistant supports teaching and research in AHVA, contributes to the long-term projects of the VRC, and in the effective delivery of library services. By combining the latest information technology with excellent public service, the goal is to participate in building and maintaining a rich information environment, facilitate access to it, and create a place that functions as a hub of scholarly activities for the departments, university community, and affiliated educational institutions.The VRC, located on the second floor of the Frederic Lasserre building is a vital teaching and research facility supporting primarily the programs of Art History (ARTH, Visual Art (VISA), Critical Curatorial Studies (CCST), and Film Studies (FIST). The total holdings of 550,000+ visual materials consist of 35mm photographic slides, videos, laserdiscs, films, DVDs, Blu-rays, and an extensible database of 52,000+ digital records of images/data, covering all areas of visual culture indicative of the teaching needs and research interests of faculty and students. The VRC also holds journals, magazines and books of high relevance to the AHVA curriculum for onsite consultation.Organizational StatusReports directly to the Curator of Collections and, in her/his/their absence, to the Administrator. Works in collaboration with the Film Coordinator and assists in providing guidance to Work Learn project assistants.Work Performed

• Assists with the care and management of the collection while observing standards and best practices for cataloguing, database management and storage.
• Conforming to VRC standards, the work entails digital imaging and description of digital assets. In these functions the Assistant will acquire proficiency in using standard reference tools, e.g. VRA Core 4, Dublin Core, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LSCH), Getty Union List of Artist Names (ULAN), Categories for the Description of Works of Art (CDWA), Cataloguing Cultural Objects (CCO), etc.
• Prioritizes requests from faculty and students by searching relevant image databases such as PIX Arts Digital Repository (WORDPRESS, 2019+), ARTstor, Canvas (LMS), and other online resources with the aim to augment and ameliorate the existing collections without duplication.
• Provides support to digitization requests and projects covering a wide variety of digital contents. Prepares complete records of digital image files and complementary metadata for digital curation and uploading purposes. Enhances image quality and appearance of access copies by applying specific tools of current Photoshop software.
• Participate in the development of and implementation of the ongoing digitization of analog assets. Details cataloguing practices, policies and work methods and supervises student workers in that context.
• Tests and evaluates the application and functionality of digital technologies both for the management of VRC digital assets and for the provision of digital services to faculty, students and staff (e.g., exploring and testing software for digital exhibits purposes.)
• Performs digital preservation-related tasks (e.g., creating checksums for files, performing fixity checks, etc.) Processes scanned images: preserves original scans (TIFFs) for long-term storage, resize high-resolution TIFFs to regular JPG files for classroom projection.
• Develops, reviews, edits and implements content for the web (via WordPress or other CMS).
• Assists with the delivery of in-person or online workshops on topics such as Digital Humanities, research materials management or curation, research and writing methods and other topics of relevance.
• Assists with the development, implementation and provision of outreach and instructional activities/materials; including educational materials, tours, writing and research services, online exhibitions and hands-on projects.
• Trains and explains work procedures to Work Learn project assistants.
• Interacts professionally with users of the VRC providing them with courteous and effective services; ability to work under deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail. Tracks usage statistics.
• Monitors printing requests, issues invoices, and collects cash payments; oversees office supplies and places purchase orders in accordance with departmental and university policies and procedures.
• Compiles statistical data of inventorying items for digitization productions; oversees the inventory, maintenance, and tracking of equipment use and supplies. Tracks usage statistics such as equipment requests, reference questions, space usage requests, etc.
• Provides basic technical support for AV set up to teaching assistants, faculty, staff, and distinguished visitors to AHVA; troubleshoots equipment and projection problems in classrooms and expedites requests which require immediate action from Arts ISIT.
• Supports the copyright clearance processes for image rights for faculty publications and presentations, including searching and verifying source information, identifying and locating rights holders, communicating with rights holders, and requesting clearances.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Consequence of Error/JudgementAccuracy is paramount in researching relevant information as an essential component for a complete record of digital image/data. Failure to do so will have detrimental effects on teaching and learning as a result of providing incorrect metadata to the accompanying images, in particular, during exam times. Collegiality, resourcefulness and efficiency are crucial in maintaining the good reputation of the VRC as a hub welcoming scholarly and social activities among faculty, students and staff and the broader UBC community.Supervision ReceivedReports directly to Curator; independence and initiative is required.Supervision GivenThe incumbent supervises up to three work learn students and volunteers on behalf of the Curator.Minimum QualificationsHigh School graduation, plus two year Library Technician diploma, plus three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Reading and written knowledge of at least one additional language required.Preferred QualificationsKnowledge of art history preferred. Interest in and familiarity with visual culture. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Excellent reading and writing skills in English. Ability to effectively use Adobe Creative Suite applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, at an intermediate level. Intermediate experience with digitization/scanning technologies, instructional and imaging tools. Familiarity with audio-visual equipment (data projectors, cameras, microphones, etc.) Some knowledge of Web development technologies and practices (e.g., basic HTML, familiarity with WordPress). Some knowledge in the areas of academic library functions and standards, preferably in the digital library field. Interpersonal skills and ability to follow both written and oral directions. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner. Ability to adapt to a changing work environment, both in terms of work assignment and application of technology. Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to make thoughtful, informed and thorough decisions. Ability to understand and apply policies, procedures and instructions. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations accurately. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to exercise sound judgement, tact and discretion.Quick Apply

• Terms & Conditions
• New Privacy
• Privacy Center
• Accessibility

For Job Seekers

• Browse Jobs
• Advanced Job Search
• Emplois Quebec

For Employers

• Post a Job

Stay Connected