Department
ART MUSEUM (BL-AMUS-IUBLA)
Department Information
Established in 1941, the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University (IU) has grown from a small teaching collection into one of the leading university art museums in the United States. Its collection of more than 47,000 objects spans global cultures and historical periods and supports exhibitions, teaching, research, and public engagement. Designed by I. M. Pei, the museum brings together students, scholars, artists, and the broader public through exhibitions, public programs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and object-based learning.
Job Summary
With the support of a grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., the Eskenazi Museum of Art will hire a Collections Specialist for a term position through June 30, 2029. The Collections and Metadata Specialist will play an important role in expanding and refining Collections Online, the museum's public collection database. They will improve search functionality and expand online access to digitized artworks, inspiring greater engagement with the museum's collection among researchers, faculty, students, and the public.
Department Specific Responsibilities
- Coordinates and schedules the retrieval and return of artwork for new photography, based on priorities established in partnership with the Curatorial and Creative Services departments.
- Responsible for analyzing and enhancing metadata for artworks in the museum collection.
- Works independently and in consultation with the registrar and curators.
- Reviews cataloging data and refines and develops new metadata standards for works of art to increase the online searchability of the museum's online collection, providing consistency across the collection.
- Works with photographers, Curatorial, Creative Services, and other stakeholders to determine priority lists of artwork for photography.
- Coordinates movement of artwork to and from the photography lab.
- Coordinates retrieval/return in a safe and efficient manner of artwork to/from off-site and in-house storage, working directly with the Preparators and Conservation.
- Assists in overseeing the movement of art with the Preparators, both at the museum and in off-site storage.
- Reviews the condition of the artwork before and after transit and updates The Museum System (TMS).
- Ensures proper storage and housing of artwork.
- Ensures clean and safe conditions for the artwork and for people in storage spaces.
- Reviews data in TMS record for adherence to museum standards.
- Assists Associate Registrar with cataloging new acquisitions before photography as assigned.
- Updates TMS with the physical characteristics of the artwork, such as dimensions, written descriptions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, marks, inscriptions, signatures, and other physical features not previously captured.
- Working collaboratively with the Registrar and Curators, establishes core standards and a controlled vocabulary for TMS and Collections Online.
- Reviews records for quality, consistency, and completeness.
- Employs knowledge of current metadata standards used in libraries, archives, and museums, such as EAD, Dublin Core, MARC21, and keeps informed about emerging standards.
- Contributes to the development and maintenance of documentation for standards, procedures, and workflows.
- Trains relevant staff in the established standards.
- Establishes connections with other units on campus, including the library and collections, to amplify and improve cross-campus data management and accessibility efforts.
- Reviews and documents the condition of artwork before and after transit and updates the collections management software TMS accordingly.
General Responsibilities
- Creates and maintains classification systems and finding aids to facilitate access to the collections. Oversees photograph digitization projects including the creation of metadata for online database of photographs. Manages processing of large donations of personal papers and other donated documents. Performs preservation activities as needed for archival materials. Assists with research inquiries.
- Uploads archival documents and other historical materials into the digital repository. Analyzes the content of the materials and entering appropriate metadata for each article. Digitizes appropriate archival material and uploads into the digital repository. Analyzes the content of the material, determining the appropriate method of digitization and the appropriate metadata to describe the material. Works closely with the repository's steering committee to create new digital collections and expand the repository's content
- Evaluates damaged and deteriorated materials and determines appropriate repair and enclosure treatments based on accepted conservation practices. Responsible for all necessary preservation activities.
- Manages the preparation of library materials for binding by overseeing the collection and organization of issues/volumes to be sent to the commercial bindery, using software provided by the bindery. Coordinates and processes items being transferred to other facilities.
- May hire, train, and supervise hourly or temporary workers. May make process improvement suggestions.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED.)
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in library, information science, art history, art or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
- 2 years related experience.
Preferred
- 1 year of experience in metadata clean-up, development, and implementation.
SKILLS
Required
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
- Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
- Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills.
- Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
- Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
- Highly thorough and dependable.
- Experience with information systems and web-based applications, such as databases, online search and discovery tools, and cataloging/metadata applications
- Understanding of the common security protocols related to Internet use and protecting the information privacy of library users.
- Knowledge of the methods and materials used to create archival and non-print materials by physical, photographic, and digital processes.
Preferred
- Proficiency in collections management database software.
- Thorough and dependable, with the ability to complete repetitive, detail-oriented work accurately and consistently.
- Experience handling art, artifacts, or archival materials.
- Experience working with digital collections and an understanding of the role that metadata plays in enhancing search and discovery within user interfaces.
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Additional Information
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
This is a grant-funded, limited term position funded through June 30, 2029.
Work Location
Indiana University Bloomington.
This is an in-person position.
Advertised Salary
$20.67 per hour, $42,993.60 on an annualized basis.
Work Hours
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- Health savings account with generous IU contributions
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- Basic group life insurance paid by IU
- Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
- Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
- Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
- Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
- 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
- Generous paid time off plans
- Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.
Job Classification
Career Level: Intermediate
FLSA: Nonexempt
Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech
Job Family: Library Services
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Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
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Telephone: 812-856-1234
